Video: Reporter Katie
Alston takes a cake decorating masterclass

by Katie Alston

Colin Vincent is preparing to open
Canterbury’s only dedicated wedding cake shop.

Following the death of his mother
in June this year, the 44-year-old decided to follow his dream and
open a showroom for the Wedding Cake Company.

The former nurse and psychology and
social care teacher has been running the business from his dining
room for three years.

During that time he has perfected
his cake recipes and decorating skills, winning a string of awards
at international cake shows, where he beat competition from the
likes of Harrods.

His work has also been featured in
magazines as an example of how to create the ideal wedding day.

Bookings are already streaming in for summer
weddings, and Colin (pictured right) is hoping the
business in Northgate will provide the perfect base for more
award-winning work.

He said: “My mum would be so proud
of me. She had always pushed me to follow my dreams, so this is all
really for her.

“As a teacher I encouraged my
students to follow their dreams and now I’m finally living
mine.

“Independent cake makers can find
it difficult to survive due to big supermarkets flooding the
market.

"Although some people think this is
a bad time to be opening a business I'm hoping the personal
touches I put into my cakes will help me survive the
recession."

To read more about Katie's
experience pick up a copy of this week's
Kentish Gazette.