Sweet treats become big business

After going to a few night school classes for cake decorating, Danielle Higgs found a love for the creative process of cake making and 4 years later has secured premises for her business Sweeties by Dan and made it her full-time job.

Danielle says “I never imagined it turning into a career for me but I think that worked to my favour, I didn’t have any expectations on myself so when I started to see the growth it was unexpected and exciting!” 

Higgins specialises in bespoke buttercream cakes. She works with local fresh flowers to create cakes that are not only beautiful to look at but delicious too. She also creates dessert boxes, cupcakes, and brownies –  “all the delicious sugar-filled things in life!”  

She also runs her social media by herself and has her own podcast talking about running a small business and of course all things sweet.

Due to continuing lockdowns and restrictions, it hasn’t been possible for her to have her grand opening day at her new shop but Danielle says “I have been able to pivot to meet the demand for new products like school holiday cupcake decorating kits or special treat boxes that can be delivered contactlessly. Lockdown has definitely meant working harder for less income but I am just grateful that I have been able to continue to work”

Danielle’s family and friends not only love being taste testers but her Mum Denise helps her deliver goodies throughout Hamilton, while her Dad, Antony, is someone she looks up to as a business owner himself. 

The online cake community on Instagram has been integral to keeping herself motivated “I have also been lucky enough to cross paths with many young business owners through social media, many of them have become close friends. They all inspire me. They all have a wealth of knowledge. Anyone who is out there working hard to make their dreams a reality, inspires me.”