My cake journey

After 20+ years in the graphic design business I swapped my keyboard and mouse for an apron and wooden spoon! I now spend my days in my registered, 5-star hygiene-rated home kitchen applying my design skills through the medium of cake. Little did I know the artistry I acquired through my design training many years ago now enables me to create edible works of art.

I started my professional life as a graphic designer having graduated from the Barking College of Design and Technology in 1992. From there I held various posts, from working in a printing house, a magazine publishing house and then a retail marketing agency, working for high street chains such as Argos, Robert Dyas and Homebase. More recently, I worked as a Senior Designer for a theatrical marketing agency in London’s West End, working on number of high-profile musicals such as 42nd Street, Billy Elliot and Dirty Dancing – a post I held for over 10 years.

In 2016 something changed. After making my first highly decorated novelty cake for a family member I uncovered a skill I never knew I had and a new-found love for the art of cake decorating. Such was the response I was encouraged to continue making novelty cakes and in 2019 I started my own cake business and Cool Cakes By Chris was launched.

My passion lies in creating unique, highly decorated cakes that really mean something to the customer. I like a challenge and get excited when I have to think about how I am going to create something in the form of cake or sugarcraft. Although I am often asked to base a cake on a previous design that a customer likes, my aim is to never make the same cake twice. So you're guaranteed that you'll always get an individual cake made especially for you.

It’s important to me that the cakes I make don’t just look great, but taste great too. I only use quality ingredients and take time to ensure the flavours and textures are just right. But don’t just take my word for it – you can read what my clients have to say on Google and in testimonials throughout this website.

Through a combination of self-taught skills and professional tutoring, I have gained in experience and am keen to continue learning new techniques and skills. I am a member of the British Sugarcraft Guild and have been honoured with 2 awards for ‘Cake of the Week’ from the Sugar Street Studios Cake Academy (formerly the Pretty Witty Academy).

When I am not making cakes in my kitchen I can be found practising my violin. Not only do I play regularly in amateur orchestras but I now also run my own amateur orchestra, the Richmond Light Orchestra!

I look forward to the road ahead and can’t wait for more exciting commissions!