Valeria Suppa - “The Sweet Bit”

Tell us about your business, what services do you offer?

“My name is Valeria and I'm the founder of The Sweet Bit. I teach baking classes for all levels and ages, from beginners to advanced. The classes are taught in my home kitchen in Hampstead to small groups of people or, upon request, individually. I also teach in-person and online classes for corporate events.

Each class revolves around a specific theme (french patisserie, edible Christmas gifts, etc.). We bake together three different recipes, chosen to introduce different techniques. My focus is actually not on recipes, which people can find abundantly on the web, but on techniques: I strongly believe that when people master some essential techniques and are aware of the basic chemistry of baking, they can handle almost any recipe on their own.

I have a background in cake design and food styling. That's why another thing that makes my classes different is the attention to the look of every bake we make. We eat with our eyes first, so I teach my students to prepare things that taste delicious but also look amazing.”

What inspired you to start your business?

“Cooking and baking are in my DNA. I'm from the south of Italy and I grew up in a family of foodies, where food had great importance as a bonding element. Sundays and celebrations of all sorts were occasions to reunite the family around the table. 

I've been in the kitchen since I was a child, learning from my grandmothers, aunts and from my mum, who especially fostered my love for baking. Only in adult life, though, I realised that baking was my true passion. I started honing my skills while living in Madrid and then received my professional training in São Paulo, where I also worked in a bespoke cake parlour.

Nowadays we are always in a rush, busy with too many things to do, so we often neglect homemade food. I love to make people rediscover the pleasure of genuine homemade bakes, sharing some of my personal experience and family tradition. 

Folks are often intimidated by baking, as it is indeed less forgiving than cooking. I help them overcome this barrier and feel confident about baking in their own kitchens. 

My greatest accomplishment is seeing students smiling with joy for their achievements, texting me they finally managed to bake this or that by themselves.”

How long has your business been running for?

“I've been a full time mum for a few years, while my son was growing up. I've started teaching in a more consistent way during the first lockdown. I wanted to entertain my son and his friends with fun and educational online classes. Those sessions have been very appreciated, so I expanded my classes to adults. Now I teach mainly in-person classes in my home kitchen, as well as in partnership with other well known brands. There is nothing better to learn baking than sharing hands on the same experience in the same place.” 

What is your favourite aspect about working in the local area?

“I love to meet people and build with them more than a professional relationship. Actually, the best part of my job is the human connection I establish with my students. Though I teach people from different parts of London, I love bumping into friendly faces when I go for a walk in the Heath or shop in a local place. “

Where do you see yourself and your business in five years time?

“My dream is to open a baking school with a beautiful kitchen and shop on the high street, spreading my passion for handmade baking and creative ideas.”

What encouraged you to join Hampstead Hive and what has your experience been like so far within the Hive?

“Participating in the local community is so rewarding! The Hampstead Hive group has been very motivating and supportive. Even better, I've also met some lovely like-minded ladies who share my own experience of being a mum and a solo entrepreneur. I’d love to partner with other Hive members, developing creative projects and helping each other grow.”

Where can we go to find out more about your business/access your services?

“You can find me either on my webpage https://thesweetbit.com/ where you can see the calendar and book one of my classes, or on my Instagram profile https://www.instagram.com/thesweetbit/ where I share photos of my creations.”

If you are a local woman in business, if you would like to meet other like minded women and raise your profile within the Hampstead Mums community, why don’t you consider joining Hampstead Hive? For more information…