" If you want to be noticed , you need to have a unique voice and there isn ’ t anything more unique than yourself . Hands down the best way to get your name out there is to use social media to show off you . Only post photos that are true to your style / aesthetic . We all have to create cakes that may not be exactly our personal favourites , we all have bills to pay . But don ’ t post those , don ’ t put out there anything that you do not feel portrays you 100 %. You ’ ll see over time that those images , posts and projects will start to attract to you more clients that are drawn to who you are as a designer ."
Do you prefer to create cakes or teach students ?
That ’ s a tough question ! I enjoy both immensely and don ’ t think I can choose between the two . Creating cakes is such a balancing tool in my life . I have learned throughout my life that I absolutely have to be creating to feel centred and complete and cake gives me that . But on the other hand I also love change and being intrigued & inspired and that ’ s what I personally get from teaching . And a side benefit is that I get to meet amazingly creative and talented humans in the capacity of sharing our knowledge .
Who inspires you ?
In the cake world there are so many talented , hardworking people . I really am in awe of the numerous artists I have been exposed to but having said that there are a few that really stand out to me . I really look up to Faye Cahill , Jacqueline Butler and Katherine Sabbath . I feel that all three of them have been able to voice their individuality and talent in a completely virtuous and honest way . They are in the limelight based on their uniqueness , kind spirits and sheer aptitude for the craft . They don ’ t have to raise their voices or constantly be in our faces for us to recognise that they are true artists and innovators in our industry .
You began Hey There , Cupcake ! in 2010 . How has your business evolved over time ?
Since 2010 so much has changed .
I started the company creating only designer cupcakes . But quickly my instincts to push boundaries kicked in and a cupcake was too small of a palette for me to work with so by the end of 2011 I was creating cakes . From there it has transitioned into 90 % of our current business being in the wedding industry . We have also been fortunate enough to expand our delivery & service area to outlying counties which has opened a lot of opportunities to work with so many talented wedding industry professionals and clients . Another fortuitous event was being contacted by Craftsy in 2014 to film with them and I now have 3 online classes . HTC ’ s 6th anniversary is this August and I am in disbelief at how much we have grown and experienced .
Your consultations are currently by appointment only . Are there plans for a storefront ?
I have learned that life is a crazy rollercoaster that throws many curve balls , so while I want to say “ absolutely no !!!” I suppose there ’ s always a chance of it happening . But in terms of plans ? At this time , no . I love the freedom of creating my own schedule . We have two girls that are at important stages of their education and being here for them is my ultimate priority .
What are your long term goals for your business ?
Long term I would love to see a few HTC product lines . Since ultimately my background is in design it seems to be a natural progression as well
as something that really inspires and intrigues me . In terms of creating cake , I would be happy to grow us a bit more , maybe by 2 or 3 more employees , but not much more than that as I pride our boutique bakery business model .
Do you have any advice for decorators wanting to get their name out there ?
I am a huge advocate of being true to yourself . Sticking to what you love and are drawn to ..
" If you want to be noticed , you need to have a unique voice and there isn ’ t anything more unique than yourself . Hands down the best way to get your name out there is to use social media to show off you . Only post photos that are true to your style / aesthetic . We all have to create cakes that may not be exactly our personal favourites , we all have bills to pay . But don ’ t post those , don ’ t put out there anything that you do not feel portrays you 100 %. You ’ ll see over time that those images , posts and projects will start to attract to you more clients that are drawn to who you are as a designer ."