Blackpool mum launches her dream cake making business after losing her job in lockdown

And Melanie Kelly, 36, aims to draw on her work experiences with further plans to offer free baking workshops to people in recovery from alcohol and drug addictions.

She previously worked with people with varying mental health conditions, but now has used the last few months to set up “Mel Kelly Cakes and Bakes” and produce custom cakes and treats.

Her long-term aspiration is to now open up a shop in the town – but also use her new business to help people in rehabilitation.

The mum of two, said her love for baking came from watching her gran when she was a child. She said: “I’ve always had a sweet tooth and after I had my own children, I started baking more like I use to do with my nan. I really enjoy the process of getting all the ingredients, creating the cake from scratch and then feeling that pride when it’s done.

“It was very tough losing my job early on during the pandemic and I was unsure what I should do next. Because I also had my children at home because of the school closures, we found ourselves doing more baking than normal.

"That’s when I thought about starting my own cake business. I had made stuff for friends and family before and that had gone well - so

it felt a good thing to look at doing.

Before officially setting up her business, Melanie did her food hygiene and allergy training and registered with Blackpool Council.

She’s used a lot of the money she earned as a health worker to get her business off the ground.

She hasn’t forgotten her roots though and wants to also use her new business to help people in recovery from addiction.

She added: “I met some really amazing people in my time as a health worker and I want to be in a position where I can still help some of those people.

"My longer-term plans are to open a shop but to also help people in recovery and offer them free workshops in cake baking. When you give people support and opportunities to try new things, it can often be the start of an all new positive chapter for them.”