My journey didn’t start in a kitchen. I studied international relations at the University of St Andrews and later worked in data science at a large, publicly listed company. I was doing well, progressing professionally, and the work itself was structured and intellectually rewarding. But over time, I began to question whether this was something I wanted to do long term. While I could do the work well, I realised my passion didn’t live in numbers.

Baking, on the other hand, had always been part of my life. What started as a hobby slowly became a quiet escape from the pace of my day-to-day work. It was something I returned to in the evenings or on weekends—a way to slow down, to work with my hands, and to step away from screens and constant thinking. Gradually, that escape began to feel less like a break, and more like a direction.

1. Choosing Something Tangible

What drew me further into baking was how tangible it felt. Every cake has a clear end point, and the result is immediate and visible. There is a sense of completion in finishing something with your hands—something you can see, touch, and share. That clarity brought a kind of satisfaction I had been missing, one that felt grounded rather than abstract.

2. Recognition and Human Connection

Another reason I stayed was the connection with people. Baking allows me to meet customers in person and understand the stories behind each order. I see their reactions when they collect a cake, and sometimes I hear back afterwards—through a message, a kind note, or even flowers. These moments are small, but they carry meaning. They remind me that the work is not only noticed, but appreciated.

3. Being Part of Life’s Big Moments

Cakes are made for moments that matter. Birthdays, weddings, graduations, anniversaries—each order marks a point in someone’s life they want to remember. Being trusted to contribute to those moments, and quietly witness the happiness they hold, is something I value deeply. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, and one that gives the work a sense of purpose beyond the cake itself.

4. Continually Challenging Myself

Baking also continues to challenge me. No two cakes are ever the same, because no two people are the same. Each order brings different ideas, tastes, and expectations, which means I am constantly learning—refining flavours, improving textures, and adjusting designs and timing. That ongoing process keeps the work engaging and ensures there is always room to grow.

5. Working at My Own Pace

Equally important is the way baking allows me to work. I can set my own pace, maintain my standards, and choose quality over speed. Growth doesn’t need to be rushed to be meaningful. GAO Cambridge has developed slowly and intentionally, shaped by care rather than urgency, and that way of working feels sustainable to me.

I didn’t leave numbers because I couldn’t do them. I stayed in baking because it feels fulfilling, human, and balanced—something I can continue to grow with over time.

That’s why I chose baking.

And that’s why I stayed.