Wildlife cookies fill the heart of Hoedspruit baker
Hoedspruit artist turned baker, Ashleigh du Preez, says she has been on a journey of growing and learning, repetition and practice.
Du Preez’s biscuits, featuring wildlife images, have become a hit among locals. Being creative since childhood, her business, Gifted, started two years ago after dreaming of it for a long while. “I remember saying to my husband that I need to do a cookie class,” she says. She managed to locate a biscuit studio, did the classes and started her business.
Du Preez says it has been a journey of learning what works, and what does not work. “I also create my recipes and flavours, and try to stand out from other cookie artists.” Her wildlife designs are hand-drawn by herself from photographs. Being edible art, she has to make sure everything is safe to consume. “You have to make sure that all the ingredients are the best quality.” Du Preez says her ‘love language’ is to be of service.
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“By service, I mean giving. This is my way to fill up my cup and heart by creating cookies that bring happiness to children, a bachelorette, a bride, or anyone on a special occasion. It fulfills a bigger life dream by adding something special to people’s lives and making memories.” She says even when she does not have orders, she loves to experiment with techniques and designs.
“It is something I am super passionate about and something I hope that my children will learn to do as well.” For more on Du Preez’s cookies, contact 066 117 3820 or email to celebrateacookie@ gmail.com. Her work is also on Facebook, Treats & Gifts.
