From the time she was licking the cake batter from her mum’s Mixmaster beaters, Ocean Grove’s Kate Hudson was hooked on baking. You could say it was a calling, an abiding passion, that ultimately led to the launch of online business, Cakes ‘N’ Bake By Kate.
Kate’s story is one of a gifted young baker and cake decorator, but before she shares it, people should immediately know about her cupcakes.
Now delivered to your doorstep once a month, the signature handcrafted cupcakes come in packs of 6 or 12. The next home delivery is set for October 11 with orders open from Saturday, October 3 via the website.
Kate says that not only have her cupcake deliveries taken off, but she’s “seen more of Ocean Grove in the past six months than in my whole life. It’s crazy!”
In addition to these patty-pan treats, Kate specialises in buttercream wedding and celebratory cakes, each decorated with flair and in response to “the unique taste and personality of each client”.
Freshly fried donuts, vegan brownies, and macarons (the rainbow variety are a crowd fave) are other gorgeous goodies crafted by Kate – visit the website’s gallery to see some examples of her stunning work.
Kate’s story
As a teen, Kate worked at a local supermarket for more than six years and was frequently asked by locals what she planned to do after graduating high school. “Wedding cakes!” was her unswerving response – one that received either huge encouragement, or deep concern about career potential.
“I remember the incredible locals who’d make my week by asking, ‘How’s the baking going?’ or recognising me as ‘the young cake decorator’. It was lovely,” Kate says.
Kate completed her VCE locally, undergoing food studies at St Josephs College Geelong, however could not wait to specialise in all things sweet.’
In the nine months preceding the launch of Cakes ‘N’ Bake By Kate in November 2018, she worked hard to bring her passion to life.
“I started full-time studies at William Angliss Institute – commuting five days a week – to become a qualified pastry chef. At the same time, I worked at a local patisserie and still at my supermarket job.
“In the second semester at the Institute, I went to the US and visited the original Carlos Bakery set of Cake Boss, a TV show I watched avidly growing up. Bliss … and even more inspiration resulted.
“I had so much to learn so I collected advice from chefs, teachers and business owners, as well as interning with an amazing local cake decorator who shared so much wisdom with me.
“At the start of this year, I spent each Thursday at the Torquay Night Jar Markets, selling all things sweet. It was such an incredible experience.
“In March, I finally received my pastry qualification and, two weeks later, it was the first lockdown. It certainly hasn’t been the year I planned, but the support I’ve received from the community has been incredible.
“But was it scary to start a business? I love sweets but I won’t sugar-coat it: it was very scary. And exciting.”
Kate’s no longer scared. In fact, she already has her heart set on another big dream of one day opening a cake studio. That’s going to be a lucky day for Ocean Grovers…
All inquiries are via www.cakesnbakebykate.com.
Follow Cakes ‘N’ Bake By Kate on Facebook and Instagram. Operating hours: 7am-6pm Wednesday-Sunday.
