Torquay baker crowned WEDDING CAKE Designer of the Year

Zoe Corstorphan has never considered herself as a creative person, but since winning Wedding Cake Designer of the Year at the Geelong Wedding Business Awards last month, she can no longer deny her talent or her eye for detail.

Juggling her own business, Bakeology Cakes, on top of her final year of radiography studies, the Jan Juc cake decorator remains in a state of disbelief following the prestigious recognition.

“I’ve only been in the industry for a couple of years. I was up against some pretty experienced people, people who I admire–
it was completely unexpected,” she says.

“I’ve always loved baking. I’ve got a friend who’s a cake decorator and she gave me a bit of nudge to get started and it all fell into place.”

On May 27, Zoe took to her social media page to share her excitement and to thank the special people in her life who have helped her along the journey.

“Baking has always been a love of mine, but it has become a part of my life which I could not imagine living without,” it read. “Baking has helped me through intensive rehabilitation following a car accident, it’s helped me through periods where my mental health has not been great, and it was the only thing that would make me smile.”

Zoe, who will be graduating from her final year of study in December, says although it’s been a challenge to keep up the momentum, the results have eliminated any form of self-doubt.

She also hopes to continue operating her cake business once she receives her tertiary qualification.

“During the summer wedding season, it is quite challenging with my study commitments. I’m also doing a full-time internship through Barwon Health which takes up a bit of my time,” she says.

“I’d like to keep the business because I love it just as much as I love radiography.”

The thrill of playing a role in the union of two people is perhaps Zoe’s favourite part of the job.

“I get really excited. I love the whole wedding process, especially turning up at the door when the room is set up and you get to see the bride – it is all very exciting,” says Zoe.

“I’ve been really lucky in that I’ve been able to supply cakes to a whole range of beautiful venues, from Apollo Bay to the other side of the peninsula.”

Since announcing her win, Zoe has noticed an increase in the number of enquiries coming through her social media channels, however she admits until wedding season kicks off again, she won’t be spending too much time in an apron.

“I think myself and a lot of other wedding vendors are enjoying a bit of downtime in the quieter part of the year while still thinking about all the things we need to do come summertime,” she says.

To find out more about Zoe, or to view her latest cakes, visit facebook.com/ BAKEOLOGYCAKESTORQUAY or @bakeologycakes.