Life’s A Piece Of Cake For Tanya
THE sweet taste of success in business has proven to be a piece of cake for one Nottingham woman.
Tanya Boothe swapped the boardroom for the baking tray in March when she quit Experian after 17 years to launch cupcake specialist Bluebell Bakery.
Now Tanya spends her days baking and decorating her cupcakes in the kitchen of her home in Colwick.
She prides herself on sourcing only the best locally-produced ingredients for her cakes and flatly refuses to use additives or preservatives.
Her new life is a far cry from her high-powered role travelling the world as part of Experian’s acquisitions team.
Tanya was responsible for managing takeover projects worldwide for the Nottingham giant and her duties took her as far as Beijing.
Now she sells her delicious cakes through her website www.bluebellbakery.co.uk and offers free delivery on all orders.
Her cupcakes have quickly proven to be a big hit with corporate clients including her former employers, Experian, and Trent FM. She is also busy with weddings and private parties.
Tanya said it was while on holiday with her mum, Janis, that the inspiration came to change her life and launch her business.
She said: “Every year for the past three or four years my mum and I have gone to New York together shopping.
“It was while out there that I started noticing all these cupcake shops. They are everywhere and the Americans are crazy about them. I had to try them and I instantly fell in love with fresh cupcakes, they are just so delicious.
“When I got home I picked up some cupcake recipe books from the internet and had a go at baking them myself. I’ve always enjoyed cooking and baking so it was a natural step to start making these cakes I’d loved on holiday.
“I started making them for friends’ birthdays and was surprised by the great reaction. People loved them and friend after friend told me I should start making them commercially. It was really exciting.
“I did some market research and found there was a gap in the market for fresh, naturally made cupcakes in the UK. Despite their huge popularity in the States no one here seemed to be offering them.
“After 17 years in my last job I felt it was time for a change so I decided to go for it and I left Experian at the end of March and launched Bluebell Bakery immediately afterwards.
“It has really taken off quickly and I’m very busy with weddings and corporate events. I have an edible ink printer so can decorate the cakes with logos and even personal photographs.
“It’s something different and people do appreciate being able to buy something bespoke for their party or wedding.
“I’m still working from home at the moment but I will be looking to move into commercial premises as the business develops as my little kitchen won’t be able to take the strain.”
To find out more about Tanya’s business please visit www.bluebellbakery.co.uk .