Homeworking has its benefits. And there is no denying that the past two years have taught many people that.
Among these ‘people’ are mums, including 26-year-old Sarah Catherine Mitchell.
Originally from Ordiquhill but now residing in Macduff with her husband David and their three-year-old daughter Ayla, Sarah, like a great deal, spent lockdown working within her home comforts.
With Ayla being just eight months old when the outbreak struck, this period allowed Sarah to spend quality time with her firstborn to watch her grow, something she was and continues to be incredibly grateful for.
Sarah said: “This really made me think, how amazing would it be to work from home?”
Mummy’s Kitchen
Sarah trained as a chef in 2012 at Fraserburgh College and has been a chef for eight years.
She currently works part-time as a breakfast chef at The Knowes Hotel in Macduff.
The business owner has not completed any baking courses to date. Nevertheless, she says her skills have come to her naturally over the years.
Sarah said: “I am surrounded by so many wonderful bakers such as my mum, Sandra Runcie, and two grandmothers, Elma Morren and Sheilah Runcie.
“I made and decorated my first cake back in 2012 and my passion for baking has grown ever since.”
It may have been more than one decade since the talent made her first cake, but on Tuesday May 10 Sarah launched her own baking firm, Mummy’s Kitchen.
“This is something I had been thinking about for a lot of years now and just never felt it was the right time,” she added.
“The idea was always there but I felt that there was always something stopping me. A lack of confidence I think, and perhaps experience.”
‘Willing to give any bake a go’
Mummy’s Kitchen currently offers basic and occasion cakes, cupcakes, brownie slabs, giant cookies, brookies, blondies, fudge and various other traybakes.
Speaking about the range, Sarah said: “The list could be endless and I am willing to give any bake a go.”
In terms of sponges, vanilla, chocolate and carrot are some of the available flavours.
“So far I have made Nutella, Biscoff and lemon curd stuffed cookies,” Sarah added.
“I have also made Biscoff, Oreo, Dairy Milk Caramel, Nutella and Terry’s Chocolate Orange brookies, as well as birthday cake and millionaire’s blondies and Biscoff, Terry’s Chocolate Orange and Double Decker fudge.”
The number of orders made is increasing by the week, however, it can vary. Last week saw Sarah create almost 50 individual bakes.
Prices start at £3.50 for individual products and go up to £80 for basic cakes.
Orders can be made through the Mummy’s Kitchen Facebook page and Instagram page.
There are also items available at Sarah’s Burger Shack, a popular burger van situated near Portsoy, during weekends.
Inspiration: Cookie Cult and Fat Batch
Sarah spoke highly of her relationship with the owner of Sarah’s Burger Shack, as well as other businesses based in the north-east and beyond that she is heavily inspired by.
Local firms include:
- Cookie Cult, Aberdeen
- Fat Batch, Aberdeen
- Sweet Toots Cakery, Newburgh
- Lana Lou’s Cake Studio, Fraserburgh
- Holy Moly Bakes, Huntly
- Gooey Delights, Peterhead
“The list is endless, I am surrounded by so much inspiration,” added Sarah.
Farmers’ markets
As Mummy’s Kitchen continues to gain a loyal following, Sarah is keen to start attending local farmers’ markets.
She is, however, taking part in The Foggie Neuk on Saturday June 18.
“Farmers’ markets are so popular. It’s lovely to see so many local businesses and, who doesn’t love a bit of cake or a fancy piece?
“Really, I just want to help provide for my family and be around my daughter to watch her grow into the amazing, dinosaur-loving little girl that she is.
“I want to make my friends and family proud of me and be proud of myself.
Conversation