5 Minutes with Frances Song
Q & A WITH FRANCES SONG
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I’m an Aussie born Chinese.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I’m a Pastry Chef / Baker / Owner of Cake & Dessert business
HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PASSION?
I rediscovered my baking passion after I had my first daughter. I wanted to make healthier baked goodies for her. Eventually, I went to pursue my passion further and studied Patisserie.
IF YOU WERE A COLOUR, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Umm can I be white? It’s not really a colour but when I see white, I feel calm. And I think white makes all colours prettier when mixed together.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Everything and Anything. I love seeing what others are doing and inspires to me to interpret it my way through my cakes and desserts.
DESCRIBE YOUR ART IN 3 WORDS
Simple. Classic. Natural
WHO ARE YOUR CLIENTS AND WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING PROJECT YOU HAVE DONE?
My business focuses on customizing cakes and desserts using premium and natural ingredients. So, most of my clients know that I prefer making cakes using minimal sugar, little to no food colouring, real ingredients and maximizing flavours.
My most interesting and challenging project to date was with a Mother’s Day Macaron event with Leaf Café Co. I had to design and make 6 different types of macarons to represent 6 different kinds of Mums. They had to be in different shapes and flavours . I was given the following,
1. Boss Mum
2. Free-range Mum
3. DIY Mum
4. Fitness Mum
5. Theatre Mum
6. Glam Mum
WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED AS A PASTRY CHEF / BAKER?
All jobs have their challenges and I started in this industry only a few years ago. The working hours are being a Pastry Chef /Baker are quite demanding. Midnight starts and long hours standing. Try to balance that with two little ones! So, I started baking from home. And it doesn’t get any easier when there a lot of home bakers that also are in the same situation. The only way to get more clients is from marketing ourselves! And, honestly, I’m definitely not the most tech savvy person.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TOP TIP FOR CHILDREN WHO WANT TO BECOME LIKE YOU ONE DAY?
Never give up and be flexible. Because everything takes time. Use that time wisely to practise. It may sound slow, but the foundation is so important. Especially for making tall cakes! And by flexible, I mean that there is always more than one way of doing things. If one way doesn’t work, try another way. It might work for someone but it may not be for you. So don’t give up and find a way that works for you!
l WHAT EXCITING PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR 2021 / 2022 ?
It took lots of patience and planning but now I am ready to open my own Patisserie and café. I want to bring back classic desserts and cakes with a twist and showcase all of my favourites flavours and bake up a storm!
Thank you so much for introducing yourself to us Frances! We can’t wait for your new cafe to open very soon! If you want to say hello to Frances, you can email her at bysweetfields@gmail.com or see more of her delicious works below.
