On January 7th, we welcomed Cynthia Stroud, proprietor of Pretty Gorgeous Cakes in Hertford. Cynthia started by telling us how she came to leave her native Nigeria and end up in Hertford. She described the limitations and expectations for women in Nigeria and explained that a visit to her aunt, who lived in Britain, had showed her that she wanted more from life than Nigeria could offer to a young woman.
Cynthia talked through her initial training as a doctor, then her transfer to taking an MBA in Bedford! She then told us how she came to turn her love of baking into a career, rather then just her means of relaxation.
Cynthia has baked for the Brit Awards, among other high profile events and now specialises in individual cakes for weddings, birthdays and everything else required. She told us about her biggest disaster and her high points, including being awarded the BEM for business.
Throughout the talk, Cynthia’s determination was apparent. It was an uplifting talk by a young woman who set out to succeed and who now runs a successful business while being a single parent to two children. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing her story.
