Around nine years ago, Heather Upham made a birthday cake in the shape of a horse’s head for her boss as he enjoyed hunting. The boss’s mum was so impressed with Heather’s work she invited her to come along to the Bridport group of the British Sugarcraft Guild (BSG). And Heather has never looked back, as she now owns Fancy That Cake Company in Beaminster and is a demonstrator and assessor for the Guild.
In 2012, Heather was made redundant from her job at Hi Ho Silver, so used her severance pay to start her own cake company. She had been making cakes for friends and family for a while but saw the opportunity to take the plunge and push her business full time. As her mum and step-dad live above the shop where she now operates and were looking for a tenant to take on the unit, Heather put all her eggs in one basket and went for it.
Presiding centre stage when entering the picturesque shop are her current Gold, Silver and Bronze awarded masterpieces; a set of intricate Steam Punk cupcakes, a beguiling witch and a cat with a ball of string. However, in addition to the elaborate, Heather also produces beautiful standard birthday cakes, occasion cupcakes and wedding cakes. From Harry Potter creations to an iced Victoria Sponge, this lady can do it all. She works in the kitchen next to the shop, so customers are met by Heather wearing an apron, a smile and notepad at the ready.
Heather lives at Forde Abbey with her husband and two sons. She trained and worked as a Make-Up Artist at Bournemouth University as well as a hairdresser. Her obvious artistic talents are also put to use outside the kitchen as she does face paints at parties with a friend. Where she finds the time though, is another question entirely.
