"I’m still processing what an incredible experience Cake & Bake International Show 2025 was"
My Experience as a Demo Artist & Finalist
From standing on stage doing my live demos with Renshaw‘s Cake Pro Theatre and Vanilla Valley, to being surrounded by some of the most talented cake artists in the industry (incl. Andrew Fuller from Netflix’s “Is it cake?”, Georgie Grasso and Sandro Farmhouse from the Great British Bake Off (GBBO)). Not to mention hearing my name announced as a FINALIST for awards… it honestly felt surreal!
When I first started The Flowering Baker, in February 2024, I never imagined that one day I’d be attending the Cake & Bake International Show (aka Cake International or CI) not only as a visitor admiring everyone else’s work, but as someone contributing to the show myself..
And it happened in just under two years of starting by business. It really was one of those ‘pinch me’ moments where you quietly stop and think, “wow… this is really happening!”
My Live Demo at the Cake & Bake International Show 2025
One of the biggest highlights for me was delivering my live demonstrations of piping intricate buttercream flowers during the show at Renshaw’s Cake Pro Theatre and Vanilla Valley’s stand (see video highlights).
If you watched any of the behind-the-scenes clips I shared over on Instagram (@thefloweringbaker), you’ll know how nervous and excited I was leading up to it. Standing in front of a live audience, sharing my techniques, my process, and my love for buttercream floral cake design was both terrifying and incredibly rewarding! Oli Dunn, from Oli the Choc, was an awesome host, great guy, and kept me calm!
If you love elegant buttercream floral cakes for weddings and celebrations, you can view my cake design portfolio here: Luxury Wedding Cakes Midlands.
Missed my demos? Watch the highlights for FREE tips on how to pipe beautiful buttercream flowers: Watch demos.
Want to elevate your piping skills and create beautiful realistic buttercream flowers? My classes are suitable for beginners and professionals! Explore: Buttercream Flower Piping Classes.
There’s something really special about connecting with people in person, I love talking all things buttercream flowers, texture, colour palettes, cake artistry, and the creative process behind my designs.
I met so many lovely people throughout the weekend who stopped to chat, ask questions, take photos, and support my work. I genuinely appreciate every single person who came to watch the demo or sent encouraging messages online afterwards.
Becoming a Cake International Finalist
Another huge moment for me this year was being nominated as a FINALIST for the Cake & Bake International awards in two categories: Rising Star of the Year and Flower Artist of the Year.
Even writing those words feels emotional.
As a creative business owner, there are so many hours people never see – the long days, the self-doubt, the constant learning, the balancing act of running a business while trying to stay creative and inspired. All whilst being a wife, mum, daughter and friend.
Cake & Bake International Awards 2025, Birmingham NEC
So to have my work recognised at an event as prestigious as Cake International meant more than I can properly explain.
Being a finalist alongside such talented artists and decorators was already a huge honour in itself. The standard at Cake International is genuinely unbelievable, and to even be considered within that space feels incredibly special.
This year reminded me how important it is to keep showing up, keep creating, and trust your own artistic voice.
The Atmosphere at the Cake International Show 2025
If you’ve never been to Cake International before, it really is unlike anything else. Check out all the highlights from this annual event!
Everywhere you turn there’s artistry, creativity, innovation, and passion. From breathtaking competition pieces to designs using all kinds of different mediums, some were so realistic they barely look edible, the level of talent is truly mind-blowing.
Photo credit: Cake International
The show always leaves me feeling inspired, motivated, and creatively recharged.
I came home with so many ideas, a camera roll full of beautiful work, lots of show price goodies, and a heart that felt very full.
I also met cake artists from all over the world and to be connected with them was such a boost of confidence – like-minded artists who really understood what it takes to create edible art at the highest level, balancing creativity, precision, and countless hours of dedication behind every cake.
Thank You!
To everyone who has supported The Flowering Baker, whether you’ve ordered a cake, shared my work, followed along on my social media, attended the demo, or simply cheered me on quietly from behind the scenes – thank you!!!
My deepest thanks to my husband, kids, family & friends who’ve seen it all, who’ve shown more faith in me than I have at times!
So grateful to Melanie Underwood (Head of Cake International), Renshaw and Vanilla Valley for the opportunity to demo with you.
Every opportunity like this exists because of your support.
Cake International 2025 was such a milestone moment for me and my business, and I’m incredibly grateful to have experienced it.
I have so many exciting things planned moving forward, and this experience has only made me more motivated to keep growing, creating, and pushing myself creatively. I can’t wait to be back for Cake International 2026!
Thank you for being part of the journey!
With love,
Ziggy Li
The Flowering Baker
You can see more behind-the-scenes moments from Cake International over on Instagram: @thefloweringbaker
