A cake maker from Midsomer Norton has tasted sweet success – with her business reaching the finals of a regional competition.
Married mum-of-three, Sarah-Jane Shepherd, has fought off competition to make the final heat of the Venus Awards, which celebrates women in business.
The former Deputy Head, who runs Minky Kitten Cakes and makes custom-made character and sculpted treats, has been put forward for the Business Mother of the Year category.
Sarah-Jane, known as SJ, said: "I'm excited and humbled to reach the finals. Nominees were put to a public vote to get to this stage and it means a lot to me that people would take time out of their hectic schedules to vote."
SJ, who worked as a Deputy Head at St Mary's Primary School, in Writhlington, for nearly ten years, set up her business after giving some cupcakes to a friend as a thank you present.
Jo Light, who runs The Coffee Hut in Peasedown St John, was so impressed by the cupcakes – she decided to sell them at her shop and SJ was soon inundated with requests.
SJ set up her business in 2010 while on maternity leave and then went back to work as a supply teacher. She later gave up her job so she could focus on her business and have the flexibility to spend time with her three young sons.
Today, she has made over 1,000 cakes for numerous occasions, including weddings, birthdays and anniversaries.
SJ said: "I have an eye for detail, balance and colour. I put it down to a misspent youth moulding play dough."
But she admitted it is difficult to juggle work and family life. She said: "When I was starting out, I would get up at 6 a.m. to start work and then carry on after the boys went to bed at 8 p.m., working up until 2 a.m. I think grit, determination and passion are needed to make a success of any business."
The Venus Awards winners will be announced on March 21st at a ceremony in Bristol.