A Leeds woman has opened her first cake store a year after buying the unit and planning to begin trading from her store.
Sophie O'Connell, 25, has sold bespoke cakes from her home for nearly three years, amassing thousands of followers across social media with her own unique creations turned into celebratory cakes for people across the nation.
After starting baking when she was 16, Sophie had been told by friends and family just how impressive her cakes were as she continued to bake as a hobby whilst studying dance at university.
Sophie said: "To be honest, when I as younger I baked as a stress relief. It was just something I enjoyed doing. One of my main hobbies.
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After leaving education, Sophie had dreamt of having a long career in professional dancing. She would go on to work in Malta, before appearing on television shows on BBC & ITV.
However, her professional dance dream ends following a horrific injury.
Sophie said: "I broke my foot - which was very painful.
"Getting work in dance is hard as it is, so when you're injured it is devastating."
To cope with the injury and disappointment, Sophie went back to doing what she loved - baking.
She would continue to bake from home as a hobby, posting her creations on Instagram and Facebook.
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Before long, she realised that there had been a lot of interest - so she started taking requests.
She said: "It wasn't long before it became my full-time job, I've baked over a thousand cakes now - it's been amazing.
"So when I got to the point where I could open up my own store, I can't tell you how excited I was."
Sophie acquired a bakery unit in Swinnow Grange Mills, Stanningley, but her plans to open to the public were put on halt by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Now, Sophie is all set to open her shop and bakery today (Monday, May 24) - with hundreds of her customers excited to visit.
Sophie said: "It's been a long time coming, but I am overly excited. I just cannot wait to get going!"
You can visit Sophie's Instagram page by clicking here.
