Nicola Allen works from home in Binstead, baking and decorating hand-iced biscuits. Inspired by her grandmother Betty, the business is named Little Betty’s Bakes.
“We specialise in creating delicious biscuits for you to send as a lovely gift,” Nicola explains. “They’re great for birthdays, baby showers, congratulations, to say thank you or any occasion that you like. They can add a special touch to your wedding or party and they are a great way to promote your business.”
It’s a new start for Nicola who had been working as a beauty therapist but wanted to do something different with her career.
“It was now or never really,” Nicola laughs. “I fancied a change of career and I’d enjoyed baking cakes and biscuits for family and friends. I’ve always been quite arty and into crafting and I wanted to do something which used more of my creative skills. It’s been very satisfying for me, it allows me to work around my family as well as make a bit of money, so it’s been brilliant.”
Nicola heard about the Chamber’s Over 50s mentoring when she came to the B2B Expo in September. She then attended the Chamber’s one-day start-up course and has been having regular meetings with her mentor Lynda.
“Working from home can be a bit isolating so the networking and mentoring has been brilliant. It’s been great to be able to check in with Lynda who has been really supportive with things like finance advice and being self-employed. Setting up my home kitchen was a bit of a learning curve but I much prefer being my own boss and being in control of my working hours.”
Nicola has even baked for Dame Vera Lynn’s hundredth birthday, delivering 700 biscuits to the special show at the London Palladium.
“I was contacted by Dame Vera’s granddaughter, who lives on the Island and found me on Facebook. I provided a mix of bluebird biscuits and a 100 design, for all of the VIPs and celebrities to enjoy backstage. I was invited to the show as a VIP too. It was fantastic. The Queen was there! I don’t know if she got to eat one of my biscuits but I hope she did!”
Nicola is excited about growing her business and very glad she made the move to working for herself.
“I hope to sell my biscuits in some island retail outlets this year. I am working towards that as well as weddings, corporate events and individual orders for celebrations. I’m so glad I set up Little Betty’s Bakes. I wish I’d done it sooner but I’m very glad I’m doing it now. There’s a real sense of achievement for me and I hope the business continues to grow.”
