Vendors We Love: CakesByIssy
And we're back with some more vendor love. This one is very close to our dear, little hearts as a beloved friend, support and helping-hand at Terrace Press.
CakesByIssy is a glorious haven of sugar for any and all events. Read on below to find out more from the chief baker and talented decorator, Issy.
What do you do and where are you from?
I am a home baker based out of my parents' property in Northern Sydney.
How did you get to where you are today?
I've loved baking ever since I was a little kid. Growing up I was always in charge of dessert at family and friends' functions. Before I knew it, people were eager to get a taste of my creations, so CakesByIssy was born!
What inspires you every day?
Other small businesses; I love following all kinds online and watching them grow and develop (especially Alex at Terrace Press). I am lucky enough to spend a fair bit of time around this lady and the way she pours her heart into every inch of her business motivates me to push through when there is a power out halfway through baking, or I drop a cake and have to start again.
Tell us a little about your workspace.
I work from my parents' house, which means often mum will have to go kitchen-less for a few days. I like to keep it tidy and organised so that when I'm done, mum has a squeaky-clean kitchen. Often my favourite furry friend, Maisy, hangs around in the hope of a few crumbs.
What is your creative process?
Firstly, I like to get an idea of the event I'm catering for: location, number of people, the celebration, etc. This sets the foundation for the overall cake. Then, once the client has sent through any inspiration colours or pictures, I create an image in my head of the cake. I like to do this a few weeks before so I can keep changing and adding depending on what I see or hear that week. Often I'll do my grocery shopping and come across a new product that would look great on an upcoming cake.
What trends are you loving right now?
One of my favourite cake decoration trends is native flowers. I love the variety of natives available in Australia, and when they are popped on a crisp, white cake it is magic.
What does a normal day at work look like for you?
Cake baking day starts with a big supermarket shop followed by a few Netflix episodes and a whole lot of washing up.
Decorating day often starts with an early morning trip to the flower markets, followed by hours of Spotify (Missy Higgins is my current go-to) and multiple decorations being prepped at once. This is usually the most chaotic time, but also my favourite.
Which other cake makers are loving at the moment?
There is a Singapore-based company, CUPPLETS, which is incredible. Every cake created is a piece of art. The company runs regular workshops and all I want is for them to come to Sydney!
Do you have any other creative outlets?
Plenty! I love to make things, whether it be cakes, clothes, jewellery or art. I love to op-shop and give old things a new purpose. I have also recently invested in a few house plants which I love taking care of and watching grow.
What food or drink gets you through each day?
An iced latte is my drink of choice to slowly sip at while I'm in the kitchen. I have a couple of "volunteer cake taster" who come and hang out with me often, and we love a good fried dumpling for lunch.
(Images via CakesByIssy)
