A former Bath Spa University student has won a competition in the world’s largest cake decorating show, for her quirky design of a mad scientist’s lab.
Mum-of-three Sarah-Jane Shepherd fought off stiff competition from people across the globe in the Cake International event at Alexandra Palace, London.
She won in the novelty cake category, in which everything had to be edible – including the cake board it was presented on.
She was the only person in her class to receive gold at the sugarcraft, cake decorating and baking show.
Sarah-Jane, known as SJ, of Minky Kitten Cakes, said: “I’m delighted to have won. Modelling is one of my strengths as a cake maker because I love the level of detail involved.
“I’d always wanted to make a cake with the theme of a mad scientist. I knew the character could be crazy and all the strange, weird objects would be enjoyable to create.
“I decided to keep the theme in the family, as my brother is a scientist, and I made three rats for each of my little boys.”
SJ, 43, who studied for her postgraduate certification in education (PGCE) at Bath Spa University and later taught at Combe Down Primary, spent 50 hours preparing the novelty treat.
SJ, who went on to be a deputy head at St Mary’s Primary school in Writhlington for nearly 10 years, was previously awarded silver in the Cake International in Birmingham last November.
The whole cake had to be edible, including the internal supports. She even used dried spaghetti for the feature, as well as baking the more traditional Genoa fruit cake.
Minky Kitten Cakes came about when she gave some cupcakes to a friend, who was so impressed she sold them in her shop. SJ was inundated with requests and set up her business while on maternity leave.
In the six years she has been baking, she has spent over 15,000 hours in the kitchen and made thousands of cakes.
SJ, who has a degree in textile and design, makes unique, funky, quirky and personalised cakes for any occasion.
She now specialises in novelty or traditional wedding cakes after successfully completing a diploma from the Peggy Porschen Academy in London for making sugar flowers.
She said: “I love making all sorts of cakes, but there’s something particularly special about creating a carefully crafted wedding cake for a couple’s big day.”
For more information about Minky Kitten Cakes, visit http://minkykittencakes.co.uk/.
