AFTER a devastating accident left executive Veronica Harnett unable to return to work, she turned her love of baking into a business.
Mrs Harnett had to give up her job as locality manager with the Connexions Service in Redcar after falling down the stairs of her Guisborough home and breaking her back last year.
She had always cooked and baked cakes for other people as a hobby and, as a Traidcraft representative, has a keen interest in fair trade products and so, despite still suffering pain from her back, she decided to launch a business making cakes from ethicallysourced ingredients.
Run from her home kitchen, Fairly Scrumptious specialises in handmade celebration and wedding cakes, cupcakes and luxury desserts.
She said: “I have always loved making cakes and used to read about people making a successful career out of their passion for baking but, because I had a good job which I enjoyed, I never looked to pursue setting up my own business.
“I’m really excited about Fairly Scrumptious as I feel it is important for people to be able to buy cakes where the ingredients are ethically-sourced and I saw a gap in the market for these products.
“Orders have been coming in thanks to word of mouth, my Guisborough market stall, the website and through attending craft fairs, so I’m pleased with the interest in such a short space of time.”
She was helped to launch her first business by the Business Link advisory service, which encouraged her to explore new markets and find business courses.
Stephen Gibson, Business Link adviser, said: “Veronica has demonstrated that it is possible for people to create a business from a talent.
“It is always a pleasure to work with people who are embarking on a new challenge and to give them guidance to help them succeed. Business Link offers a range of start-up events and courses that are tailored to help people who want to run their own business.
Mrs Harnett added: “If anyone is faced with change in circumstances that are out of their control it is worth considering setting up your own business. There is lots of help out there, so you’re not alone, and it could be a positive career move. I may have broken my back, but since setting up the business, I haven’t looked back.”
