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As a lifelong Islander, young baking entrepreneur Kate McCallum has a good perspective on the Island’s crumbier aspects, and just what kneads to be done to improve them.
Today, the Cake FM founder tells Express about the changes that would tickle her fondant fancy, from pup-friendly beaches to family time…
Born and bred in Jersey, I am so happy to call this little island home. I’m really lucky to have been raised in an environment where my family are all so close by, with both sets of grandparents and lots of cousins living just a stone’s throw away.
Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone here, and visiting family who live overseas isn’t quite as easy. It would be great to have a cheaper and more reliable source of travel. My brother, for instance, started working in Guernsey last year. Due to the lack of boat trips available and high cost of flights, I still have not yet been able to visit him. I think inter-island trips particularly should be encouraged, with special offers being made more regularly. We should embrace the fact that we are a ‘group’ of Channel Islands, and perhaps tone down the rivalry… just a tad!
On the subject of being more friendly towards others, I definitely think that’s one thing a few islanders could work on! I always make a conscious effort to smile and say, “hello” to people when I’m out walking the dogs, but more often than not, I get nothing in response. As cliché as it may sound, people should smile more. It’s the universal language of kindness that makes you feel good and costs nothing!
One change that could be made to keep fellow dog owners smiling would be to have a designated Dog Beach - one where dogs are allowed off the lead all day, every day. In the summer months, dogs should not be limited to mornings and evenings for a dip in the ocean. Not everyone will agree, but I know all three of my dogs would sign the petition!
Pictured: Pups like Kate's Toffee (above) should be allowed off the lead for a frolic in the sea on a designated dog beach, she argues.
As well as going for walks, I love keeping fit and going to the gym. I just wish it wasn’t so expensive! Often when people look to do an exercise class or a session at the gym, it’s the cost that holds them back. I don’t know when fitness got so pricey, but it’s definitely something that needs to change!
Nowadays, it seems that less and less people follow their dreams and pursue careers in things they are passionate about. So many people full of talent and intelligence go off to university to study incredible, exciting things, but return home to get stuck in a regular 9-5 job, which has nothing to do with their degree.
It’s not always the easy option, but doing something you love is so much more rewarding. That’s why I decided to go to Cookery School, and have since returned home to set up my own business, CakeFM. It’s been a rollercoaster journey but I have had so much fun and learned a huge amount. One lesson in particular that I have learnt, is that there is no set path in life. Take every day as it comes, and just follow your heart!
Pictured: Kate making truffles at Ashburton Cookery School. (Photo: Kate McCallum)
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