So after managing to write four blog posts that literally rolled off the tongue, this latest one is a bit of a struggle.
I feel like you should know a little about me, but all I keep thinking is how I wish this was a text so I can express how I’m feeling by using the emoji of the monkey hiding his face behind his hands!
Writing about yourself is one of the hardest things to do, but here goes...
I am 35 years old and live in Bromley, having previously resided in Brighton for 10 years. However, I felt that 2019 was the right time to return home to where I grew up - I was actually raised in Hayes, but it’s very close to Bromley.
I have a 14-year-old daughter called Amber, who you may have read about in my previous blogs. She was my reason for taking baking seriously to begin with.
I was just 20 when I had Amber and being such a young mother I was judged by others. I remember taking her to a party at Sundridge Park Golf Club. Bearing in mind this was a celebration for a three year old, it was rather fancy and over the top - there was champagne on arrival, and in the grounds behind a stunning manor house there was a bouncy castle, ball pit and entertainer for the children.
I was outside watching Amber with her friends when I was approached by one of the other parents. She asked me if I was the au pair! I couldn't quite believe my ears. But instead of taking offence, I laughed it off and explained that Amber was my daughter and that I took great pleasure in being young and fit enough to run around after her - being a young mum has its perks.
Comments such as these just pushed me to be the best mum I possibly could - and this included making Amber’s birthday cakes. These rich, older mothers might be able to buy big, fancy cakes, but I was going to make mine with love - which felt like a much bigger achievement.
When Amber was four, we made the move to Brighton. I was lucky to know a few people already before we moved there. They helped us settle in and showed us around. It was a wonderful 10 years and we made fabulous friends who we will always stay in touch with.
While living in Brighton, and being a single mother, I occasionally had to find ways to make ends meet. I took up dog walking, house sitting, cleaning and, of course, I used my baking skills. I made a few cakes for friends and family and also managed to get a few orders from Facebook. It was never something that I took too seriously, though, as I was still working full time for my brother as an Office Manager.
When we returned to Bromley in September 2019, it wasn’t long before COVID hit and business became difficult for everyone. I was made redundant in March 2021 which meant I had to do something to make money and take care of my daughter. This is when The Make & Bake House began. I was able to put all my time and energy into something that I had a real passion for.
In less than two months I have somehow managed to start a company, produce the branding, create a website (which I can now receive payments on), start a blog, bring together everything needed for a small business and receive many orders.
I am living proof that anything is possible if you work hard enough for it. Fingers crossed the orders keep coming and you love what I’m doing.
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