Cake fan, baker and glamourpuss Lisa Sanguedolce

Lisa Sanguedolce is a freelance PR consultant, journalist and entrepreneur who loves to cook. Although she grew up in Toronto, for the last eight years Lisa has called London home. She set up her cake baking business, Le Dolci last year after creating a cupcake tower for a friend’s wedding and hasn’t looked back!

The most popular items she offers are the weekly ‘Cake Club’ boxes which are small boxes of cakes, cookies & Sicilian treats delivered each Friday to lucky cake addicts. Lisa is passionate about cooking, eating and reading all about cake, but not such a fan of washing up. She’s currently looking for a handsome, hunky male qualified in dish washing in order to expand her business further! We found out more about London’s most glamorous baker in heels.

Have you always wanted to be a cake baker extraordinaire?

Yes, growing up I used to only watch my mother and gran bake and spent many Saturdays watching the pastry chef in my uncle’s Sicilian bakery work his magic. I was never allowed to partake in either, so I think this business culminates from many years of being a frustrated spectator!

How did you get to where you are today and would you do anything differently?

I ask a lot of questions and love to learn. I think this combination of curiosity and a passion for learning new things has been a good thing. I wouldn’t change a thing except for possibly paying more attention in accounting class; I am jealous of people who are naturally good with numbers.

Where did the idea for the cake club come from?

I love the idea of an organic fruit and veg box delivered to your door every week and I have a massive weakness for cakes so thought, why not do the same? Luckily, there seem to be a lot of people with the same cake addiction as me in this city.

The Cake Club's delicious deliveries make Fridays almost bearable!

Who helped you along the way?

My friends who are all very creative and talented – graphic designers, photographers, PR gals, chefs and business advisers who have given advice and their services in return for lots of baked goodies.

Who inspires you?

The list is too long but I think my Mum and Dad are pretty special.

What do you think is the biggest problem in British society today and what is the most positive thing?

Best: The country’s amazing arts, fashion and cultural scene combined with its history, heritage, amazing landscapes and cities (my favourite one being London!)– oops, that’s more than one!

Biggest problem: Boozed Brits; in many European countries like France and Italy alcohol is appreciated and integrated with food, celebration and socialising; being tipsy and giggly seems to be enough for a good time. Here it seems to be a bit less theatrical and lovely.

Do you feel British, Italian or European?

I feel a mix of all three; I have a fiery side and a dislike of the cold that probably comes from my Sicilian heritage, my friends are all very Euro-cool and I have adopted many British ways so can be a bit of a pick ‘n mix.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Raffaella Carra –an old school Italian singer who got in trouble by the Vatican for showing her bellybutton on TV in the 1970s.

A glorious Le Dolci cupcake tower

One piece of advice for women thinking about setting up a business?

Ask a lot of questions and never stop networking. Ask questions to learn as much as you can about your business or industry and create a strong network, the value of this is immeasurable.

What couldn’t you live without?

My cute nephews – really I am not biased, they are too cute.

Dream purchase?

A house on the beach with a hammock on the porch.

What do you like to cook when you’re not making cakes?

Scrambled eggs and smoked salmon with extra hot chili sauce.

Favourite movie?

Billy Elliot; I love a man that can dance and a northern accent.

Favourite European city and why?

Seville – I love the passion of Flamenco and the amazing food, vino and gorgeous people.

How do you stay motivated?

I remember chats with people who think I have the best job in the world and then get back into the kitchen.

Desert island book?

One that would last a long time; Tolstoy’s War & Peace is supposed to be a long one!

Sanguedolce's Sicilian treats

Favourite bar?

Bua Bar – a cool Irish bar in the East Village, NYC

What’s your personal favourite cupcake?

I love classic vanilla with buttercream frosting.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In the hammock at the beach house.

Can you run in heels?

Of course! I even have a pair with gold thunderbolts on them.