"It's been a whirlwind": Passionate Southsea mum opens new bakehouse CinnaRollz following customer demand for "bricks and mortar"
What started as a hobby quickly blossomed into a flourishing baking business with cinnamon rolls at its core - and the owner is preparing to open its first Southsea store.
The Southsea mum of two began experimenting with cinnamon rolls which went down a treat with her family who told her she should take a leap of faith and start selling her creations.
Connie said: “I started CinnaRollz last February. I was just looking for a creative outlet. I started baking for friends and family and they said ‘these are really good, you should sell them’ so I thought I would give it a go.
“Within four weeks, I did my first market - Love Southsea - and that just flew and before I knew it I was doing lots of markets across Hampshire and we just sold out at each market.
“It’s been a whirlwind but I’m so grateful.”
After almost a year, Connie is now gearing up to open her first store at the former Melody's cafe, in Albert Road, on January 30 following a demand for “bricks and mortar”.
Together Connie and Paul, who is in the Royal Navy, have been working round the clock to create a warm and welcoming eatery with a “rustic” feel.
The 35-year-old added: “We are basically a bakery style cafe - we’re not quite a cafe, not quite a bakery, not quite a coffee house. We are going to have lots of baked goods, a really lovely brunch menu and freshly made focaccias.
“There are always concerns opening a business but we are really really excited. We love supporting independent businesses ourselves so to come into the community as an independent business is really exciting and I am already looking forward to collaborating with the local community as well.”
CinnaRollz will be open Wednesday to Friday between 8am and 2pm and on Saturday and Sunday between 9am and 2pm.