Passionate mother turns ‘stress relieving’ hobby into The Boston Cakery business
A passionate mother who turned her stress relieving hobby into a business, says she is ‘not scared to experiment with flavours or colours’ – after being inspired by Asian and English cultures.
Ayesha Virk of Boston, founded The Boston Cakery four years ago, and has been creating intricate and stunning designs since.
The Virk family moved to the area 13 years ago from London and Ayesha was raring to get her teeth stuck into something creative.
She said: “It was on my mind to do something creative because before we moved I used to do freelance hair, makeup and henna in London, which was quite successful.
“During Covid one of my friends asked me to make her daughters birthday cake and they also told me to start doing it professionally.”
After teaching herself all of the skills and knowledge as a teenager, Ayesha explained that one of her favourite parts of the hobby is experimenting with different flavours, by adding an Asian twist to her bakes.
Some of her most popular flavours include rose and pistachio, strawberry shortcake, Nutella and Biscoff.
She said: “I’ve got a real sweet tooth so I have always enjoyed testing out new flavours. The rose and pistachio is Asian inspired and lots of people love it.
“It’s something I don’t see much around here and I think that might be why it goes down so well. I’m a British born Asian who grew up in London, so my inspiration comes from other bakers, shapes and colours in nature.
“I think I take inspiration from all cultures and I feel having grown up in both, I get the best of both worlds.
“I use a tres leches recipe for my cakes which is very big in London and is similar to a milk cake. It is made without butter, soaked in three milks and topped with whipped cream – it is really light and airy.”
Also: Sweet success as cake firm expandsAyesha aims to make as many of the props for her cakes as possible. For one of her most recent customers, she even created individual chess pieces made from chocolate.
The busy mum balances family life, a part time office job and her business and explained how it helps her through hectic life events.
She said: “I get so immersed when I’m doing it. Sometimes I look at the clock and its three or four in the morning and I have work in a few hours – I just don’t realise the time because I enjoy it so much.
“It’s a real stress reliever and for me, it takes my mind off life and keeps me on my feet. I did have to take a year out of baking due to a few home and healthcare related reasons, but I’m back and raring to get stuck in to again.
“I’m a people pleaser, so seeing customers faces when they pick up their orders is so nice and rewarding.
“I think my designs and cakes are quite different and niche compared to other bakers in the area and I enjoy putting my creative flare into each order.”
The Boston Cakery makes cupcakes, biscuits, cakes, treat boxes and dessert tables. Prices for a six inch cake start at £70 and 12 biscuits range from £3.50-£5 each, depending on the design.
For more information visit the Boston Cakery Facebook and Instagram page or email thebostoncakery@gmail.com.
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