#AlmightyPeople Patti Chimkire of Mali Bakes
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"I’d been interested in pursuing a business of my own for a while, but never really had the time or the drive"
Patti started baking cookies during lockdown as both a creative outlet and way to make some extra income. These cookies turned into cakes and these cakes became so popular Patti opened up a Mali Bakes shop in Thornbury, Melbourne and we are so glad she did! These are bespoke celebration cakes like no other. Read to learn more about the Mali Bakes story, Patti's life and how she finds balance.
We are obsessed with all things Mali Bakes, what was the inspiration behind starting your own cake business?
The inspiration from the business coincided with a few things, all of which were brought together by the pandemic. I’d been interested in pursuing a business of my own for a while, but never really had the time or the drive. My income suffered during the initial lockdowns, and I needed something to supplant that missing rent money; and, because of that, the free time that I’d been lacking became quite abundant.
My housemates at the time were all pursuing different creative outlets as well; sculpture, jewellery making, and photography - to name a few - and I found myself wanting to express myself in my own way, which was always through colour and aesthetics. So, I began making cookies which eventually turned into making cookies and cakes.
"I like interesting flavours, flavours that have a background, that have a story that goes with them, a friendly face and come from all over the place."
Where do you find the inspiration for the flavours and designs of your cakes? They have such a unique, retro feel to them.
Visually, I’m inspired by a kaleidoscope of things which primarily come to me through funny old illustrated cookbooks, abstract artists like Hilma af Klint, and colour in general. The flavours are kind of an extension of that kaleidoscope idea - I like interesting flavours; flavours that have a background, that have a story that goes with them, a friendly face and come from all over the place. This aspect of Mali Bakes is really important to me. I buy locally as much as I can and really spend time with each individual flavour trying to find its perfect match.
It must be so special to create something that marks a special moment for someone, what’s your favourite occasion to bake for?
Weddings are my favourite occasion to bake for. They give me the chance to explore larger-scale, multi-tiered cakes. They’re always challenging in new and different ways. Whether that’s in the making of the cake, the arrangement of it, or even transporting it. And the customers always bring their own flair to the conversation; I’ve met so many people through doing this, and I’m always delighted to be a part of their special day.
Tell us, we’d like to know! What is your absolute favourite cake flavour?
That changes all the time! For the month of September we’re doing a delicious Blood Orange Yoghurt Cake that’s filled with cardamon custard, and blood orange jelly with brown sugar buttercream. I think this one will be a favourite for quite some time.
If you had to pick, what would you say is the best part of what you do?
Everything comes together to be the best part of what I do. I’m in love with being able to use a variety of colours every day, decorating cakes, and designing the flavours that go into them. I’m very lucky that this aspect of my job gives so much back to me.
How do you like to start your day, and how do you like to end it?
The day usually starts the same: with a quick coffee run. It always ends slightly differently though. A glass of wine at dinnertime with my partner, grabbing a beer at our local with friends, just relaxing and listening to music, watching a good (or bad) television show - these are the things I love doing at the end of the day. Most of all, however, is getting to hang out with my cat, Miso. I do as many of these things with him as possible.
How do you like to take time for yourself and maintain balance?
It’s hard to find balance, especially when everything can be a source of new inspiration and ideas, but getting out of the house is the best way for me to find balance in my life. I’m a big fan of going for walks around our area, going for a morning swim, or seeing something new and interesting.
