PIPPA’s vENturE NOt Just A PIECE OF CAKE

New Year, a new opportunity to think about doing something you really want to do with your life.

Pippa Hutcheon is a busy mum and her background was as an events manager and being a personal assistant.

However, from childhood, she’s also been rather passionate about baking and the skills she has acquired and honed have led to an actual business — and it’s doing well.

Suffolk-born Pippa, 39, moved to Monifieth with her husband, Chris, and began turning her hobby into a business after her maternity leave ended in 2015.

“I’d often made cup cakes for friends in the past,” she explained, “and the feedback was always positive.

“I guess it’s because I’ve got ‘obsessive cake disorder’ in that nothing leaves the kitchen unless it’s perfect.

“Then one night, someone on Chris’s Facebook was asking where she could get someone to make a giant cup cake. Chris said ‘you could do that’, so I gave it a go and the customer was absolutely delighted.

“When I decided to turn this into an actual occupation, I spoke to the council because it’s crucial to follow the legislation. As a result, there was a visit by environmental health officers.

“They ensure you’ve got the right facilities, that all the hygiene procedures meet the necessary standards and that you’re a proper, professional operation.

“Word initially spread by word-ofmouth but then I started advertising on Facebook and establishing a website.

“I have sent a box of cup cakes as far as Surrey but I prefer to deliver cakes personally. When it comes to wedding cakes, for example, I go to the venue and set up the cake myself so it’s presented exactly the way the bride ordered.

“One thing which was a challenge was cake carving, not something I had done. However, if you want a cake the shape of Darth Vader it’s a skill you have to master.

“As things progressed, I made contact with wedding suppliers and the many pages that are devoted to weddings in the area and the client base just grew.”

Pippa’s Kitchen is a success story, of that there’s no doubt.

However, the vital ingredient is, of course, Pippa and her skills. So this is only going to be a viable business idea for you if you’re a superb baker and confectioner.

“I’d want to say, too, that Chris has been massively supportive through all this — and that really helps,” Pippa added.

Pippa with oke of her creatioks.