Everything I know about running a business, I learned from a 70-year-old woman in...
Everything I know about running a business, I learned from a 70-year-old woman in rollers and matching heels.
Meet my Nanna 👵🏻
Her mum owned a popular cake shop, and she's spent her life out-baking it.
THOUSANDS of cakes at this point. My mum's wedding cake. My brother's wedding cake. Every birthday of my childhood. One year, a Dalek. The Winnie the Pooh cake at my baby shower - every character handmade.
(My friends don't ask how she's doing. They ask if there are leftovers 😂😭)
I grew up at her counter covered in flour, learning 'the best tricks'.
I thought she was teaching me to bake. She was actually teaching me:
1. Show up properly. She bakes dressed like she's going to a fashion show - matching heels, necklace, earrings. Rollers in, every day. Do the work like someone's watching.
2. Say what you mean. If my Nanna doesn't rate something, you'll know within seconds 😭 It's hereditary! My clients can confirm - except now it's a service they pay for
3. Work hard, but make it fun. Her catchphrase is 'no time to sit down.' We beg this woman to rest. Her counter-offer: a 6-month trip around the world next year. Most people pick a lane - all hustle or all play. My nan taught me the middle before I could walk: take the work seriously, never yourself!!
4. Keep the door open. Her house, 15 minutes from central London, has never once required an appointment. It's hosted my baby shower, games nights, dinners, my husband, and every single friend I've ever brought round. Her rule: the house belongs to the family, not just her.
And when I left to build a business on the other side of the world, she didn't guilt-trip me. She said:
'Do anything and everything you can. Don't worry about us or anyone else. We miss you - but we're so proud of what you're doing and where you are.'
So now my house in Bali runs on her rules. Friends pop in unannounced. Games nights every week. Show up as you are, bring your burdens, and we'll love you all the more for it.
Next year, her world tour lands in Bali
I'll be baking the cake (it won't be as good as hers) 🎂
