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Stunning artisan chocolates and cakes in a constant array of new and unique flavours is what you can expect from Bakedown Cakery. The creative and very talented Jen Lo is the steam powering this gorgeous and delicious business. Jen's attention to detail and eye for style shines through with everything she creates. Here's a little about Jen's sweet story and some wonderfully honest and open insight into coping with the highs and lows of small business.

1. How did your passion for sweets and subsequently, your business journey begin?

I've loved sweets ever since I was very young, but I decided to start Bakedown almost 5 years ago after I came to the end of a design contract in 2014. I think it was a combination of not quite knowing what I wanted to do next, and finding baking incredibly therapeutic. And from there we somehow ended up in the artisan chocolate world which has been the best thing I've done as a career yet!

2. What has starting your own business meant for you? 

It has meant the freedom to be creative, to set my own rules and march at my own pace.

3. What have been/are the biggest challenges you face(d) in regard to starting/building/maintaining your business?

Where do I even begin with this question! As a creative person it's incredibly hard sometimes to deal with the ins and outs of business—to make sales rather than just spend the day playing in the kitchen. All of those things though are integral to making something successful...it's still a constant struggle even 5 years on.

4. What do you feel are the benefits of using edible images?

Customisation! They open up a door to creating unique treats that are specific to you and your customer—if you can design something beautiful and bespoke, you can really start to create a brand image for yourself.

5. What is your favourite type of treat/design to create?

Face Bark is our most popular product created with edible images and it's always so fun to see photos of people's friends being silly or their super adorable pets.

6. What is the current trend you're seeing in edible images?

I've been seeing a lot of edible images pop up on macarons recently...

7. What is the funniest/most unusual creation you've been asked to make?

No one has asked for anything that unusual...but I have had a fair few requests for hens parties for penis themed chocolate....

8. Do you have any tips you can share when either printing or applying edible images?

Use good quality sheets!! Also try to avoid super saturated dark areas as sometimes the ink has a hard time transferring across. Always abide by the recommended temperatures for use otherwise once the chocolate sets it may not have melted in properly.

9. What do you do for yourself and/or within your business to help avoid or alleviate burnout?

Oh, that's a good one...I think being able to recognise when you're reaching your physical and emotional threshold before you actually get there is a huge skill to learn. It takes some time I think to be able to notice the symptoms. These days, when I realise I'm reaching breaking point, I've been learning to check in with my body and meditate. Also taking regular 'getaways' where possible—the world won't implode if you take a long weekend and get out of the city. I think as small business owners it's really easy to think that the wheels will stop turning if you take a short break...the truth is, you're not going to die, your staff aren't going to die and your business will be there when you get back. Importantly, there is absolutely nothing wrong with talking to someone on a professional capacity for a more objective perspective. That has helped me immensely.

10. What is your career highlight to date?

Opening a shop and then having the strength to walk away from it for the betterment of my mental health!