The founder of Mama Bears Cake Bar on The Walk has transformed her love of baking into a thriving business within Ipswich's growing independent retail scene, proving that sometimes the sweetest success stories come from the most difficult beginnings.
From NHS to baking bliss
Rebecca's journey to becoming a cake entrepreneur began during one of the most challenging periods of her life. After working for the NHS and following the birth of her second child, Roux, she found herself unable to return to her previous role.
"After the birth of my daughter, I suffered with postnatal depression and fell in love with baking," Rebecca explains. "I wanted a job that meant I could work from home and have flexibility."
What started as a coping mechanism during a difficult time soon revealed itself as something much more significant. "One baking course later and I had found my calling – cake!" she says.
Lockdown launch
The timing couldn't have been more serendipitous. Just as Rebecca discovered her passion for baking, the 2020 lockdown created an unexpected surge in demand for home-delivered treats.
"We all know what happened in the first part of 2020...but who knew that a countrywide lockdown was going to send everyone crazy for cake!" Rebecca recalls. "So Mama Bear hit the road."
The delivery days were gruelling – often lasting over eight hours – but they proved there was a genuine appetite for her creations. "I knew that I had to create a space for all the cake-loving customers to enjoy once we were back to normal."
Building the bear pack
Rebecca's first physical location opened in Saxmundham in July 2021, where she began building what she fondly calls "the bear pack" – a community of loyal customers who've supported her journey.
"On the 21st July 2021, the doors to the Cake Bar in Saxmundham opened and a whole community was created," she explains. The success there paved the way for expansion, and in November 2023, Mama Bears opened its doors on The Walk in Ipswich.
The Walk has become something of a hotspot for independent retailers, offering an alternative to a high street experience dominated by national chains. Rebecca has since focused entirely on the Ipswich location, saying farewell to Saxmundham to concentrate on serving her "cake-loving community" in the county town.
Fake it till you make it
Despite her success, Rebecca admits that confidence was her biggest hurdle. When asked about her biggest challenge, "Confidence – was I good enough?" she responds. "I'm a strong believer in 'fake it till you make it' and I have been successfully winging it for six years now!"
Her approach has clearly worked. "I am always blown away by the support of our customers and am proud to have so many regular customers who have supported us for years," she says.
The business operates with a small but dedicated team, with Rebecca often busy "creating lots of custom bakes in the back" while her front-of-house staff spread what she calls "the Mama Bear spirit" to customers old and new.
The reality of small business life
Behind the pretty pink façade and delicious treats lies the harsh reality of running an independent business. When asked about her plans for the next twelve months, Rebecca is refreshingly honest: "Our plan is to SURVIVE – rising costs for small businesses (especially ones who use ridiculous amounts of chocolate) are crazy."
She's also candid about work-life balance: "Owning a small business means you have no time off – ever. I spin many plates and wear many different hats in the business."
It's a feeling I know all too well.
Despite the challenges, Rebecca takes pride in the authenticity of her offering. "We are a small team and absolutely everything is made by us in the shop," she emphasises, describing Mama Bears as "a pretty pink cake shop specialising in beautiful, delicious treats and personalised celebration cakes for every occasion."
The bottom line
Rebecca's story is one of resilience and passion. Her advice to her younger self reflects the journey she's been on: "To believe in myself."
From struggling with postnatal depression to building a beloved local business, Rebecca has created more than just a cake shop – she's built a community. As she puts it, "We just can't wait for you to become part of the bear pack!"
Mama Bears Cake Bar can be found on The Walk, Ipswich, where Rebecca and her team continue to spread love, kindness, and cake throughout the community.
