Running my shop was no cakewalk, says mum
WHEN Bewdley’s top-rated coffee shop, Kimmy Loves Cake, suddenly shut down in January, customers were devastated – but praised the owner’s “brave decision” as the pressure of being a mum took their toll.
Now, after three months, Kimberley Hall is back in business in pop-up form.
It comes after she reopened the bakery for an impromptu flash sale on a Saturday, prompting massive queues around the block from the Load Street store.
It took just two hours before the shop completely sold out of its signature bakes, from Creme Egg brownies to cherry pie, and custard bar and caramel shortbread.
Kimberley was pleasantly surprised by the reaction after the stresses of running the business full time for the past 12 years – which only grew harder with two young children, and soaring bills.
Kimmy Loves Cake was the number-one ranked coffee and tea shop in Bewdley on Tripadvisor, and customers were travelling from across the country – as far as Somerset, Chester and London – for its famous cheese toasties and array of cakes prior to its closure.
When Kimberley was doing mail order cakes, she was even despatching to regulars in Inverness.
But the effect of soaring fuel bills coupled with the pressures of caring for two children, aged six and four, eventually forced her to take a break from the business.
Kimberley said: “My electricity bills have more than doubled and we’ve seen big increases in butter and chocolate. Rising costs are hitting hospitality businesses hard at the minute but the business was thriving when I closed.
“For me, business is about adapting to whatever is in front of you and I love a challenge.
“In the 12 years of running Kimmy Loves Cake, we’ve faced a lot of different challenges, the current economic climate is just the latest.
“Where I was at, though – overwhelmed and exhausted – I didn’t
have it in me to keep the cogs turning. I didn’t have the mental capacity to come up with the next solution or adaption.
“Hitting the pause button has been completely life-changing. I wanted to lead with honesty and the reaction and support I received was overwhelming and played a huge part in me finding my peace and happiness.
“Many people reached out to say that they resonated with what I said, so I hope others can see it’s OK to put your wellbeing and happiness as a priority.
“I’m so lucky to have such incredible customers, some who have been coming for years, some who travel from all over the country to get their cake fix.”
She added: “In the end I baked double what I’d normally sell on a Saturday and had planned for what to do with the leftovers.
“I didn’t think we’d sell out, so to sell out in two hours was crazy. I just felt so bad when I realised that I hadn’t baked enough and not everyone was going to get some.
“I promised everyone who missed out that I’ll be doing it again soon – and I’ll be baking double so no one misses out!
“I’ll be announcing the next date soon over on our social channels.”
But when it comes to Kimmy Loves Cake’s long-term future, the announcement is less positive.
Kimberley added: “At this point I don’t have any firm plans to fully reopen, but I will be back soon.
“I’m looking to create something that allows me to be back at the heart of the business and in front of the customers, but that also allows me to balance personal life and business.
“For now, the pop-ups are getting me back where I love – in the kitchen baking up treats.”
For me, business is about adapting to whatever is in front of you and I love a challenge. Kimberley Hall