The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Baking sensation Hollie
After huge lockdown success offering tasty treat boxes, 24-year-old Hollie McNeil has opened her first shop in Dundee, Pretty Little Cakes
Having started her business at just 19, Dundonian Hollie McNeil has now opened her dream pink bakery, Pretty Little Cakes, still only aged 24. The former retail worker was inspired by her family to take her business to the next level, following in the footsteps of her great-grandfather, who opened an Italian ice cream shop called Soave’s on Ann Street when he migrated to Scotland after the Second World War.
Fed up of her role and leaving retail behind in February, at the beginning of last month Hollie used her passion for baking to open her first shop on Albert Street.
Baking and cooking are second nature to her.
Raised in a household where her mother and father were both previously chefs for the Territorial Army, at 19, the young entrepreneur set up a Facebook page to promote the baked goods she was selling from home. Initially, she sold to friends and family, and then the wider Dundee community.
Now she’s using the platform, and other social media pages, to showcase her work and entice customers to her shop, which is open every Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
Despite the setbacks many have faced during the pandemic, Hollie’s business grew in popularity and demand.
She said: “Covid was great for my business. I offered contactless deliveries and made cakes and treat boxes that locals would order.
“I managed to make enough income to invest a four-figure amount into the new place where I can bake and sell from.
“It is a dream come true.”
PRETTY IN PINK
Themed in pink, Hollie’s favourite colour, the shop is fitted out with a serving counter and glass cabinet displaying her creations, which include cupcakes, brownies and cheesecakes.
She said: “I did it to stand out. People can spot my shop from afar and it catches the eyes of anyone passing by!
“Customers have also told me that it makes them feel much happier walking into a bright shop.”
The location on Albert Street has been ideal, with the busy street enticing new customers in. Pretty Little Cakes is directly opposite Jim’s Delhi Club.
BEHIND THE SCENES
While customers only see the finished decorated cakes, behind the scenes, Hollie has found juggling a business challenging at times.
“It is difficult to find a balance between a social life and running a business,” she admitted. “It is tough work and I only show the good parts. Baking is only part of it, then it’s catching up with emails, messages, buying ingredients and taking time to make the cakes.
“On one occasion, I found myself baking and decorating 14 different cakes for the weekend in addition to baking 300 cupcakes, 80 brownie slices, two cheesecakes and a mix of other bakes for the shop opening!
“A lot of my customers pre-order now and I have orders until November next year!”
FAMILY IS INSPIRATION
Hollie has Italian ancestry, and her family have been hugely supportive of her business. Many of her recipes are ones that have been passed down.
As well as having entrepreneurs like her great-grandfather in the bloodline, Hollie’s sister also lends a hand by making the glitter toppers for her cakes and helps out with serving at the shop.
She is hopeful that her dad will join her once he retires, and with his vast experience, can aid with her future plans to grow and open the shop more days.
ON ONE OCCASION, I FOUND MYSELF BAKING 14 DIFFERENT CAKES, AS WELL AS 300 CUPCAKES, 80 BROWNIE SLICES AND TWO CHEESECAKES!
TREATS AVAILABLE
With the festive season approaching, Hollie is promoting her Christmas menu, which includes cupcakes, cheesecakes and puddings, all with a festive theme.
She will also open on Christmas Eve after her success the previous year selling treat boxes. Customers can come into the shop and pick a mix of bakes to create their preferred selection.
In general, she offers everything from cakesicles to wedding cakes, brownies and cupcakes, with the range of bakes and flavours changing each week.