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For Sue Limpus from Sue’s Sweet Obsession, it all started with a confessed love of sweets and early years spent baking microwave packet mixes and holiday goodies. As she began making her daughters’ increasingly elaborate birthday cakes, requests from family and friends soon followed. Sue launched her business in 2022 with the kids off to school, and she hasn’t looked back since!

1. Can you tell us how your sweets business or journey began?

I've always loved eating sweet treats and from an early age started making good old microwave packet mixes (hello 90's!), along with special holiday treats.

I started making my daughters' birthday cakes, and as they got older their requests became more elaborate (thanks to our combined love of watching cake-decorating videos!). It then progressed to family members' cakes, and then I started getting requests from friends. During COVID lockdowns I started playing with fondant sugar cookies, and the obsession truly kicked in from there. Once my youngest started full-time school in 2022, I decided it was time to bite the bullet and launch Sue's Sweet Obsession. Thanks to family and friends, and some amazing customers spreading the word, I've become busier than I ever expected.

2. What has starting and running your own business meant to you personally?

I love the flexibility that Sue's Sweet Obsession gives me to still be there for my girls to do school runs, and attend school events and after-school activities. It has been such a great experience to see what I can achieve with lots of practice, word of mouth and Social media doing something that I love. It gives me such a buzz when I see the looks on people's faces when they collect their orders and the lovely feedback from happy customers.

3. You recently got a new edible ink printer; what motivated this decision?

It initially was purely a cost based decision - it was starting to get expensive to order edible images through local suppliers, and also difficult to source for late notice orders. After seeing the always awesome Tigga Mac recommending her edible ink printer from EIS I did some research and decided to go for it. Little did I know how much it would open up extra ways of being creative, and even the ability to supply other bakers with edible prints.

4. How was the setup process, and do you have any tips or hacks to make it smoother?

From ordering to set up it was so smooth and easy - I was literally printing off cupcake toppers the same day it arrived! The biggest tip I have is to wear gloves while putting in the ink cartridges - my helpful husband decided to lend me a hand and ended up with ink stains on his fingers.

5. How has the addition of an edible ink printer positively impacted your business?

From a feasibility point of view, it has reduced overheads, which means I can pass these savings on to customers. It has also given me so much more freedom with my cake and cookie designs and allows for extra personalisation and last-minute inspiration.

I absolutely loved creating a custom cookie image for a conference earlier this year for HTAWA adapting their conference logo and was so proud of how they turned out. Kid's birthday cakes are always exciting to make as well, with so many different themes coming through. I also can't wait to start playing around with Father's Day designs.

7. Can you share some of your pro tips for printing and applying edible images effectively?

I always do a test print on normal paper first to make sure it's all ok without ruining any edible image sheets. The smoother the surface you're applying the image to, the better it will look, and I also tend to place the cutout image on my fondant then give it a light roll over with a fondant roller to help it adhere without needing to use water or glue to stick it on prior to cutting out the fondant.

8. We're curious, what cake creation inspires you the most and why is it your favourite to work on?

Baby Showers and First Birthdays are some of my favourites - it's such a special and exciting time for the parents, with so many cute themes to work with.

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

This is still my downfall! I'm Mum first, Business owner second and then with the little time left over I enjoy reading, binge-watching some ep's, and either cranking some music or listening to podcasts while cooking.

10. What career achievement are you most proud of, and why does it hold a special place in your heart?

Having just celebrated 2 years of Sue's Sweet Obsession, I'm most proud of having repeat customers - it's a lovely feeling that people have enjoyed my creations and want me to create beautiful or fun desserts to be a part of their special occasions.

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

I have found the Icing Cutter Pro to be so handy for all those round images producing a neat and clean finish. I'd also be lost without my craft knife and mat.