Well that was a glorious weekend of sunshine, wasn’t it?! I’m continuing all the good vibes with my next instalment of the ‘Working from Home - The Journals’ and I’m kickstarting Monday morning with ALL the edible inspiration! I’ve known Sharon of Sadie May Cakes for a little while now and have been fortunate enough to write about her stunning cake creations over the years. Sharon is renowned for her elegant fine art wedding cakes and if you swing by her IG, you’ll see why! Let’s find out all about this Sharon’s lockdown experience…

1 So, let’s talk about life in lockdown. What time do you get up? What’s your morning routine? Has this changed since working from home / being in lockdown?

Oh, I’m spoiled, my husband still gets up for work so I get a cup of tea brought to me in bed, and my kids are now teens so I have a leisurely start to the morning. I do keep feeling guilty but only for a short while!

2 How do you remain motivated while working from home?

I’ve always worked from home with my business so I have the motivation, what's changed is having to work around my boys. I have not spent much time in my garden studio as I like to be close. At first when everything just stopped for the wedding industry and the sheer panic set in it was so hard. emotionally hard and it's still financially hard, but I've been excited at how this situation has made me look differently at my business and certainly changes that will remain. I have become stronger with my brand, my values and my attitude to my time and what I want to do.

3 Do you listen to any podcasts while working from home?

I have not listened to podcasts at home during lockdown as this is something I normally do in my studio alone.

4 Lockdown has impacted businesses all over the world. How can people support you? E.g. #ShopSmallBusiness, sharing a post on FB, commenting on an Instagram post etc.

The wedding and creative community have been so supportive, and I get a real feeling of we are in this together. I have looked at new ways of collaborating and reached out to people more. If this situation has taught us something is that we are all human, we are all vulnerable and community over competition for me every time.

“The wedding and creative community have been so supportive, and I get a real feeling of we are in this together.”

5 Tell me one local business that you’ve decided to support during lockdown. It could be your local coffee shop, someone who hand-makes masks etc.

I have definitely shopped more local and smaller artisan stores online.

6 Tell me your favourite isolation cocktail / snack / treat?

Omg, what would we do without treats during this craziness! for me I’ve bought nicer coffees, nicer teas…(I cannot live without tea!) I've eaten way too much!

7 What’s your go-to ‘pick me up’ during lockdown life / working from home?

Tea…. it's always a cup of tea, and a walk in nature. Hearing the birds sing and the fresh air. Oh, and I have really tried to run 5K each time and at least twice a week.

8 How are you keeping in touch with friends and family?

Always checking in and seeing if everyone is ok on WhatsApp and text. I have missed hugs more than anything.

9 Name one lockdown pet peeve

Ok…. without getting too political, but the decision making has been dreadful.

10 Name one lockdown love

Walking more…. even to the shops instead of the car, it’s something I will try not to let our busy lives take away.

11 What do you have in store for your business? What’s got you feeling inspired?

I have so many plans! I have really tried to diversify what I do, I rebranded just before lockdown and one of my priorities through this is how to remain seen even when I am not doing wedding cakes. I have launched new aspects of my business, Sadie May Living, a home scent range and I plan to expand this more and Sadie May Mentoring, brand strategies for cake businesses. I have loved launching and making my seasonal collections and it really opened my eyes to new ways of promoting my brand and reaching more clients from all over the UK. Before I feel I was very tunnel visioned on ‘I’m a wedding cake designer’ and not really looked beyond that. This is a change in my outlook and business planning moving forward. I have enjoyed becoming an ambassador for cake decorating companies too, something I might have said I was too busty for pre lockdown.

1 Sadie May Valentines Cristina IlaoDSC_1398_websize.jpg

12 What’s one thing you want to do after lockdown restrictions are lifted?

I love to go on adventures, and I have missed culture, arts and the cinema… oh and a reason to get dressed up!

13 What has been your favourite Netflix series to binge on during lockdown?

What we do without our binge watching hey! Ozark, Downton Abbey, Normal People. I watched fleabag for the first time…! (Bit late to the party as always)

14 Are there any books on your shelf you’d recommend reading during lockdown?

I’ve not had the motivation to read much… too busy binge watching with the hubby! (and snacking!!)

15 What will you take from lockdown? Is there anything you’re grateful for or that you’ll do differently going forward?

I am grateful for the reflection time, for really understanding what's important, for knowing that the little things are so amazing and seeing the local area in a different light. I am grateful for what I have and will take things calmer. I feel more focused and will definitely be saying ‘No’ more.

16 Describe lockdown for you in three words. (E.g. life-changing, emotional, challenging).

Challenging, emotional, gratitude.