Charlotte Lawler

Level 2 Diploma in Professional Bakery 2018

Level 3 Diploma in Professional Bakery 2019

Foundation Degree in Bakery and Patisserie Technology 2021

School: Bolton School

Job title: Cake business owner

“I launched Cakeologyco during lockdown and used social media to build an on-line customer base for my home baked cakes, cup cakes and brownies.

“I then launched a cake shop in my home town of Bolton and can’t believe how much the business has grown in two years. I have so much support from regulars who call in for coffee and cake, and I’m also busy making bespoke celebration cakes for customers who order mainly on-line.

“I have a lot of repeat business but I also look for new markets – for instance supplying local restaurants with brownies. I also take my pop-up stall to events such as Reaseheath’s Family Festival to showcase my products. This has taught me a lot about organisation and facilities, planning, risk management and customer interactions.

“A lot of my success is because our lecturers taught us commercial skills as well as supporting us through the actual baking, modelling and cake decorating. Their experience was a great help and I’ve used every skill I was taught. Running a business is a big commitment and I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved.”