A Legacy of Engineering: How Tuoyo’s Family Shaped Her Path

Family legacies can shape our paths in unexpected ways, sometimes creating tension between lineage and our own aspirations. Such was the case for Tuoyo, who dreamed of a creative career but whose dreams were overshadowed by her family’s history and her father’s desire to secure her future through a well-paid profession within the respected engineering field.

Tuoyo’s formative years were spent in Nigeria, where she led a sheltered and privileged childhood. The family lived in Benin City in Edo State, Benin City, Nigeria’s fourth largest city. Her father was the Medical Director of a psychiatric hospital, and her mother was the Matron of a nursing school. Yet, her father’s unfulfilled ambition guided her path – the dream for an engineer in the family, a legacy echoing back to her great-grandfather who worked for John Holt during Nigeria’s period of British colonisation.

Cardiff Calling: Finding Strength and Logic in Unexpected Places

After leaving Nigeria in 2003, Tuoyo enrolled at Cardiff University to study electronic microcomputing systems. While a technical discipline, it held some design elements, perhaps reflecting a compromise between her creative leanings and her father’s desire for an engineering degree. Years later, she returned to Cardiff and completed a Master’s in Civil Engineering – a seemingly distant field from her initial studies and a qualification she has never used. When I expressed my surprise, Tuoyo revealed the cultural pressure that once again steered her choices. “Nigerian parents can be very ambitious for their children’s education,” she explained. “A Master’s degree is often seen as the bare minimum for success.”

Cardiff proved to be a transformative experience for Tuoyo. While the subject of her studies was dictated by others, her natural aptitude for mathematics shone through. She found satisfaction in the clear logic and precise answers that maths provided – an orderliness that perhaps offered a sense of control amidst other pressures.

Building on this foundation, she embarked on a successful career spanning diverse engineering sectors: power and water, aviation, and, ultimately, the oil and gas industries.

Clevedon’s Charm: Discovering Creativity in a Coastal Town

Tuoyo joined her husband Graham, an engineer, in Clevedon eight years ago. Initially, the sleepy coastal town seemed a stark contrast to the vibrant life of Cardiff, and its charms were not immediately apparent. Yet, over time,  Clevedon’s gentle rhythms and hidden depths worked their magic. She finds herself captivated by the creative energy that pulses through the community, a creativity that she yearns for. She wondered if it could be the sea, with its ever-changing moods and vast horizons,  that inspires such artistic expression. She has found her place within the community and feels a deep sense of belonging. ‘If you have community, you’re rich’, she affirms, recognising its essential role in her happiness and well-being.

Lessons from Little Ones: Parenthood as a Journey of Mutual Growth

Tuoyo and Graham find their lives filled with the joyful chaos of parenthood. Their two daughters, a whirlwind of energy and independent spirit at three and six years old, are very different and unique. Her 6-year-old, born prematurely at just 1lb 11oz at twenty-four weeks, is a testament to Tuoyo’s resilience, and her arrival irrevocably altered Tuoyo’s perspective. While Tuoyo initially viewed parenthood as a journey of nurturing and guiding her children, she discovered a profound truth – they were also her teachers. Through their unconditional love and innocent wonder, they showed her the beauty of living in the present moment and the strength that resides within us all.

The Birth of a Baker: Tuoyo’s Passion Ignited

It’s this strength and resilience that fuels Tuoyo’s current passion: the art of baking. It was a hobby at university; the decision to turn professional came the first week before lockdown. Only in the last year has she made it into a full-time job. At first, she taught herself, relying on books and YouTube but her determination soon pushed her beyond these resources. Recognising the need for formal training, she sought out baking classes. A new dream takes shape: studying French patisserie in its culinary homeland.  Funding may be uncertain, but Tuoyo is ambitious, and when she sets her mind to something, there’s an unwavering certainty that she’ll find a way. And indeed, she has!

Despite her accomplishments across multiple fields, Tuoyo remains a hidden gem, her talents recognised primarily by those who frequent the weekly Thursday Market in Queen’s Square and the monthly Sunday Market in Clevedon’s Hill and Sea area.  Marketing herself has always been a struggle – she’s never been one to seek the spotlight. Yet, the marketplace demands more than just a superb product;  customers connect with a person, a story.  Tuoyo is slowly but surely working on this,  striving to build her confidence, shed her self-deprecating tendencies, and fully embrace her unique skills and abilities. It’s a journey of becoming comfortable in her own skin, a journey she’s bravely undertaking.

