Featured Business
HVL reporter Clare Walsh meets Vicky Sargent, proprietor of Lemoncake Studio, Market Street, Hoylake:
The minute you step into Lemoncake Studio, you know this is not going to be your standard shop.
Beautiful bespoke cakes are displayed in the stunningly designed studio, which creates the perfect backdrop to showcase the talent of proprietor and professional cake maker, Vicky Sargent.
If you’re looking to impress, this is the place to go. Be it a wedding cake, birthday cake, hen do, Easter or any other celebration, the cakes here are individually and meticulously designed to your requirements.
But simply creating and selling fabulous cakes wasn’t enough for Vicky. She wanted to create a hub at the centre of Hoylake where children and adults alike could come to workshops and learn the secrets of the professionals, through creating and decorating their own stunning cakes.
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“Funnily enough, the opening of competition in the local area forced me to narrow my options and thus really channel my efforts, which has massively paid off.” |
But where did it all start and where did her inspiration come from? “I came across a company called Planet Cake whilst living abroad in Australia a couple of years ago”, Vicky said.
“I loved their fresh take on design and how they make it all look so fun and contemporary. Cake making was huge over there, with Perth full of ‘yummy mummies’ spending vast amounts on cake equipment - and I guess I just fell into the trap!”
She admitted, however, that realising her love of all things cake while on the other side of the world did have its downsides. ”The only problem was bringing all my equipment back to the UK – I realised how serious my passion was when I threw my clothes away to make space in my luggage!”
The hard work pays off
The hard work has clearly paid off. Lemoncake Studio celebrated its first birthday recently and has gone from strength to strength, boasting a large portfolio which attracts the likes of the Hard Days Night Hotel in Liverpool and Radio City.
However, as with every new business, Vicky admits that it hasn’t been without its challenges. “When I opened there was minimal competition so it was hard to know what market to focus on – should I sell sugar craft equipment, teach workshops, sell wedding cakes or promote children’s parties?
“Funnily enough, the opening of competition in the local area forced me to narrow my options and thus really channel my efforts, which has massively paid off.”
Lemoncake Studio now concentrates solely on bespoke and wedding cakes, along with running the workshops and children’s parties. These last around two hours and your child will learn all the tricks of the trade, from piping buttercream swirls and roses to making sugar craft flowers and butterflies. Your little one will then return home with a box of six of their very own cupcakes.
Asked about the secret of her success Vicky’s answer was simple. “I started this venture based on a creative passion having realised there was a gap in the local market for what the studio offers. Due to the fact that part of my business is based on teaching people what is perceived as a 'recreational skill' I knew I was making a huge gamble given today's economic climate.
“However, I actually think that this has added to the success of the business. I offer people the chance to take time out, relax, learn new skills and leave with a feeling of pride at what they have achieved....something people relish whilst dealing with everyday stress. And I love the look on the children's faces as they leave holding their creations. Their parents see this too and I think that definitely helps in enticing people to return back to the studio.”
So after a successful first year, what’s next for Lemoncake? “The next twelve months is basically going to be continuing from the lessons that I have learnt from last year” said Vicky.
“I am constantly creating new wedding designs for the studio and I am also in the process of recruiting an apprentice. I can't wait for them to start as I have some exciting plans in the pipeline!”
To see Vicky’s creations pop into Lemoncake Studio on Market Street between 11am-5pm Wednesday-Friday or by appointment Sunday-Tuesday. To get a taster and see a variety of her creations visit her website www.lemoncakestudio.co.uk.
Related links:
- Hoylake Village Directory page
- Lemoncake Studio website
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