She put the enterprise on hold at the start of this year so she could focus on preparing for her GCSE exams this summer - but then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. With no exams to study for, Bethany decided to put the unexpected free time into building her business - and it is proving a huge success.

“I was working so hard for my exams and then they were cancelled,” said Bethany. “I was so disappointed. But it meant I could start making cakes again and I have been really surprised at how quickly things have grown.  I am now making cakes three days a week!”

Her Bethany’s Bakes page on Facebook went from 500 ‘likes’ to 1,500 literally overnight on 1 June when the Facebook group, Plymouth Gossip Girls, shared the page.

Bethany works on a commission basis, making celebration cakes, cupcakes, brownies, cookies and other sweet treats that have been pre-ordered - the biggest seller is her Chocolate Drip Cake.

She says her passion for baking started when she very young: “I've always had a love for baking, ever since I was little. I used to help cook with my Mum and Nan.  I got a Saturday job in a small cakery in September 2018 and worked there until July last year. I was able to express myself in the baking world and could learn new skills.”

It was after making a cake for a member of her family in 2019, that Bethany decided to set up her Facebook page to sell her bakes to family and friends: “Soon after, I was getting orders almost every week whilst working hard towards my GCSEs,” she said. “In between doing homework and revision, I would be in the kitchen practising difficult bakes such as macaroons, meringues, eclairs, cinnamon swirls and much more.

“I decided to take a short break from it so that I could concentrate on revising, but with lockdown happening, I really wanted to pursue my love for baking and now Bethany's Bakes is back in business!”  She is insured, registered and has a Level 2 Food Hygiene Qualification: “I am learning about the business side of things and marketing, too,” she said.

Bethany successfully applied to study catering at City College and is due to start this autumn - pandemic permitting. Eventually, she hopes to have her own premises: “I would like my own café and bakery, where people can have a coffee and a bite to eat at the front and I can bake in a bakery at the back.”

She is being supported all the way by her two big inspirations - her Mum and Nan: “They feel really proud that Bethany’s Bakes is doing so well,” said Bethany.

Take a look at Bethany’s amazing bakes on her social media pages, where you can also place your orders.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/BethanysBakes1/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethanysbakes15/