‘Find your passion’ After being enthused by baking from an early age I decided to pursue a career as a chef. I enrolled on a professional cookery course at Chichester College and at the same time took up a position as an apprentice chef at Royal Oak, Lavant, West Sussex.
I was enthusiastic and keen to learn as much as I could. Shortly after joining I was promoted to Commis Pastry chef. Although I thoroughly enjoyed my work at the Royal Oak and grateful for the opportunity I was ambitious and keen to develop further.
I applied for a role at Maze, Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin Star acclaimed restaurant in the West end of London. I was invited to attend a trial day and although the day was gruelling and nothing like I had experienced before, I was hooked. I knew this is what I wanted to do, and I was offered the job as a Pastry Chef.
I threw myself in to the role, gaining as much experience as possible and learning new techniques. Unfortunately, after 6 months I developed a stomach condition and was diagnosed stomach ulcers and a gluten allergy resulting in an operation.
I had no choice but to resign from my role but was still committed to my dream.
I was fortunate to be offered work experience at Heston Blumenthal’s “The Fat Duck” in Buckinghamshire, the world renowned 3 Michelin Star restaurant which consistently appears in the Top 5 Restaurants of the World.
The experience was inspiring. I had eaten there once before but to actually prepare the food to their exacting standards was really amazing and at the same time a real challenge. During my time at the Fat Duck I met some very talented Chefs who inspired me still further and encouraged me all the way. I even met Heston himself!
At the end of my time at the Fat Duck I just wanted to learn even more. One of my Chef heroes is Raymond Blanc, so with the encouragement that I had, I applied for a role at Raymond Blanc’s 2 Michelin Star Le Quatre Seasons in Oxfordshire. I was over the moon when I was accepted for work experience.
Again, the exacting standards were breath-taking, and I was encouraged all the time by the team. And yes, I had the opportunity to cook with Raymond himself!
The experience and people gave me even greater courage and a self-belief in my dream and myself.
I was then more convinced than ever that I wanted to set up my own business. Initially I started baking cakes for friends. As is so often the case, word spread and I started getting enquiries from friends of friends…. This gave me further confidence and I took the decision to take a stand at a wedding fair. This gave me even greater exposure and I secured a couple of orders for wedding cakes.
I was conscious that to ensure the success of my fledgling business I needed some help. I enrolled on the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy course at Chichester College and during my time with the Academy my knowledge in respect of running a business grew immeasurably and gave me the confidence and a feeling that I could succeed and run a successful business.
I then applied for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, something I never dreamt I would do before the Peter Jones course. My teacher also put forward an application and said I would be an “inspiration to other young budding entrepreneurs for the future”.
Every entrepreneur needs ‘influence’ and that is exactly what the Peter Jones course gave me. Surrounding yourself with like-minded classmates, and having lecturers support and guidance, and the weekly guest entrepreneurs opened my eyes to new ways of thinking.
My confidence grew recognisably throughout the experience. In the first week we were assigned the challenge of an ‘elevator pitch’ at which point I wanted the ground to swallow me whole. However, sometimes you have to ‘push yourself’, even if situations may feel ridiculously uncomfortable. I pushed myself and have done so ever since. When I first started the course, I would avoid public speaking at all costs, and since then have been chosen to represent the college at Buckingham Palace and came runner up for ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’.
‘Commitment is key’; Never Give Up! One major hurdle standing in the way of me and my passion was the small issue of a gluten allergy Hmm…
“Gluten free cakes? Really? Are you sure?” 6 years ago, this was a common question I was asked. But 6 years on…the Gluten ‘Free-volution’ has never been stronger.
‘Don’t be afraid to ask for help’ because more often than not, people actually want to. I am not shy to say that technology is definitely not my forte, however for my lifelong friend Emma, it is her idea of a good time! So, she offered to design my logo. Accounting? Ah, unfortunately no natural talent there, but I try. Again, my college lecturer offered to help, in exchange for some tips on how to improve his marmalade recipe – unusual, but true. My Sister – My Rock; she helped with all my trade fairs, festivals, weddings, sanity etc.
‘Say Yes’ it might lead to something. I was asked to help at West Dean College Christmas arts and crafts fair, teaching classes how to bake and decorate festive themed cupcakes. Being new to my own business and having never taught anyone before, needless to say I was slightly nervous. However, and the day was a roaring success. The students said they had thoroughly enjoyed themselves and would do it again. I also secured a Weekend spot at the college, teaching baking classes to children.
‘Believe in yourself’ because everyone else does! So cheesy, So true.
Finally, I was ready to take the next step.
My ‘motivation’ was spurred on when on 30th January 2012 I pitched to a panel of investors. Apprehensive yet excited I demonstrated my newly found self-belief, presentation skills and a selection of my award winning ‘Fairytale Cupcakes’ in a bid to acquire £4,000 worth of Investment for Scrumdiddlyumptious. I succeeded and was ecstatic. Their feedback was encouraging, positive and informative. They said I had a winning product, was very personable and they believed in me and my brand which was when the name ‘Scrumdiddlyumptious by Sofi’ was born.
Since then, I have had the opportunity to work at Buckingham Palace, making the petit fours for Prince Georges Christening, won an award from Mary Berry for my Gluten-Free ‘Fairytale cupcakes’, as well as develop a range of cupcakes and confectionery for Fortnum & Mason.
Ultimately, when life gives you lemons…. Turn them into something that you are passionate about, surround yourself with positive people, don’t be afraid to ask for help, believe in yourself, and ‘Never give up!’.
