International Bakery sits down with Chinelo Awa, Founder of Good Cake Day for its 60 second interview this issue.
If you could change anything in the industry what would it be?
Thinking specifically about the cake industry, I would create a centralised pricing system for bespoke cakes so that bakers don’t unknowingly undersell their cakes. When cakes are sold for much less than they are worth, it creates a misconception amongst customers that bespoke handmade cakes should cost the same as mass produced cakes in Tesco.
What three traits define you?
- Funny
- Dogged
- Empathetic
What’s the coolest (or most important) trend you see today?
The rise of buttercream cakes. As someone who doesn’t make fondant cakes, it’s great to see a rise in the demand for buttercream cakes.
How do you define success?
Success to me is being able to afford life’s basics, a few luxuries and having enough to help others by doing something that positively impacts the lives of others and allows me spend quality time with friends and family.
What made you want to work for the industry?
I love birthdays! I love how special you’re made to feel – the love, the attention, the well wishes. As a happy go lucky person who loves putting a smile on other people’s faces, working in an industry that allows me make people feel special as part of my job description was very attractive. Owning a cake business, also provides a level of flexibility that is very important to me.
What would you most like to tell your 13-year-old self?
One day you’ll realise that all the things that make you seem weird are the very things that make you special.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?
Michelle Obama!!! I would love to have brunch with her and soak up as much wisdom from her as I can.
What’s your favourite aspect about working in the industry?
I love that I can help people feel special with my cakes and bakes. The look of joy on people’s faces when they open their cake boxes or brownies boxes makes it all worthwhile.
What was the best piece of advice you ever received?
KISS – Keep It Simple Sweetheart
Where do you see yourself in five year’s time?
I see Good Cake Day in five years’ time as one of London’s leading buttercream cake companies. I’d love to be able to contribute to society by hiring a few staff and pay them a very decent wage.
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Media contact
Kiran Grewal
Editor, International Bakery
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: [email protected]
