Spotlight (863 x 400 px)

Sugarbeaux

In this edition of "Bakker in de Spotlight" we put Ancherely Carles Sterling (38) in the spotlight, owner of Sugarbeaux from Rotterdam. With her unique creations and strong entrepreneurial spirit, she has given her own twist to the sweet world of cupcakes, cookies and candy apples. Today Ancherely shares her inspiring baking story, the challenges she encountered along the way, and her dreams for the future.

The start of a passion

“My grandmother always baked Antillean cakes for family and friends,” says Ancherely about her first steps in the baking world. As a young girl, she helped her grandmother beat eggs and butter, and that planted the seed for what would later become her successful bakery. “It was really something special, and I got all that love for baking from her.”

From cake to cupcakes

Ancherely started her baking adventure by selling small cakes every weekend. Although this went well, she soon noticed that baking cakes was not really her thing. "I thought it was a lot of work for just one cake. I liked making cupcakes a lot more, because I could be more creative in them." In 2012, she decided to focus entirely on cupcakes, at a time when there were only a few bakers who specialized in this. Together with her husband Xaviër, she gradually expanded the Sugarbeaux range. "We really do it together. He decorates, packages, and also bakes. It's a real team."

Greatest achievement

When asked about her greatest achievement, Ancherely doesn’t have to think long. “Making cookies for a Disney premiere was a highlight, but what I’m really proud of is that we created something that our family can live with. That’s the biggest success.”

A day in the bakery

A typical day at Sugarbeaux starts early. Ancherely says she takes her son to school, then starts the day with affirmations and a good breakfast with Xavier. "We discuss the orders that need to go out and check if we have everything in stock. Xavier often makes all the small fondant decorations and toppers, while I do the bows, do the administration and create content for social media."

Work-life balance is important to Ancherely, making sure all orders are ready on time and that there is enough time to take pictures of their creations for social media.

Sugar and Spotify: indispensable

At Sugarbeaux’s bakery, everything revolves around creativity and energy. “Sugar is essential, of course, Sugarbeaux wouldn’t exist without it,” laughs Ancherely. Music also plays a big role in their workspace: “I like to turn on Spotify with a mix of different genres.”

From creation to farewell: most precious memory

One of the most emotional moments of Ancherely's baking career was making cupcakes for her grandmother's funeral. "She loved my Italian meringue buttercream. I think she really enjoyed it."

Inspiration and trends

When asked where she gets her inspiration, Ancherely immediately mentions Pinterest and American bakers like @Bitsycakes_, @wickdconfections and @rosas_cakes_llc. "I think it's important to always tag the original creator when a customer is inspired by their work." She rarely gets her inspiration from Dutch bakers, although she does have good connections with colleagues like @MadebyMom and @koekatelier.

In terms of trends, Ancherely is particularly enthusiastic about the two-toned technique in cookies and the Victorian style in cakes, as seen in the famous Bridgerton series. "It's always a shame that the Netherlands often lags behind a bit on these trends."

Challenges and dreams

Like any entrepreneur, Ancherely has her challenges. "I find it hard to take breaks and can be a perfectionist. Sometimes I'm way too hard on myself and the products, which causes unnecessary stress." Still, her passion for baking keeps her going.

As for the future, Ancherely has big dreams. "A food truck is number one. I want to be at festivals and markets and introduce people to our products." Giving one-on-one lessons in making sweets and a permanent contract with a large company for her candy apples are also on her wish list.

Tips for Beginner Bakers

Finally, Ancherely shares three valuable tips for aspiring bakers: "Network, invest in courses, and don't be afraid to sell yourself." She also emphasizes the importance of good pricing: "Know how much it costs to make your products. Only then can you stand behind your prices with confidence."

The importance of packaging

Ancherely sees packaging as a crucial part of its products. "People eat with their eyes, so the packaging has to look perfect, including branding." At Sugarbeaux, a lot of attention is paid to the appearance of each order.

Ancherely Carles Sterling is an inspiring example of a baker who has turned her passion and creativity into a successful business. With her unique style and determination, she continues to dream and expand her bakery, while inspiring other bakers with her story.

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