A little about me...
I'm TJ, born and raised in Zimbabwe, I spent the first 17 years of my life there before moving to the UK with my parents and five siblings. From the moment we arrived, hard work became second nature. My first roles were through a catering agency in Poole, working as a kitchen porter in day centres, doing everything from washing up to housekeeping in care homes. At the same time, I worked evenings at a fish and chip restaurant in Broadstone, determined to build a career in hospitality.
I began my formal training at Bournemouth & Poole College, completing an NVQ in Kitchen & Larder followed by a two-year specialisation in Patisserie and Confectionery. During this time, I started my pastry career as a Commis Pastry Chef at the Sandbanks Hotel in 2006. Alongside my studies, I also completed a year in Intermediate Cake Decorating, further developing my skills and creativity.
Over the following years, I gained valuable experience working with renowned establishments including Hotel du Vin Poole, Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, and Haskins Garden Centre. In 2012, I moved to London to join the pastry team at Harrods - an incredible experience that challenged and inspired me for three years.
After returning to Bournemouth, I took on Head Pastry Chef roles at The Connaught Hotel and The Haven Hotel in Sandbanks.
During lockdown, what began as a creative outlet, delivering homemade treat boxes to friends and former colleagues, evolved into something much bigger. Word spread quickly, and before long, I was supplying wholesale. What started as a passion project became a full-time business, leading me to take the leap into self-employment and launch my own website.
Today, I’m proud to bring years of professional pastry experience to my own brand and to my clients, creating handcrafted desserts and baked goods made with skill, care, and a touch of joy in every bite.
And finally, when work is done, I love meeting friends for brunch, a cheeky evening out with cocktails where I tend to overdo the passion fruit martinis. I play an excellent role as funtime Aunty TJ, I love the gym especially lifting weights and oh gosh I do love a spa weekend!
Feel free to comment below if there is anything you would like to chat about!
TJ 🧡