The Flavours of Tuoyo Shackleton: A Playful Twist on Tradition

When I asked Tuoyo about her baking style, she described it as ‘a playful modern twist on the traditional.’ While her creations often draw inspiration from classic recipes, her culinary curiosity knows no bounds. She is always experimenting, fearlessly altering ingredients, adjusting ratios, and seeking out thrilling new taste sensations.  While she doesn’t have a single signature bake, Tuoyo is renowned for her delicious red velvet cake. She has a customer who orders 3 or 4  at a time for shipping to Nottingham. Said customer had searched far and wide, but in her book, Tuoyo’s red velvet was the best. On reflection, Tuoyo felt that her red velvet was her signature bake, along with her zesty, vibrant lemon cake.

Tuoyo’s creations are a study in balance; she uses sugar with restraint, understanding that it can overshadow the flavours she carefully crafts. Icing is a delicate accent, not a heavy blanket. The taste and pure profile of the ingredients are the heart of her art.

The Thursday market is her creative playground – a weekly challenge to push her boundaries and experiment with new flavours. Since February, her commitment to variety has been clear; she’s rarely, if ever, repeated the same recipe twice.

On her website, Tuoyo identifies a flavour of the month, although these are only available for pick-up at the Clevedon Sunday Market (the first Sunday of every month), or she can arrange a pick-up on the first Saturday of every month.

I nearly forgot to tell you about Tuoyo’s pièce de résistance: her extraordinary talent for crafting bespoke cake decorations! From delicate sugar flowers to whimsical fondant characters, her creations are the cherry on top of any celebration.

Market Magic: Building a Loyal Following One Bite at a Time

The loyal following Tuoyo has earned is a testament to her delicious creations. Her customers don’t just buy her baked goods; they truly embrace her. They spread the word, wax lyrical about the exquisite flavours, and return again and again for another taste.  Tuoyo relishes this enthusiastic response – a clear affirmation of her talent.

While the occasional comment about price might surface, Tuoyo understands that those voices often overlook the skill, time, and exceptional ingredients woven into every bite. Of course, pricing is a delicate balance, but she stands firm in the knowledge that her baking offers both quality and the intangible joy sparked by something made with care.

Check out these lovely reviews:

“The cake engineer is fantastic. We ordered a gluten-free and vegan bento cake, and it was LOVED by everyone who ate it, those with allergies and those without. And the kiddo absolutely loved it too. I 100% recommend” Tim T Ewins Facebook

“Just wanted to say THANK YOU so much for the cakes. They were lovely. Tasted so good. Would definitely recommend.” Okela Douglas Google 

“Tuoyo saved our wedding! With only days to go, we realised that our original bakery couldn’t deliver our cake. Tuoyo stepped in and not only delivered a beautiful and delicious cake, but also went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. She contacted our wedding planner and venue, ironed the tablecloths, prepped the cake table, and event decorated it! Tuoyo was a true life saver and we couldn’t be happier with her service.” Kela (Bride)

“Everything about buying a cake from Tuoyo was fantastic! The cake itself was delicious and so pretty, I wish I had taken a photo but my family had cut into it before I had a chance What I also appreciated was that Tuoyo kept me updated at every stage and was so open to personalising the cake. Will definitely be ordering again! Alley Brereton

“Perfect for those with a sweet tooth. The care taken making these treats is very evident. They are so beautifully crafted!” Jayedna Russell  Facebook

“It was my daughter’s 16th over the weekend and she asked for a cake the week before. The cake was dropped off, looked amazing and tasted fantastic. Will be back again when the next cake is needed. Made my daughter’s day x” Kim Davis Facebook

I asked Tuoyo to describe a typical day for her as a baker which is very full but nevertheless very rewarding.

A Day in the Life of a Home Baker: Balancing Passion and Practicality

After dropping the children off at school and nursery, Tuoyo returns home, and her whirlwind day truly begins. First, she consults her meticulous cleaning log, a detailed record-keeping system essential for a home baker committed to impeccable hygiene standards. Fridge temperatures follow, and then it’s time to gather ingredients, check she has everything she needs and leave them to come to room temperature.

Tuoyo starts with gluten-free baking, which ensures a safe, controlled environment for those with severe allergies and avoids the risk of cross-contamination from regular flour. A thorough cleaning session precedes her vegan bakes and, finally, onto the regular treats.

