Sweet Success: Cake Decoration for Empowerment

Sweet Success: Cake Decoration for Empowerment aims to empower women by providing comprehensive cake decoration skills while promoting mental health and offering flexible employment opportunities in the cake decoration field.

What was your project idea?
The course, initially designed for 12 weeks, introduced a mentor who motivated the participants from the start. Additionally, a barista session was added to the curriculum due to the demand for barista jobs in London, providing skills in coffee and foaming techniques. The main focus remained on decorating cakes with buttercream, icing, and fondant, culminating in participants creating their own themed cakes, which were exhibited during the closure event on October 5th.

The course brought together a diverse group of women who supported each other and developed not just skills, but also a strong sense of community. We established a golden rule of mutual respect and help, which created an atmosphere of trust and collaboration. I was proud to see how the women lifted each other up rather than competing or judging each other’s work. While it became evident that students needed more than the two-hour sessions to practise their skills fully, the project successfully delivered the planned curriculum and exceeded expectations.

Why did you think your project was important to address health and wellbeing in your community?
Several of the women attending mentioned that they had felt excluded from other courses due to financial constraints or unsuitable environments. The clean, welcoming space we provided was an essential factor in making this project a success. Being able to cultivate a sense of community that contributes to people's mental health, while also fostering a safe learning environment, allows the initiative to address health and wellbeing for a community that's not been able to access this elsewhere before.

The changes we observed in the participants were transformative. Many of the women gained confidence, particularly those who had never decorated cakes before. While some had experience baking, cake decoration was a completely new skill for them. After completing the course, several participants expressed excitement about being able to decorate cakes for their families. Others, like one standout student who never missed a session, are now considering pursuing cake decoration professionally. This particular woman has asked for guidance in setting up her own business, and I am hopeful we can connect her with resources to help her take that next step.

In addition to technical skills, the women formed a tight-knit community. They continue to share tips, ideas, and encouragement through a WhatsApp group we set up, which has become a platform for further learning and support. Confidence, empowerment, and a strong sense of belonging were among the key outcomes of this project. As some participants were from Latin American backgrounds, the sessions in September were especially meaningful, as they aligned with cultural celebrations like “Latin Valentine’s Day.”

What's something that's surprised you in this process?
The course revealed the financial and family challenges many of these women face. For instance, three participants had to drop out after the 7th session due to family responsibilities or because they found jobs that conflicted with the course schedule. These women were exceptional students, and their departure highlighted how the reality of daily life can sometimes limit opportunities for personal growth and development. Single mothers in particular struggled with childcare during the sessions, and while we allowed children to accompany them, it became clear that this presented challenges. Some of the children were too young to be entertained for two hours, which impacted the mothers' ability to focus on learning.

Despite these hurdles, the remaining 14 participants successfully completed the course, and the feedback from the women was overwhelmingly positive. Many described the space we created as a safe haven where they could share not just cake and coffee, but their challenges and triumphs. This supportive, all-women environment became more than a class—it was a community.

What change would you like to see so that more people can be empowered to make decisions on the issues that affect them?
Overall, this project surpassed our expectations. It was more than just a cake decoration class—it became a place for women to learn, grow, and connect in meaningful ways. The supportive environment we created helped these women not only develop new skills but also form lasting bonds with one another. This experience has been incredibly fulfilling, and it has reinforced the importance of providing accessible, community-focused learning opportunities. Moving forward, it would be wonderful to establish follow-up projects or partnerships with organisations that can help participants like the woman who wishes to start her own business take the next steps toward achieving their goals. By building this community of women who empower and uplift one another, we’ve not only changed lives but also created a foundation for future growth and collaboration.