Tantrum Cakes The story (so far)

Like many keen bakers and decorating enthusiasts, it began at a young age with a faded, dog-eared book full of elaborate – and not-so elaborate - delicious kids’ birthday cakes. Designs, colours, shapes, decoration – all caught the eye, but to some, they became more than a mouthful of icing-laden, creamy, gooey, cakey goodness. They became a driver and a budding business.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Most kids – after saying “a millionaire”, when questioned further will answer “police officer...teacher... pilot... lawyer... truck driver...vet...fireman... air hostess”. Not many would answer “I want to own a cake shop”. Especially slightly chubby and already self-conscious, yet fussy 4 year olds. But a four year old with a grand plan. Even if she didn’t know it yet.

Gaylene – or ‘G’ to her friends and family, began by ‘helping’ her Mum make numerous special occasions cakes, and took a serious interest in baking while working for a prominent chain of Christchurch bakeries. After several years at the bakery, G furthered her experience in Auckland, Sydney, and of all places, Whitianga, before choosing to settle back in Christchurch with her young family. Skills were picked up in all locations and honed over many years and many, many long hours.

Not surprisingly, G’s own children take at least as much interest in eating cakes as she did as a kid. A copy of the same addition of The Australian Womans’ Weekly Birthday Cakes book sits among her pile of cook books. Little Ethan and Bella take as much pleasure leafing through these dated pages as G did. And G was put to work several times a year much as her Mum was all those years ago. But not one birthday cake each per birthday. Nor two. But three each, each year: one for the party at home, one for pre-school/school and one for the family dinner. And all vastly different. Phew. Hard work. But great fun.

However, it wasn’t just gaggles of three year olds, five year olds, seven year olds etc that were impressed by G’s efforts. These cakes and cup cakes often took the eye – and taste buds – of even more discerning grown-ups. Grown-ups don’t always just want princess and race track cakes though. Especially at grown-up events like weddings. G expanded her horizons and put her skill-set to further use and now applies her talents to the likes of wedding cakes, baby shower cup cakes and other celebratory baked goods.

And Tantrum Cakes was born.

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