Tuoyo’s commitment to local ingredients shines through in her sourcing. Eggs arrive fresh from Greenacre Farm in Chew Valley; honey comes from a dedicated Clevedon beekeeper, and A Better Weigh supplies her with dried goods. This local focus aligns with her broader awareness of global issues and her desire to implement sustainable practices, one step at a time.

Tuoyo dreams of collaborating with like-minded figures in the Clevedon food community – names like Lisa Clark, the Chocolate Tart, Nicholas and Lucaz of the Clevedon Distillery, and Pauline Cox, nutritionist, author, and owner of the Sow and Arrow health food shop. Her ultimate vision is a lively annual ticketed food event, a celebration of creating delicious food and drink, bringing the community together for a shared experience.

Working without a commercial space is a major challenge for Tuoyo! Everything must be cleared away by 4:30 sharp when her hungry children return. Then, it’s straight into prepping dinner, which she always makes from scratch.  There’s no pausing, no setting half-finished bakes aside – each morning, she faces a fresh start yet she tackles it all with impressive determination.

Tuoyo finds a welcome respite from the intensity of her baking schedule in the rhythmic, hands-on nature of baking itself, which she cannot undertake unless she is in a state of peace. I wondered if she had other means of relaxing, and she shared her love of K-dramas, which have exploded in popularity worldwide, especially since streaming platforms have made them widely accessible. She also finds joy in the simple pleasures of cooking from scratch and dining out.

While she can’t pinpoint a favourite baking memory, Tuoyo treasures the moments when she can bake without the usual pressure. Putting on music and letting herself dance and sing while working becomes an act of pure, much-needed joy.  Despite the challenges,  Tuoyo’s love for her craft and growing brand recognition remains unwavering.

Dreams and Aspirations: Tuoyo’s Vision for a Community-Centered Café

When I asked Tuoyo about her dreams for the bakery’s future, her eyes lit up. She envisions a charming little café paired with a spacious and vibrant party room – either upstairs or on the same level. This would be the perfect place to expand her already popular children’s party planning service. Currently, Tuoyo takes care of every detail, from finding the perfect venue to entertainment, so parents can simply relax and celebrate. Her packages include stunning decorations, delicious birthday cakes, games, activities, professional entertainers, and even food and drink options. She offers add-ons like face painting, balloon artists, and magicians for extra magic. Here’s the link if you’d like to know more.

But Tuoyo’s vision doesn’t stop there. She longs for a dedicated baking school nestled within the café, where she can share her passion with children in small group sessions and offer both baking and general cooking classes to the wider community.

Bespoke is at the heart of Tuoyo’s business. She specialises in creating personalised baking experiences, from custom-designed cakes and cookies to tailored classes for adults and children.  Her passion shines through in her children’s classes, where she fosters a love of baking in a fun and interactive environment. Reach out here to discover the perfect bespoke creation for you.

Tuoyo also has a recipe book bubbling away in her mind, specifically aimed at inspiring young chefs between the ages of four and twelve. Imagine a collection of straightforward recipes, none requiring more than five ingredients. These accessible creations wouldn’t just be fun to make; they’d also be a stepping stone towards healthy eating habits.

The book’s heart lies in empowering children. They’ll learn the basics of following recipes and handling ingredients and gain a deeper understanding of what makes food nutritious and delicious. Each recipe could be accompanied by engaging, age-appropriate information—perhaps a breakdown of key ingredients and their benefits or fun facts about different food groups.

Tuoyo envisions this book as more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a springboard for a lifelong love of cooking. By fostering confidence and understanding in the kitchen from a young age, she hopes to equip children with the skills and knowledge to continue exploring the world of food as they grow.

The Legacy of Love: Tuoyo’s Wish to Spread Joy Through Baking

When I asked Tuoyo about the legacy she hopes to leave in Clevedon, her focus wasn’t on fame or recipes. She wishes to be remembered as someone whose heart overflowed with genuine care. For her, baking is an act of love, and her greatest wish is for everyone to feel that love.  The thought of anyone feeling unloved breaks her heart.

In the past, Tuoyo found joy in donating cakes to a local children’s charity. While those donations have paused, her search for new ways to give continues. She even dreams of the day she might surprise every customer in her bakery with a special birthday cake –  a simple, yet powerful gesture of shared celebration.

If you would like to see more of Tuoyo’s work or contact her about an order, her number is 0777 196 5992 and her email is thecakeengineerclevedon@gmail.com. Tuoyo is on Facebook and Instagram and here’s the link to her website.