14/04/2026
🎈 Today marks 13 YEARS of The Kitchen Mixer 🎈
My musings of the sweet spot I’m in…
It’s quite unbelievable really where this passage of time has gone, yet I’ve been here everyday showing up to a job I call work, but really, it is so much more than that...
I recently heard (founder of Not on the Highstreet) say “what has building this business cost me?” and every bit of my soul felt that question. It’s not just finances. As she said , it’s balance. I gave the majority of my twenties to building , giving it every ounce of me and over half of my thirties getting it to where we are now.
Although it’s my life, it’s not my sole identity. It’s taken so much of me, but also given me so so much more.
Whilst I have risen through every challenge thrown our way; securing a premises, food supply issues, a pandemic, crazy electricity bills and absolutely endless rising costs, at the same time, I can count on one hand the number of days I’ve not wanted to go into ‘work’ and over 13 years that’s pretty incredible, something I do not take for granted. My HQ (an old cow barn turned kitchen!) is nestled within The Chilterns, surrounded by the countryside and it’s ever changing scenery throughout the seasons, a magical place to bake from. I’ve created cakes for clients’ special milestones to mark their life occasions. I’m surrounded by fellow small businesses who champion each other, some of which I’ve been lucky enough to supply for 10 years and counting. I have the most wonderful team, friends & family who don’t just support but support me.
13 years of cake has been a balancing act but the scales have slowly been tipping to enable me to live a life that enriches my soul; the proof in the pudding being my next adventure starting Friday, walking the full distance of Hadrians Wall.
Following my passion for cake has a lot to answer for. I smiled as I drove into work today and I think that’s says it all. ☺️
Bring on the next 13 years! I’m off to celebrate with tea and cake, I don’t think it’ll ever not be my favourite thing! 🥰🍰🫶
Gemma 👩🏼🍳
achievement