January Is Done & Dusted – Welcome to My First Blog of 2026✨
Well… the first month of 2026 is officially over. January came, January did its thing, and January left. And with that, welcome to my very first blog of the year 🤍
When I first launched this website, I had full intentions of writing a weekly blog. Ambitious? Yes. Realistic? Not quite. Running a business full-time and being a mummy to a beautiful little monster (also known as my toddler) means my days have to be prioritised carefully. And at the very top of that list will always be my customers and their cakes.
So this year, I’m setting myself a goal that actually makes sense: 12 blogs for 2026 – one per month. Very doable… I hope! I decided that the first blog of the year should be a little re-introduction of myself, CAKED, and what my business is all about.
So, hi! 👋
My name is Elisha, I’m 28 years old, and I’ve been making cakes since I was 14. Baking has always been my thing. I studied Baking and Pastry Arts in TUD for three years, and I’ve been building CAKED ever since.
I specialise in buttercream-finished cakes, and I am completely obsessed with all things vintage piped details, Lambeth style, florals, and a bit of glitter (okay, maybe a lot of glitter). If it’s elegant, textured, and slightly extra — I’m in.
Now let’s talk about January.
I’m sure most self-employed people understand the dread that comes with it, especially in the confectionery world. January is all about new beginnings, healthy restarts, and detoxing from Christmas. Not exactly ideal for sugar-loving bakers.
In my seven years of business, January has always been painfully quiet… until this year. And honestly? This January has been the strangest one I’ve ever experienced — in the best way possible. What is usually a slow, nerve-wracking month turned into one of my busiest ever.
In the space of just four weeks, I’ve welcomed and booked over 30 new wedding couples. Thirty. In January. A number that, years ago, I wouldn’t have done in an entire year — and somehow it all happened in one month. I’m still sitting here like… sorry, what?
I feel incredibly grateful for this little community I’ve built, for the opportunities that came my way last year, and for the trust so many of you place in me to create cakes for your biggest moments. It honestly means more than I can put into words.
Here’s to a new year, new goals, lots of buttercream, and (hopefully) 11 more blogs to come 💫
Thank you for being here, for supporting CAKED, and for cheering me on — I truly couldn’t do this without you.
A Few Highlights From Last Year
Before I wrap up this first blog of 2026, I wanted to share a few highlights from last year — moments that still feel a bit pinch-me when I think about them.
• Wedding Showcase at the fabulous CHUPI wedding event
Omg… CHUPI — are you joking?! Being part of the CHUPI wedding showcase was honestly such an honour. From the moment I started CAKED, opportunities like that felt like a distant dream, so to actually be there, showcasing my work alongside such incredible talent, was beyond surreal. The atmosphere, the couples, the creativity — everything about the day was just magic. It was one of those moments where I had to stop and remind myself how far this little business has come.
Last year was full of growth, learning, and some truly unforgettable opportunities, and I’m so excited to see what 2026 has in store. If January is anything to go by… we’re in for a good one 🤍
Thank you, as always, for being here and supporting me — whether you’ve ordered a cake, shared my work, or simply followed along. It genuinely means the world.
• Making Annalivia’s & Ruairi’s wedding cake
These two don’t need an introduction! An absolute dream couple and such a pleasure to work with from start to finish. Their wedding cake was a true show-stopper and a style I had never actually created before the big day — but I always say I work best under pressure!
Alongside the cake, I also had the pleasure of creating a fabulous dessert table, pre-wedding treats, and hen party favours… we really did it all. An unforgettable project and one I’ll always be so proud of.
• Hitting 5K followers (and then some!)
While follower numbers don’t really mean much in the grand scheme of things, this was a little personal goal I had quietly set for myself — and somehow we didn’t just hit 5K, we flew straight
past it and reached 8K. I’m honestly so grateful for every follow, message, share, and bit of support along the way. For 2026, my goal is to reach 10K, and when we do… expect a big giveaway to say thank you properly 👀✨
