We’d like to introduce you to another one of our fantastic suppliers on our preferred partners list, Cakes by Kit. Cakes by Kit is run by Karen, who bakes and designs beautiful bespoke wedding cakes. We’ve seen lots of her wonderful designs at Huntsmill Farm and they always look fantastic, and we’re told they taste even better! To find out more about Karen and her wedding cakes, read our Q&A with her below.
Images thanks to Hannah Hall, Caroline Rushton and Jon Whiles
Tell us about yourself
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been in the kitchen. When I was growing up, teatime always involved cake and scones. When I got married, my parents made my wedding cake. It had royal icing, so my dad got very involved with his spirit level! Even today some of the baking tins I use are handed down from my mum and my grandmother. I was always destined to make baking my full-time job – it just took me a while to get there!
Things started when I took a break from my corporate career to have my two daughters. I got a part-time job in a cake-decorating shop in London. Customers were always asking if I knew someone who could make a cake for them. I was already baking for my children’s parties, so I took some evening classes and, with customers from the shop, I was on my way.
When we moved to Brackley I followed my other passion and trained as a teacher. But I just couldn’t keep away from making cakes! In 2013, I moved from full-time teaching to three days a week and making cakes on the other four. By Christmas 2014, Cakes by Kit had taken over my life, and I felt that at this crossroads, I had to choose which to give my all! Of course, the cakes won. Since then, I’ve been delighted at how Cakes by Kit has grown and flourished.
I enjoy the variety of cakes I get to create. With wedding cakes, I meet the couple individually and the design process helps me interpret the dream they have of their ideal cake. Some of my favourite cakes are also the ones where I have design freedom to create that ‘wow’ cake from a very small brief. My aim is to make the client feel special throughout the whole process. Brides are often in tears of joy when they see their cakes. I have even had grown men cry!
Images thanks to Caroline Rushton
Why Cakes by Kit?
My older brother called me Kit when I was a baby and it was a name that stuck – today my family still call me Kit. So, when my brothers were helping me name the business, ‘Cakes by Kit’ seemed the natural choice.
Do you have a specific style?
I can accommodate a variety of styles similar to the ones above and every cake is designed or adapted to be a personalised wedding cake unique to every client.
What advice would you give couples when choosing their cake?
Have a cake that you love! Do not try to please everyone as it is your cake and your wedding. Do not have too much cake – I know mad as I am selling cake! Not everyone will eat cake and unless it is your dessert there will be other sweet treats for your guests to choose.
Images thanks to Daniel Atkinson
What makes you happy?
Away from the kitchen, I enjoy spending time with family, trying new places to eat, travelling, walking in our beautiful countryside ending up whiling away time in pub gardens. I like to go walking with my husband though that’s gone by the wayside recently as Cakes by Kit has got busier!
If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be and why?
No one – I’m very happy being me!
What do you love most about your job?
Meeting so many happy couples planning their wedding day and helping them choose their dream wedding cake! It is always lovely to get amazing feedback and see pictures of their special day. Also love the loyalty of my customers and when I get them coming back for Christening and Birthday cake over the years later.
I love seeing people’s reactions. My clients are expecting something special so I want them to be wowed. Brides and grooms spot me at wedding fairs because the quality finish of my cakes really stands out, with fine hand-piping, sugar flowers and imaginative designs.
I’d also love to combine baking and teaching by running workshops…so watch this space.
Images thanks to Jon Whiles Photography
What trends are you loving at the moment?
Naked and semi naked cakes are still very popular as well as those that use fresh flowers to finish them off. I get to collaborate with some very talented florists this way.
Why should our couples choose you?
I will put all my care and passion for what I do into every cake. Every couple deserves to think that they are the most important client and that their cake will be the very best. They should be beautiful and delicious!
What’s your drink of choice?
Wine or water.
Who is your dream celebrity wedding couple?
I do not have one – every couple are celebrities on their day!
Image thanks to John Whiles
You can find out more about Cakes by Kit using the links below:
Website | Facebook | Instagram
You can find contact details for Karen and all our other preferred partners here. They are a fantastic bunch and worth checking out!
