Portchester baker is giving away free cakes to schoolteachers - and you can vote for who gets them
“I took a chance on myself and followed my dream,” Caroline said.
A sweet-toothed entrepreneur who runs her own baking company is giving back to the teachers who are shaping the future of our communities.
Caroline Hart, from Portchester, set up Sweet Caroline’s Bakehouse just shy of a year ago, in October 2025. From humble beginnings, when she was phoning her mother in Ireland for advice on her first celebration cakes, she has become a bit of a household name across the Fareham borough, making cakes, cupcakes and biscuits.
Now, Caroline is asking families in Fareham and Portchester to put forward the names of schoolteachers who go above and beyond for their pupils. Their schools are going into a giveaway vote, with the winning staffroom getting a batch of cakes, free of charge.
Caroline said: “Those first few orders were a real turning point. People were trusting me, even though I was completely new and unknown. I am not originally from the area and I did not have a huge local network, so it meant a great deal when the orders kept coming.
“I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I am actually good at this’.
“Running the business has changed our family life because I can manage my own baking diary and fit my orders around time with my son. It often means late nights in the kitchen, but being able to have those family adventures makes it worthwhile.
“I am really proud of how far my little baking business has come in its first year. I took a chance on myself and followed my dream, which is something I have always encouraged my son to do. I am incredibly grateful to the first customers who trusted me with their celebrations and shared their reviews with other people.”
At the time of publication, there have been more than 1,000 votes cast, with hundreds more liking and sharing the poll on Facebook. Currently, Castle Primary School in Castle Street, Portcheser, is in the lead, with more than 460 votes.
There are a total of 27 schools in the running for Caroline’s giveaway, the deadline for which is Friday, September 18 - to vote for which one you think should receive some tasty treats, follow this link.