Author and Business Woman Lindy Smith Short Listed for BizMum Award

My business, Lindy’s Cakes, came into being when my children were very small. At the time my husband had just been made redundant, so I made the decision to try and make a living from the hobby I was passionate about, cake decorating. The thought of going back to full-time work and not seeing my children was far too daunting. I can’t say the road has been easy or smooth. Balancing the needs of my business with those of my family can at times be tricky. I can say, however, that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the journey. I never dreamt, when I started, that cakes would take me right around the world. That it would connect me with so many talented and amazing people. My children have grown as the business has grown but in many ways, their needs are now greater and the juggling act is harder!

‘Online Mum’ BizMum Award Finalist.

I am thrilled to have been shortlisted for the ‘Online Mum’ category in the BizMum Awards.

My online story

I believe that the internet has been hugely instrumentally in my success as a businesswoman. Almost from the word go I built a company website to help showcase my cakes. This meant, for example, that editors and publishers have always approached me – a lovely position to be in! My fourteen cake decorating book is being published at the end of October by F&W Media, which I feel is quite an achievement.

My books mean that my readers often want to purchase the products and equipment that I use. We try and answer this need with the e-commerce section of our website. This part of the website has grown and changed over time and now acts to inspire as well as to sell. For example, for each and every product from my own ranges (cake stencils, sugarcraft cutters and cookie cutters) there are photographs of decorated cakes or cookies showing what can be done with the right tools and a little knowledge.

Sharing my skills through teaching is something I love to do. Last year, in collaboration with the American Company Craftsy.com, I created two online classes for their teaching platform.  The classes have approximately 1,000 enrolled students each and are fully interactive with students as far away as Australia. The internet certainly makes global teaching possible.

Social media is also vitally important and increasingly so.  I try to interact with my followers most days especially on Facebook where I have the largest, most active, audience

The BizMums Conference

Over the years I have met many inspirational women who, like me, have families to support. These awards are a fabulous way of recognising the amazing work of so many women. I am thoroughly looking forward to the BizMums Conference on Saturday 4th October, which I am sure will be a big celebration – Maybe I’m meet some of you there!

Good luck to all Bizmum Award finalists – you are all brilliant.

Sweet wishes

Lindy Smith

BizMum Award Finalist