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Chantell Lovell didn't set out to start a cake business. After experiencing devastating loss, baking became her way of healing and moving forward. That creative outlet gradually grew into Made With Lovell, a business built on resilience, determination, and a genuine love for creating special moments through cake.

1. Can you tell us about when you first realised you wanted to start your sweet treats business?

After the sudden loss of my husband, everything changed. My world became just myself and my two boys, while I tried to find pieces of myself again. Baking became my comfort - A friend talked me into going to a cupcake decorating class, this was wildly out of my comfort zone, but I went and loved it. Then, a little nudge from another friend of mine after my cupcakes became a hit at school morning teas, I took a leap. A week later, my business was registered, my kitchen approved… and a new chapter began. 

2. Starting and running a business can be a wild ride! What challenges have you faced while building your business, and how have you overcome them?

A lot of trial and error. Learning to set real boundaries, know my worth, and stand up for myself - especially when it comes to my time and my work. It hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has helped me grow stronger and more confident in what I do. I still have a long way to go to where I want to be, but with every order and every day, I’m making progress.

 3. What has starting and running your own business meant for you?

Starting and running my own business has meant rebuilding - finding strength, purpose, and a piece of myself again during a really hard time. It’s given me the flexibility to be there for my boys, while creating something that’s truly mine. Also, I have been able to set an example for my boys that if they have a goal or vision, then they can do whatever they put their minds to with hard work and determination.

4. You purchased an edible ink printer about a year ago; what motivated this decision? 

After ordering edible images online for customers and the costs involved with that, along with having to wait for rural delivery, I became very frustrated. Then I saw a post on Instagram about these printers and thought how hard could it be? So I didn't put much more thought into it and bought it straight away. 

5. Can you explain the advantages of incorporating edible images into your sweet creations?

Being able to print absolutely anything my customer has a vision for is the best feeling. I get a lot of messages, and a lot of customers aren't aware of just how customised an order can be. I've gotten my head around a few online programs, too, which allow me to really create something unique. Cost-wise, it is so much cheaper, and I can print and produce images within a few minutes. 

   

6. We're curious: what design gets your creative juices flowing, and why is it your favourite to work on?

I love it when a customer comes to me with a theme - that’s when my creativity really starts flowing. It opens up so many different ideas to explore, from colours and textures to the little details that bring everything together. I enjoy taking a vision and turning it into something that feels special and personal. It’s not just about how it looks, but knowing it’s part of someone’s celebration and helps make their day that bit more memorable. That’s my favourite kind of work - having the freedom to be creative while creating something meaningful for someone else.

   

7. Have you received any wild or wacky image requests that still make you smile? Do tell!

I’ve definitely had some wild and wacky requests over time, but one that really stuck with me was from a lovely customer who had a scheduled hysterectomy coming up. She was planning a celebration beforehand, which I thought was such a beautiful way to honour her body and everything it had done for her. She sent through some inspiration for cupcake toppers and a cake design - including piping shaped like a uterus. It was definitely something a little different, but also incredibly meaningful. Her celebration looked absolutely beautiful, and I felt so privileged to have played a small part in such a personal and empowering moment. It’s jobs like that that really stay with you.

   

8. Looking back, what advice would you give to someone keen to purchase an edible ink printer for the first time?

Do it asap! Oh, and make sure you get the refill ink bottles too. 

9. Do you have a favourite cake flavour?

I love my lemon sponge with a whipped lemon curd. 

10. Self-care is crucial! How do you take care of yourself while running your business?

It’s absolutely crucial - but I’ll be honest, it’s not always realistic. Life gets busy, things pop up, and it can be hard to properly switch off. For me, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Even just sitting down with a hot coffee in the morning before the day starts - even if it’s only five minutes - helps reset me. I also try to book in things like a massage ahead of time, so I actually commit to taking a break. And sometimes it’s as simple as a last-minute coffee at a friend’s house. Those small moments really help fill my cup and keep me going.

Chantell & Kate

11. What business-related achievement are you most proud of, and why does it hold a special place in your heart?

A proud moment in my business was being part of something much bigger than cake. I had the honour of donating all the cupcakes for the desserts for the evening at the Big Boobie Ball - an incredible event run by Sidekick Events Busselton, with The Shitty Titty Committee heavily involved - a community created by my close friend Kate and her friend Carol after their own diagnoses with breast cancer highlighted the lack of support for younger women going through it.

Kate was just 31 when she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer while pregnant with her third child. I met her not long after her treatment started, and she became someone very special to me - especially as she supported me through the sudden loss of my husband. Alongside a few other amazing women, we’ve built a little village within our community. That night was unforgettable. So many local businesses came together, donating generous prizes that were auctioned off, and together, over $72,000 was raised in a single evening for Breast Cancer Care WA. Standing there, watching Kate and her husband speak, seeing the strength, the impact, and the way they’re helping others far and wide. It was truly an honour to play even a small part in it.

 

12. Are there any other EIS products that you love using in your work?

The edible icing sheets. I have tried other brand sheets, and absolutely none compare to the EIS edible icing sheets. They are so great.