Where Every Cake Tells A Story

I still remember the very first cake I ever made for someone, it wasn't anything fancy by today's standards, but it holds a special place in my heart. I was working under Australian chef Garry Flynn, doing my apprenticeship, and spending what felt like every waking hour either at the restaurant or at college. In fact I don't think I had a full day off for over a year !

One of our college assignments was to design and make a cake using fondant icing. Rather than just completing the task for a grade, I wanted to use the opportunity to say a big thank you to Gary for everything he had taught me. So I decided to make him a cake- complete with a koala bear clinging to a eucalyptus tree on top ! It was far from perfect, and I am honestly relived that no photos of it exist, but the thought behind it meant everything.

Working under Garry was where my true love for all things patisserie, cake and anything creative and sweet was born. Before that I hadn't realised how vast and intricate the world of desserts could be. It was more than just baking; it was artistry, Garry opened my eyes to a new realm of food, where creativity and precision came together to produce something extraordinary.

In those early days, I found myself fascinated by the techniques he taught me. We would create stencils to use on delicate desserts, crafting intricate designs that elevated them from simple sweets to works of art. I learned to make truffles and petit fours that were as beautiful as they were delicious, each one requiring focus and a steady hand. It was the first time I truley understood how much thought and detail could go into even the smallest dessert.

I loved the bustle of service back then, the way the kitchen came alive with energy. The rhythm of preparing orders, the coordination, and the rush of adrenaline that came with working through a busy service-all of it fed my excitement into this new world I'd stepped into.

Despite the exhaustion, the learning never stopped. Every day brought something new-whether it was a technique for crafting the perfect pastry or a creative way to plate a dessert. Garry taught me that patisserie wasn't just about following recipes, it was about experimenting, making something unique, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the world of food.

Every cake I make has a story behind it. Some are born out of personal moments, like the thank you Koala cake for Gary, while others emerge from trial and error, or from customer requests that push me creatively. But each one is made with intention, and that's what I love about baking.

For me, cakes are about connection. They connect me to the people I bake for and to the stories they want to tell. Every time I bake, I'm reminded that food is more than just nourishment; it's a way of creating shared experiences.

The Evolution of My Cake Journey

After the koala cake, my love for creative baking continued to grow, and eventually led me to an exciting, if daunting, opportunity - working at a cookery school. Alongside Carla, a fellow patisserie chef and friend I'd worked with at Hobbs House, we were asked to develop a range of courses focusing on all things sweet. One of our first creations was a chocolate workshop, and while the idea of designing was exciting, the reality of standing in a room full of students was nerve - wracking.

We both threw ourselves into the challenge, determined to craft a class that would inspire and delight. The showstopper for the workshop was an 8" round chocolate ganache cake, surrounded by the multicoloured chocolate strips and topped with cocoa - dusted chocolate truffles. Creating and presenting that cake was a big moment - a blend of excitement and nerves. But seeing the students reactions and knowing we had helped them tap into their own creativity made it all worth while.

As nerve - wracking as teaching was at first, I quickly came to love that part of my job. From the early stages of creating a course to the actual class, I found joy in meeting and getting to know the students. Connecting with each one through our shared love of all things sweet was an incredible experience. Teaching taught me so much about myself, too. It helped me grow, not only as a baker but as someone who could share my passion with others and make a difference in their baking journey.

I'd love to hear about your own baking journeys. What cakes or desserts have special meaning to you? Drop me a message or share your story with me on instagram- after all, every cake has a story to tell..