
I studied as a chef at the Institute for Culinary Arts in Stellenbosch…
During my studies an ethos of quality and passion for baking was
embedded in me without realizing it. Their focus on quality, precision and discipline groomed me to always give my best when I step into my kitchen…
Bringing home the bacon…
After ICA I worked as pastry chef at Hartford House in the Natal Midlands, and then jumped the pond to work in the Scottish Highlands.
I absolutely loved the experience, but it was time to go home…

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Putting on my Big Girl Pants…
Back in South Africa I decided to start my own business, Cakes by Karen was born in 2008 in Centurion.
I started of by baking for two home industries, and later ventured off to working with clients directly. I am so gratefull for the support and hard work my mom provided over the years, we built up a solid client base, and our customers became friends -that sometimes felt like family.
New beginnings…
Eleven years later we decided to start a new adventure, packed up all my bake tins and moved to Cape Town!
I love the mountains, the ocean…the wine 🙂 Very blessed to be able to do what I love in the most beautifull part of South Africa.
