NatWest Bring it 2020 has provided £500 of match funding
Little Bear Sweet Treats
Paston, England, United Kingdom
Aim
Support a new business to make personalised homemade sweet treats for people to enjoy at special occasions.
Hello from Little Bear Sweet Treats
I am a hobby baker and part time secondary school Food Teacher. Starting a business with inspiration from my son.
What do I want to achieve?
I plan to make high quality treats for people to enjoy on special occasions (different to what is already easily available in my area)
My aim is to make unique products for people as per their event requirements. For example producing specific designs on cookies or macarons that are personalised for weddings, birthdays, parties, business promotions or advertising.
I also hope to be able to sell these at local markets and festivals to generate a more regular source of funding.
I have the freedom to be able to create almost any designs, flavours and decorations that customers request. Up to this point I have spent time practicing my skills and gaining advice from others that have achieved similar goals to ensure that I am at a stage that I feel confident in selling my products.
So far I have been making treats for friends and family, something that isn't too common and would fill a gap in the market (not just decorated cakes which you can find everywhere)
(Above are some pictures of products that I have produced and sold so far under my business name Little Bear Sweet Treats)
(it might not be many, but I have started to receive some reviews for the products that I have made so far)
My success in making macarons and personalised sugar cookies has been very positive. All homemade and designed by myself. I am hoping to branch out into other treats but I don't want to bite off more than I can chew (pun intended) to start off with. I have been sharing this on social media via Facebook and Instagram to start building a small customer and follower base.
Background
I trained as a chef after leaving school and have various qualifications in Hospitality and Catering. I also worked in the industry for 7 years before training to be a teacher.
(Picture of me during my professional cookery and pastry chef training years at City College Norwich 2009)
I worked in a variety of catering establishments, from local pubs to fine dining (a 2 rosette award winning restaurant) and finally concluding my industry work at a nationally recognised venue for weddings, food and events in a busy city centre.
I have been teaching food for six years in a large secondary school. For most of this time I was the only food teacher, this only changed due to the arrival of my son. I continue to teach but share my job role with another teacher.
My passion is for anything food related; making/baking, eating out, keeping up to date with current trends and following various blogs and social media.
I am also trying to be environmentally friendly with the products that I make. Considering the equipment that I buy and use, and then packaging that I use for the products. For example using reusable silicone baking sheets instead of disposable baking parchment, or using biodegradable/recycleable packing instead of plastic. I feel strongly about this and understand the importance of being environmentally considerate. I am a big advocate for this is my home life as well.
What are my plans for the money?
I need to refurbish an old kitchen in my house. We have recently had an extension and added a new kitchen. The old kitchen is still in place and working order but the room itself needs to be replastered, tiled, new work surfaces and eventually new equipment e.g. Oven. By doing this I will be able to register as a business and receive a higher rated inspection from the Environmental Health Officers.
Current progress
Whilst writing this project I have been producing Valentines inspired treats, birthday cakes and have also secured orders for future products. One order of a wedding cake this year, the other is an order of personalised macarons that will serve as wedding favors next year.
This project successfully funded on 8th April 2020