Mum Clare bakes off boredom blues for sweet success
AMUM’S lockdown sweet treats for neighbours - called ‘boredom bakes’ - have given her dream business a whole new impetus.
Although Clare Simons first set up Clare’s Cupcake Co. in 2013, the venture has recently gained a new lease of life.
And for Clare, who has a degree in food and nutrition and is married to Paul, the warming community spirit it has revealed has been the icing on the cake.
What started in the kitchen at home as a little side project to keep her and her sons Oliver, Toby and Isaac occupied, has quickly blossomed as she is now wholesaling to local businesses, and has a five-star hygiene rating in the bag.
Clare said: “I had the
Facebook page running and I think I started it about six years ago. I used to live over in the Wigan area, and then I moved here, and it was often slow going.
“Then in the pandemic, I started baking for neighbours. We were in the house and a bit bored and said it was something to do to keep us all busy. We were calling them boredom bakes and passing them around to the neighbours. I started to make more boxes up and was getting more requests. I was doing socially-distanced drop-offs at the door and people were bank transferring money, and it took off from there.”
Clare, 34, also gifted local GPs cakes in recognition of their tireless efforts during lockdown. Other thoughtful orders have included customers wanting to thank care home staff, and requests of themed cupcakes for couples whose weddings have been cancelled.
Clare added: “Quite a lot of people hadn’t seen their family for quite some time and wanted to send them something to say they were thinking of them. I do afternoon teas as well and was leaving it somewhere safe and putting little messages on the boxes. Although I was working it was nice to feel that I was helping people. I was offering free delivery throughout.”
Mums and staff from Holy Trinity CE Primary in Stacksteads have been a major source of orders and support. And for Rossendale Wellbeing Weekend in July, organised by Clare’s friend Dr Emma Gladwinfield, more than 600 people tuned in to watch Clare and the three boys making vanilla cupcakes and hedgehog bread.
To find out more visit Clare’s Cupcake Co. on Facebook or call her on 07539 380641.