BEAUTY TIES INTERVIEW : AMBER SUMMERS CREATOR OF SUMMERS KITCHEN

The Summers Kitchen is a delightful bakery I discovered this year. I ordered a plethora of items for my family to enjoy and we all agree it surpasses anything we have tasted ! Scrumptious handmade treats.

How did The Summers Kitchen come into fruition?
The Summers Kitchen started as a little passion project at home for me. I’ve always loved baking from a very young age (I baked with my gran a lot and my mum). Once I  had my wee boy Jax I decided I wanted to be at home with him to be there for all the milestones and finally follow all the things I have been passionate about in life. And its grew from there!

When did you realise you could bake?
Honestly, I have always baked so I couldn't tell you when but since starting TSK I have realised it isn't just a hobby and people genuinely love what I bake! When I started I honestly thought it would just be family and friends that bought from me but in less than a year it has already grew to be so much more than I ever expected it too!

Did you go to college to enhance your baking skills?
No, I didn’t study baking - everything I’ve learned has been through self teaching, practice, and a lot of trial and error. I’ve always believed passion and creativity can take you just as far as qualifications, especially when you truly love what you do.

Do you have a favourite item that you make and why is it your favourite?
Ooohhh that’s such a hard one! But I would have to say my cookies! I love creating new flavours and this is 1 product that people used to tell me they loved (way before TSK) so they have a special place in my heart!

At The Summers Kitchen, what has been the most popular item?
My treat boxes have definitely been the most popular! I think people love being able to try a little bit of everything. They’re especially popular around seasonal launches and themed events!

Your boxes of various cakes, themed for Halloween, were scrumptious. How do you plan what to create?
Thank you!  I always plan my boxes based on what’s in season or trending, and then I like to add a personal twist. I also love creating treats that look as good as they taste, so I spend time sketching ideas, testing flavours, and making sure each box feels special and unique.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start a baking business?
I would say believe in yourself and stay true to your own style. It’s so easy to compare yourself to others, but your uniqueness is your biggest strength. Be consistent, take feedback on board, and remember it takes time to build something amazing, but it’s so worth it.

What are the difficulties you face that challenge you?
Balancing everything can definitely be a challenge!! Especially juggling business life, being a mum, and making sure I don’t burn myself out. So time management and staying organised are things that I am constantly working on, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Will you be looking to expand your business in the future?
Absolutely! I’d love to expand! There's lots on my mind the now with where I can take my business and I am so excited for the future! But right now, im focusing on doing more markets next year to get my name out there.

Due to being busy with work, how do you relax?
I love spending time with my husband David and our little boy Jax. We’ll go for walks, watch a film, or just have a cozy night in  playing games/reading! I am such an introvert if you hadn't noticed. Baking is my job, but it’s also my creative outlet, so I genuinely find it relaxing too (when there’s no time pressure.)

What music are you listening to at the moment?

I love listening to new and different artists but I always end up going back to my favourites - A Day To Remember, My Chemical Romance, You Me At Six. Im very much a lover of rock music.

What do you have planned for Christmas? Any special festive items?

Yes! I’m planning some festive treat boxes and I am also taking orders for Cheesecakes and Tarts for peoples Christmas pudding! Christmas is one of my favourite times of year to bake because it’s all about comfort, nostalgia, and spending those days with the people most important to you.

What is your favourite item/s from your menu?

Aside from my cookies, I’m obsessed with my Cheesecakes — they’re so fun to make and decorate and everyone loves them!! The feedback i have recieved is unreal! It genuinely makes my heart so happy!

YOU CAN FIND THE SUMMERS KITCHEN ON FACEBOOK.  https://www.facebook.com/share/1DxCdGgete/?mibextid=wwXIfr