Baker helps others find recipe for success

A Gateshead-based baker is helping others grow their businesses.

Charlotte Dodds, who began baking during lockdown with zero experience, has been named one of six winners of Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday (#SBS) awards. 

What started as a kitchen-table hobby making cupcakes for friends and family has grown into Baking Bosses, a thriving community supporting bakers across the UK.

Charlotte said: “When I started baking, I had no idea what I was doing.

“I have taught myself everything from scratch, and there have been plenty of challenges along the way. 

“At times, I have struggled with confidence and even faced online bullying from other baking business owners. 

“But I kept learning, kept pushing forward and refused to give up.”

Alongside business partner Jo Coulson, Charlotte offers mentoring, training and practical resources to help hobby bakers and small business owners turn their passion into profit. 

The Bake Boss Club, the membership side of the business, now has over 60 members nationwide, including Jo Littler, who runs Jo’s Bakeaways. 

Like many bakers, Jo lacked confidence when it came to promoting herself online, but the club has helped her face those fears.

She said: “I am so grateful for everything that I have already learnt and for the things I will learn. 

“Social media has never been my thing, but I am glad I am trying to step out of my comfort zone.”

Likewise, Beckii Martin, founder of Mamma B’s Bakes, says her whole approach to business has changed since joining the Bake Boss Club.

She added: “Without Charlotte, Jo and this club, I would never have had the confidence to put myself out there like this.”

The #SBS award provides national exposure through Paphitis’ platform, which has more than 800,000 followers, connecting Baking Bosses to an exclusive network of more than 4000 small businesses. 

Charlotte added: “I could not bake until five years ago, and now we are helping bakers across the country build confidence and turn their passion into a business. 

“To have Theo’s support behind us is incredible. 

“It just shows that even if the path is not easy, if you keep going, amazing things can happen.”

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