Food ·
Inspiration ·
How A Side Hobby Became @sydneysmashcakes
“Give it a go. If you don’t, you will always wonder what could have been”. It is simple to say that Claudia, entrepreneur and owner at @sydneysmashcakes is a real inspiration to get out there and do what you love. We all tend to think that taking that leap and risking to do what we are passionate about is the scariest thing, but we never know until we try! Claudia shares with us how a side hobby became a full-time job, and how the success of her business started from playing around with fun ideas for her kid’s birthday.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and the business?
I have been making SmashCakes for my kids birthdays since they were 6 years old (my eldest is almost 18). Each year I had to come up with new exciting, creative ideas for their birthdays which I loved doing. They were such a hit, that friends and family were putting in requests for me to make them a SmashCakes.
How and what inspired you to start your business, when did you start it?
I realised was onto something and decide to give up the job that I was unhappy doing and try to make something of this idea. And that’s how Sydney SmashCakes began. Almost five years later, I have a successful lady start-up business that I am very proud of.
Have you always had a passion for baking and being creative? Did something spark it?
I have always been creative and have a background in graphic design. I have always loved baking, but this was a whole new level. Making my SmashCakes was a way to combine my love for being creative, chocolate and having fun doing what I love doing.
If you had to give a piece of advice to young women who wanted to venture out and start a business in her passion, what would you tell her?
Give it a go. If you don’t, you will always wonder what could have been. I had no idea how to start, run or manage a business and I learnt as I went along.
Were there any bumps in the road when starting your business, if so how did you overcome them?
I am self taught so there were lots of failed attempts to make my SmashCakes. I couldn’t give up. I had orders that needed to go out, so I had to get it right. No matter how many times they failed, I had to preserve. Working with chocolate is challenging for someone with no experience. Whilst it can be tricky coming up with inspiration for new creations, my biggest challenge is understanding how to run a successful business. Physically making and creating the SmashCakes is one thing. But all the behind-the-scenes of admin, emails, ordering stock, making sure I have enough supplies, was a whole new ball game for me.
Why do you think it is so important to take a risk and follow your passion?
I think it's important to take risks and try new things. There is so much satisfaction that comes from following your dreams and if you don’t follow your passion, you could be stuck in a situation you are unhappy with
What is your favourite smash cake you have made?
I think my favourite SmashCake was the SmashCake I made for Macklemore when he was in Sydney because I am such a fan of his!
See @sydneysmashcakes on Instagram here
