AN award-winning cake designer says many businesses like hers have had to adapt during the coronavirus pandemic.

ICED by Saajida was launched in 2006 - then named Simply Stylish Cake Designs - when Saajida Patel of Blackburn was a student. 

Now her working life consists of three days as a lecturer and four days as a wedding cake designer.

Like many in the wedding industry, ICED has been affected by the current pandemic. Known for their tall grand cakes, lockdown has brought its own set of challenges.

She said: “Of course we have had to adapt to the situation and downsize our designs. We are having to become more flexible and look at alternatives with our clients’ requirements in mind. The pandemic has had a big impact on businesses like ours as we are solely wedding cake providers. 

“At the start of the lockdown there were a lot of postponed weddings whilst some clients have had to reschedule their wedding several times. During these challenging times our aim has been to remain calm - and be as flexible as we can with our clients and ensure we are still able to provide them with the service they expect from us. 

“It has been difficult for the wedding industry with many of us having to deal with last minute cancellations and changes but the circumstances are not in our control and it is likely the wedding industry will still face turbulent times until the effects of the pandemic settle. In the mean time we are determined to do the best we can for our clients. 

“The pandemic and its impact is something we are all facing together but it will end, we will persevere and get through it together. Hopefully in 2021 we can get back to some sort of normality.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

@iced_by_saajida

One of her most challenging creations, Saajida reveals was the Taj Mahal cake as seen on her Instagram page @iced_by_saajida. And her best moment was winning the Cake Company of the Year Award in 2018.

Explaining how her two career choices have flourished, she said: “When I was a student, I thought it would be a nice little business to generate some income whilst making people happy with my cake designs. Following graduation, I was offered a lecturing post. I felt I had to make a decision between my love for designing cakes and my passion for teaching. 

“I doubted whether I could balance both alongside family life, but I decided to take the risk. Managing a career and a business is challenging at times, but I have always been determined to be involved in doing something meaningful and rewarding. 

"My education allows me to change lives and my cake designs allow me to add that finishing touch to the most memorable day of my client’s life.”