Miss Baking
Meet Marjolein: A passionate baker with a heart for education
A creative jack-of-all-trades
Marjolein van Bussel, the driving force behind Miss Baksel Maastricht, is not only a talented baker but also a dedicated teacher. Her life is a busy mix of education and baking, where she calls the quiet Berg en Terblijt her home. "In addition to my work, I am an active member and board member of a harmony (with my clarinet and drums), I play volleyball and do judo. The village is located exactly between Maastricht and Valkenburg. My boyfriend and I can seek out the hustle and bustle when we roll down one of the two mountains!"
High time to put this cheerful and busy lady in the spotlight!
From necessity to passion
Marjolein's journey into baking began out of necessity when there were few jobs in education. After graduating, there were only temporary teaching positions. "I was annoyed that I didn't have the space to build a bond with the kids in the classes where I was a substitute teacher, because before that bond was there, I had to leave again!"
Baking had been a hobby of Marjolein since she was a child, so when she saw a vacancy at a cake shop for an indefinite period, she thought: "I'll take that leap!" What started as a temporary solution grew into a blossoming passion. She learned all the tricks of the trade in practice and also discovered that the creativity of custom work and wedding cakes gave her the most pleasure.
Eventually, the demand from education picked up again and Marjolein, after some hesitation, took a job as a teacher. But baking kept calling.... And so, six years ago, Miss Baksel was born!
She has always done this alongside her job, with her own shop that opens on holidays and with custom work for weddings. It started very modestly with a mixer from her parents. The tip she had saved from her time in the cake shop was used to buy pan scrapers, piping nozzles and palette knives. She invested 50 euros in the purchase of the raw materials. That was also the last time she had to put her own money into Miss Baksel. "It grew bit by bit! I think that is really super special."
The art of baking
Favorite task For Marjolein is the smoothing of a cake after the crumb coat . "I can enjoy the satisfying effect so much, a truly meditative task! In addition , I am happiest when I can create something myself based on an order and a color palette." You don't have to wake her up for a cake with money rolls, but she is a big fan of retro cakes and hopes that drip cakes will always remain popular!
Disadvantages of being a baker
The creative freedom in her work makes her happiest, although she admits that the administrative side and financial challenges of entrepreneurship are less appealing. "Always keeping an eye on the margins, inflation, sugar tax, how much can you ask per person for a piece of cake...?! That can really get to me sometimes. I sometimes think: what would it have been like if I had started a company that provides services?"
Creative challenges
Of course, there are also creative challenges. Her experience with veganizing classic pastries reflects her innovative approach in the bakery. "What many people don't know is that I eat largely plant-based at home. I really enjoy veganizing common pastries, but that can be difficult sometimes, because of the effect of eggs, for example, or the typical taste of butter! I think that's a big challenge, but a very nice one! Furthermore, I think that the obligations that are imposed, for example around sustainability, can be a challenge to get all those investments in order. In addition, driving around with a wedding cake in the car is perhaps the most exciting thing of all ;)! CAKE ON BOARD!"
Community and entrepreneurship
The bakery community on social media plays a crucial role in Marjolein’s life as a baker. She emphasizes the support and sense of community she finds among fellow bakers, which transcends competition and is a source of inspiration and motivation. “I also don’t believe in competition. Everyone has their own style, their own customers, refers people and is generous with each other. That feels like a community when you need it!”
Advice for aspiring bakers
Marjolein likes to share her insights with aspiring bakers. She emphasizes the importance of a clear specialization, creating a suitable workspace, and following both the heart and the head in entrepreneurship.
The role of Instagram and sources of inspiration
Instagram is an indispensable platform for Marjolein, where she not only reaches a wide audience, but also builds a strong bond with her followers. She finds inspiration in various fields, from baking to music, which emphasizes her versatility as an entrepreneur.
- Baking and entrepreneurship: My baking sister Laurie, from Lauries Bakery (see also this Baker in the spotlight )
- Mindset: The sweetest Made by Mom
- Instagram: Miss Poppy Tattoo , she is an inspiration because she stays really well with her own style and attracts the customers she wants to tattoo. That makes your work even more fun!
- Photography: If there is someone who perfectly markets her "product/service", it is Bememiek , my hairdresser. She puts a lot of effort into her photography and that is also reflected on her page! Some may not have anything to do with baking, but entrepreneurship in "custom work" goes much further than that!
- Life: But in life I think, that besides of course my dearest Mama, a great source of inspiration is: P!nk. The way she goes through life as a world star, how she is so inspiring for her daughter and son and yet remains so herself, despite what the people around her do and think, I find incredibly clever! Besides that she can of course sing mega well while she whizzes over the audience hanging upside down!
Packaging: The business card
Marjolein attaches great importance to the packaging of her products, which should not only be functional but also aesthetic. "The packaging completes the product! It fits in with your concept. It is a safe way to transport your pastries from A to B."
Marjolein finds price and sustainability important in her choice of pastries. "And I think it's important that you can still see the pastries."
Her packing tips are:
- Always choose a package that doesn't require you to spend hours folding ;)!
- The round transparent Mini Sweetsbox makes everything cute!
- For paper bags I have a mega stamp, for boxes I have a sticker!
Dreams and vision of the future
The future looks bright for Marjolein. Her dream is to continue to combine her bakery and teaching career in a way that gives her fulfillment and balance, with a focus on seasonal celebrations and the most amazing weddings.
Marjolein van Bussel embodies the spirit of a modern baker who combines tradition and innovation, with a deep passion for her craft and a dedication to the community that surrounds her.
Follow Miss Baksel
Are you curious about Marjolein's delicious creations? Follow Miss Baksel on Instagram and Facebook: