#perthcatering

How and Why did you started your business? I've had a passion for baking ever since I left high school. I thought the 'right' thing to do was chase a corporate career but not far into my uni degree I found myself at night classes doing cake decorating to get my hit of creativity! I've made cakes on and off for friends and family but it took the loss of my grandad last year to push me to quit my job and study patisserie...and it was the best thing I ever did! I was so lucky to know some amazing wedding stylists and coordinators through my previous job so before I knew the business had taken off and I've not looked back! Is this a full time business and where do you operate from? So- this is exciting- up until about a month ago I was still working on achieving my patisserie qualifications. Now that I'm finished I am full steam ahead into this crazy world of small business. Verlena Cakes is joining an event collective space on Stirling Highway in Claremont with a group of fabulous wedding and event vendors- this will be home to our office and showroom and will also allow us to do smaller orders available for collection. I've also just secured the lease to a commercial kitchen. Taking the leap of faith to put myself into this full time is incredibly scary, but the possibilities are super exciting! At this stage it is just me in the business, hopefully someone to assist in the baking will be the next step. Where did your business name come from? I'm so glad you asked this question! The business name is half love story, half inspirational woman. My great grandmother, Vera, had three young children when she lost her husband Len (the youngest was only a baby). As they did in those days, she did what had to be done to raise her children in incredibly tough circumstances. Vera remarried twice, tragically loosing both husbands leaving her with five children. My nanna would say that Vera was a hard women, not one for emotion or affection. However, when they moved her into the nursing home and were clearing out her draws they found the wooden sign that had hung outside the home she shared with her husband Len, Verlena, kept for over 60 years and bought with her over numerous moves. What have you found is the biggest challenge when establishing your business? My biggest challenge thus far has been trying to decide at what point to devote myself entirely to the business. It has been a bit of a catch 22 for a while- not quite enough orders to justify leaving my part time job, but not enough time to chase more orders! Making the decision to do this full time is 50% calculated, 50% giant leap of faith! Your best moment so far in your business? I don't know about the best but realizing that I was fully booked for a couple of dates this coming wedding season and having to turn down orders was a bit of an eye opener- it was a bit of a confidence boost. Your favourite quote or mantra People who love to eat are always the best people.- Julia Child What is your advice to Perth Women wanting to start their own business or turning their hobby into a small business? In a previous job I was encouraged to write a personal plan- like a business plan, but for life. Imagine yourself in five years and where you want to be. Do a SWOT analysis- what are the threats that may keep you from achieving these goals, what opportunities are out there to help you get there. When you're writing your business plan keep your personal plan in mind. I had this magical vision for my business, but when I sat down and thought about it, it didn't align with where I saw myself personally in 5 years. I adjusted my vision for the business to work towards the my bigger life goals... after all, isn't this the reason we go into business, to alter the course of our lives? What is your vision for your business? Verlena Cakes will eventually be a boutique cake parlor where people can enjoy lovely sweet treats and coffee in beautiful surrounds. A focus will always be on creating customised wedding and event cakes.

THE QUICK FIVE Favourite Perth Coffee- Mary Street Bakery Favourite Perth Fashion Label- from a wedding point of view, Elvi Designs makes the most stunning customised gowns! Favourite Perth Homewares- online store Granite Lane Favourite Perth Bar- Laneway Lounge for a cocktail and some jazz Favourite Perth Restaurant- El Publico