hospitality graduate starts business based on ‘family love’ for baking
Stonham Barns Park – mid-Suffolk’s premier leisure, retail and holiday venue – has added another new and creative outlet to its Retail Village which will officially open on 7 February and promises to bring a new creative offering the local artisan food scene.
Shelby Mayhew, from Great Blakenham, near Ipswich, is the driving force behind Shelly’s Cakes and Bakes. With a first-class degree in Hotel Management from the University of Essex, and a background as a guest relations manager at Champneys Wellness Spa Resort, Shelby is well equipped to bring her vision to life. Her journey into the world of baking began in her teens, inspired by her family’s tradition of home baking, and nurtured by recipes handed down from her grandparents.
Shelby (31) says it was her mother who taught her how to make her first cake and her passion developed from there until she became an accomplished hobby meets business baker.
After pursuing a decade long career in hospitality – in pubs, bars and restaurants – Shelby returned to higher education four years ago to formalise her skills and now, with the backing of her husband, is turning her lifelong passion into a full-time business. She explains, ‘I loved working in hospitality, but you need to work very long hours, and I was at a point in my life when I wanted to enjoy each day and have a better work-life balance. So, the idea of giving up my job and turning my side-hobby into a business became a reality.’
‘Shelby’s Cakes and Bakes has always a part of me since I started baking all those years ago. Now I am in my thirties I feel it is the time to focus on my baking skills. I will be baking full time to supply the outlet which will be run by two new employees, and we will see how it develops over the months ahead. I have the backing of my husband who has encouraged me to become my own boss to give me greater career freedom.’
The bakes on offer will include Chocolate and Coconut Cupcakes, Chocolate Orange Cupcakes, Coffee and Walnut Cupcakes, Lemon Drizzle Cupcakes, Speciality Cookies and Cream Cake, Speciality Red Velvet Cake and Speciality Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Cream. The business has a 5-Star food hygiene rating and is fully licensed by Mid Suffolk Council.
‘I have been supplying bespoke bakes as a side-hobby for over 12 years now, catering for any event, season or celebration from weddings to birthdays and baby showers. I did find that during lockdown there was a huge demand for cakes, bakes and afternoon teas which did consolidate my business offering.’
‘The twist to the story is that I have picked up tips and tricks from watching patisserie chefs at work during my time in hospitality which I think increased my skill set and makes my cakes and bakes both delicious and distinctive.’
‘There is always a demand for delicious cakes and bakes as they bring happiness to everyone – it’s a slice of joy always.’
‘It’s a whole new era for me and I am ready for it!’
Shelby’s Cakes and Bakes will open 6 days a week – Tuesday to Sunday – from 10am – 4.00pm.
For more information about Shelby’s Cakes and Bakes, please contact Shelby Mayhew on 07730 589 600, email shelby.mayhew12345@gmail.com or visit www.shelbyscakes.co.uk
