Meet our December Supplier of the Month: Kimmi's Cakes

Each month we like to get to know a supplier even better and bring you snippets you won't know about them from their page. This month our supplier of the month is Kimmi’s Cakes, a Swindon based cake designer that creates homemade cakes and sweet treats that not only look incredible but taste exceptional too. Kim promises to offer you the freshest and finest ingredients, sourced locally where possible.

If you’re looking for unique flavours, a custom cake design or a cake that covers your dietary requirements then you’re in the right place! Taking all your wants and needs into account, Kimmi will create a stunning wedding cake that will be the perfect centrepiece for your wedding day.

Read on to hear what Kimmi had to say when we ask her about challenges faced, trends coming, her favourite settings, the start of Kimmi’s Cakes and so much more...*Photo Credit: Photography By Sally-Anne

Who runs Kimmi’s Cakes and how did you start out in business?

Me; Kim, Kimmi, Kimmo, Kimbo, Cake Lady…I’ve been called them all!

It all began in 1994 in my Nannie’s kitchen when I learnt that I had a passion for creating something sweet that was a treat for the whole family. Fast forward 23 years and I created my own brand, combining traditional recipes with modern designs; Kimmi’s Cakes was born!

What is your greatest extravagance?

I’m a sucker for ‘the best’, spending hours sourcing quality and where possible, local ingredients. My customers deserve to have the best and you really can taste the difference.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve been presented with so far?

The heat! We were all spoilt with the high temperatures of Summer ‘19, but whilst many seized the opportunity to spent time outside and enjoy the sunshine, I worked during the cooler hours of the night and early mornings. The delivery and assembly of a wedding cake is a super delicate task that requires skill, a steady hand and precise timing. To ensure a perfect set up and cake freshness, it’s essential that I arrived as close to guest arrival time as possible, whilst still leaving enough time to assemble and add final decoration.

What moment are you most proud of in your profession?

One of my proudest moment was when I had reached the point where i'd doubled my wedding bookings from 2019 for next year, and that figure it still rising! It’s a humbling feeling to know that people trust you with one of the most important parts of their wedding day and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love the journey of meeting my couples, hosting their consultations, seeing them enjoy the delicious cakes I’ve created whilst hearing all about their plans for their wedding day, and then reading their wonderful reviews after the big day!

*Photo Credit: Siobhan Beales Photography

Where is your favourite setting for a wedding?

Over the last year I’ve been very lucky to visit some insanely beautiful venues! A few that have stolen my heart are Stone Barn, Cripps Barn and Oxleaze Barn…can you see the theme! I visited Stone Barn for the first time this year in the summer and I just stopped and stared, taking it all in - I fell in love instantly! The rustic meets modern with the open kitchen and wooden beams and then the stunning stone ceremony area with hundreds of candles just blew me away. Cripps Barn will always be a first love for me, I’ve been there quite a few times since starting Kimmi’s Cakes, in fact it was one of the first venues that I went to. The fireplace, oh that fireplace… just go and see it and you’ll understand what I mean! It really is such a stunning venue, which can be styled in many ways! Finally is Oxleaze Barn. I only visited Oxleaze Barn for the first time last weekend, but as soon as I walked in I knew I wanted to go back! It was just so warm, inviting and romantic; just beautiful! Luckily, I’ve got a few weddings booked there in 2020 so i'll get to revisit it again soon!

What is the one thing you can’t live without in your job?

My oven! Silly as it sounds but so very true! I currently use one oven in my parent’s kitchen and the poor thing has done more hours in the last year or so then any oven should. I’ve lost count of the times the element has had to be changed, I now keep a spare ready and my Dad is now a pro at changing it! Everything else can be done by hand…if it really had to be! I think my KitchenAid would be second on the list though!

*Photo Credit: Nick Walker Photography

Where do you draw inspiration from for your work?

You can get inspiration from almost anywhere really; wallpaper, a stone wall, that wooden floor. The wonders of the internet give us access to many a Pinterest board, countless images on Google and not to mention YouTube! I’m completely self-taught with the help of the odd YouTube video. I don’t think I would be the cake maker I am today without having access to all of the above. I am looking to develop my skills over the next couple of years and I have my eye on a few classes that I want to treat myself to. I love chatting with my couples and hearing what ideas they have for their cake and working with them to make them a unique design for their special day!

What flavours do you offer, and which is your favourite!?

I would list them all but don’t want to risk anyone drooling unnecessarily…! I actually have 27 flavours on offer currently from Classic Vanilla with Strawberry or Brandy Soaked Fruit cake, all the way to Coconut, Mango & Lime or Peach Melba! I’m always being inspired by chocolate bars or puddings and have a list of flavour combinations I want to trial in cake form and have tested before rolling them out into the world! I don’t think I have a favourite cake flavour; however, I cannot resist vanilla cake mix straight out of the bowl!

*Photo Credit: Dan Morris Photography (left) and The Little Photo Company (top)

Do you have a style or technique that you specialise in?

I’m proud to offer many styles that incorporate most techniques to my clients. From ruffles and sugar flowers to fresh flower cascades and rustic semi-naked cakes finished with fresh fruit. Every time I finish a design it becomes my new favourite!

In addition to the traditional tiered cake, what else do you offer?

I love a challenge and thrive when getting creative! I was asked to make a Game on Thrones wedding cake last year and I have some super exciting and very different designs to create for 2020. In addition to the traditional tiered cake I offer cupcakes, mini cupcakes, custom carved cakes, favours and dessert tables. This doesn’t just apply to weddings; there is a whole other side of Kimmi’s Cakes that makes celebration cakes!

*Photo Credit: Nick Walker Photography

Are there any obvious cake trends for 2020?

Just looking at my orders I have in for 2020 so far, there is a clear trend in the rustic, naked, semi-naked and textured buttercream cakes. With your finishing touches, each cake still remains personal to your day! That’s the great thing about cake - they are so versatile and even small changes like the colour of your flowers can completely transform a cake!

When do you recommend a couple make their initial contact with you?

There isn’t a specific timescale to get in touch as such, but considering how organised couples are now, I would advise booking in your venue first and getting in touch shortly after. At present, I have couples booking in 6-18 months in advance. Certain months are more popular than others, so being organised is key to ensure you don’t miss out on your favourite suppliers!

Photo Credit: Siobhan Beales Photography

Loved finding out about Kimmi’s Cakes and her delightful bakes? If you head over to her Whitewed Directory Page you can find out even more, swoon through images of her incredible cake designs, and make contact to arrange your taster consultation at your convenience.

Why not follow Kimmi’s Cakes on Instagram and Facebook for inspiration, top tips, exciting news and sneak peek video’s of Kim working on her creations.