Business Startup

WHEN former classroom teacher Melanie Williams came to a juncture in her career she took the decision to quit teaching in favour of starting up her own business.

The 38-year-old mum of two, who is from Knowsley, had been baking cakes as a hobby for more than ten years when she decided it was time to turn the hobby into a business opportunity and in June 2009 Cakes by Mel was launched.

“This all started off as a hobby for me” said Mel, I was always making cakes for my children and for friends and family because I enjoyed doing it so much, but it was getting quite costly. I knew I didn’t want to be a classroom teacher anymore so I took the decision to start up my own business, it was a bit scary not knowing whether I was doing the right thing, but I wanted to give it a go.”

Through Cakes by Mel Melanie produces novelty and personalised cakes for all occasions including weddings, birthdays, retirements and more.

“I like to make cakes as personal as possible” added Mel, “whether it is using a favourite hobby, sport, interest or family pet as inspiration. I work closely with clients to ensure that each cake reflects the owner’s personality.”

Melanie, whose children are age 11 and 13, is extremely creative in her approach to cake making and completes all the artwork on her cakes, by hand.

When she decided to start up her own business Melanie searched on the internet for a business support organisation that could help her on her way and that’s when she came across Train 2000.

She said: “The help I received from Train 2000 was brilliant. Amanda was my advisor and as well as having regular appointments with her, she was always on the other end of the phone to help me, the support just never stops.

“My adviser also worked with me on putting my business plan together. At the outset this seemed like a massive job to me and was very daunting but with the help I received from Train 2000 I got there in the end.”

Melanie received support from Train 2000 via the ISUS (Intensive Start-Up) funded programme. Train 2000 also helped Melanie apply for a £500 business start-up grant through Knowsley fresh start which she used towards advertising costs and to buy new equipment required for her venture.

“I love working for myself” continued Melanie, “I can work my business around the children now, as long as I reach any deadlines I have. So far picked up ost of my business by word of mouth but I have also advertised locally and handed out flyers to bring in more work.”

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about Cakes by Mel should visit www.cakesbymel.co.uk  or call her on 07941 887 138.