The Story

My name is Natasha Wanstall, and I am a self-taught baker and cake decorator from Hythe, Kent.

Today, I am proud to present to you, The Independent Baker. Founded in March 2014 when I was only 20 years old, my business has been born simply for my love and passion for baking. Being a true believer in ‘everything happens for a reason’, I gave myself an opportunity to do what I love all day long. I took the leap, and I am proud to say that I am still flying!

Every day and every order is different – but diversity, challenge and hard work is what motivates me. The Independent Baker has grown from scribbled ideas on scrap bits of paper and working from my parent’s kitchen into a flourishing and developing business. That said, I have quickly learnt that it is not as easy as it seems. Late nights followed by early starts all become worthwhile when I receive such encouraging feedback, repeat orders and referrals from my customers.

In February 2017 I was very fortunate to open the doors to my first shop. During the next few months after opening I had taught myself how to make bread and from then on my reputation built rapidly. There aren’t many smells that beat the smell of homemade bread.

Whilst my business was growing, I began to lose my love of baking for all the other things that I used to enjoy making. I worked very hard and very long hours, starting at 3.30am, working a 16-hour day, 6 days a week, it took over every aspect of my life.

In August 2021 I moved premises and opened a beautiful shop in the High Street. I made the difficult decision to no longer bake bread, for many reasons but the main one being I yearned for a better work-life balance, I wanted to do my job that I love every day, but I was tired of working in the middle of the night and chose to make a difference.

The ingredients in my business have not only been dedication, eagerness and enthusiasm, but the encouragement and support from my wonderful family. It has always been a dream of mine to open a bakery in my hometown, and I am extremely lucky to have achieved that at such a young age. I owe an overwhelming amount of gratitude to my parents who without their interest and belief in my venture, you would not be meeting The Independent Baker!