It starts with being an introvert…

...and a bit of a control freak.

On any given day, you'll find me in my little hole-in-a-wall studio, making sugar flowers, baking, and coaxing fondant into gleaming towers of perfection. It's my dream job, because I love working with my hands, I love making beautiful things, and I love working alone.

I don't hire anyone because I like to have full control over all of my work. This means that I can't make a lot of cakes - only 3 a week. But I'd rather make 3 great cakes than 10 mediocre ones.

This also means that the most horribly pretentious words of the new millennium - "artisanal", "bespoke", "handcrafted" - actually describe what I do.

How did this all happen? I was a newspaper journalist for 15 years before motherhood prompted me to slow down and do something different. In pursuing a hobby, I found myself setting up shop in 2012 and making cakes full-time.

What's great is that I get to go into full introvert mode every day, making pretty things to the sounds of Sade and Radiohead. (Okay, and BTS.)

But what's even better is that I get to be a part of so many happy occasions, be it weddings, birthdays or anniversaries. I may not be your guest, but my cake is always out front and centre.

I can't wait to be a part of your celebration next.