Who am I?
Hi, I’m Catherine, the founder and creative force behind Beyond The Icing. My passion for baking began nearly 50 years ago, when I first climbed onto a stool to reach the mixer. Even as I built a career in finance for over two decades, I continued baking cakes for family and friends. Eventually, I took a huge leap of faith, leaving my full time finance job to launch Beyond The Icing.
I now balance my cake artistry with a part-time finance role, satisfying both my creative and analytical sides.
During the Covid-19 lockdowns, I focused on perfecting my sugar flower techniques. Those months in my cake room were transformative, allowing me to elevate the artistry that distinguishes my cakes.
When I’m not baking, you’ll find me dancing—rock & roll from the 1950s, rockabilly, ballroom, and Latin. I’ve even tried dancing while baking, though that didn’t go quite as planned!
Cake International
In November 2022, I joined the Cakeflix display group for Cake International at the NEC where I showcased my fairy. Created from modelling chocolate and wafer paper, she was tall, reaching 20 inches (51 cm). Transporting her to Birmingham was quite the adventure! She barely fitted in the car & for the entire journey I could hear her wobbling to & fro in the box. After a very nervous unboxing & a few tears, she was in place.
I was clearly bonkers as I did it again in 2023. This time, I created a charming wedding scene for the 'Teddy Bears Getting Hitched' theme, featuring a church that stood 26 inches (66 cm) tall alongside an adorable teddy bear family measuring just 2.5 inches (6 cm) tall. This one definitely didn't fit in the car and had to travel in 2 parts.
Competitions
In 2024, I made my debut in the Cake International Competition at the NEC, entering the Head Judges’ Wildcard category with a wearable masquerade mask. An ambitious first entry, every detail—including the interior—had to be crafted entirely from edible mediums. I was delighted to receive a Silver Award and third place in the category.
In 2025, I returned with three entries and was honoured to receive a Bronze and two Silver Awards, including one for an intricate miniature room designed to fit within a six-inch cube.
The Cake International competition is an extraordinary showcase of artistry, precision, and imagination, and each experience has been demanding, stressful and rewarding. It continues to inspire me to refine my craft and push the boundaries of my creativity.
As for 2026, I have yet to decide exactly what I will create—but there will certainly be at least one new entry.
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