Kirsten Black isn’t one to rest on her laurels. Despite juggling exams with drumming in her local pipe band, a part-time job and running her own baking business, it’s a lifestyle that she would have no other way.
The 15-year-old launched Kirsten’s Cakes and Bakes when she was just 13 in February 2021, and her can-do attitude is undoubtedly inspirational.
Residing in Bridge of Don, the young talent creates all of the business’ bespoke cakes and brownies in the kitchen of her family home.
The number of orders varies weekly as Kirsten has to spread her time between hobbies, schoolwork and a part-time job too.
A batch made in heaven
“I started baking in 2020 during the first lockdown – just for fun and to keep me busy,” says Kirsten.
“I’ve always enjoyed it, so started baking for family and friends as I was making too much.
“They all enjoyed the bakes and said they were good enough to be bought in a shop.
“Then I got the idea that I actually could sell them to make some extra money alongside my paper round at the time.
“I got a logo made, ordered stickers and business cards and did a Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene Course. I also registered with the council and had an inspection (which passed) to allow me to bake from home.
“Everything is baked and decorated by me while my mum and dad help wash the dishes, but I do tidy up!”
The teen offers plain or loaded brownie slabs and cupcake boxes of four, six or 12 which can be personalised for any occasion. Cupcake flavours include Lotus Biscoff, Jammie Dodger, lemon meringue and vanilla, to name a few.
Never a dull day at Kirsten’s Cakes and Bakes
The 15-year-old enjoys having flexibility when it comes to Kirsten’s Cakes and Bakes orders.
“Sometimes I’ll be fully booked and other times I’ll have a few orders, but I love being able to decide how busy I’d like to be,” she went on to say.
The entrepreneur also has a part-time job at Marshall’s Farm Shop near Kintore, working in the business’ new drive-thru one day a week, and attends Oldmachar Academy. She is an admirer of pipe band drumming as well.
Kirsten added: “I’ve just finished my National 5 exams and am staying on for fifth year.
“I’ve been on study leave so when I’m not revising I can still take on orders.
“When I’m at school full-time, I don’t take on as many throughout the week but can still make for the weekends.
“I also play in a pipe band. I am the lead drummer for City of Aberdeen Pipe Band and have been playing since I was six years old.
“We recently competed at The North of Scotland Pipe Band Championship in Banchory in grade 4B and got second place. The season has only just started so we are hoping to pick up lots of prizes and do well.”
‘I never imagined how successful it would turn out’
Kirsten is yet to decide on which career path to take, whether it involves running her baking firm full time or going into a different sector while selling bakes on the side.
Reflecting on the past two years, the 15-year-old said: “Having started my own business at just 13, I never imagined how successful it would turn out.
“I am most proud of having the opportunity to sell my cupcakes at Marshall’s Farm Shop and them selling out every time I’ve restocked.
“When I started, I would have never believed you if you told me I’d be selling my cupcakes in a shop and still having consistent orders and loyal customers.
“My family and friends are very supportive and enjoy all the free cake too. I don’t think we will have another family occasion where we don’t have cupcakes.”
For orders and more information, message Kirsten’s Cakes and Bakes on Facebook or Instagram – @kirstens.cakes.and.bakes. Online orders must be collected at Bridge of Don.
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