Meet the founder proud to run successful baking business in spite of chronic neurological condition
Meet the founder proud to run a successful baking business in Northampton in spite of the daily challenges caused by his chronic neurological condition.
Ryan Grigg runs Pat-a-Cake Man from Pineham, which specialises in bespoke celebration cakes for every occasion including birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and corporate events.
As a soon-to-be 40-year-old baker living with a chronic condition known as Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Ryan faces severe and unpredictable symptoms every day.
Despite this, his passion for baking and determination to deliver high quality cakes provides him with purpose, fulfilment and relief from the impact of what he faces.
Before launching his business three years ago, Ryan was a qualified PGA golf professional and worked all over the UK. His health deteriorated over several years and as a result of his diagnosis, he was forced to stop this profession.
Ryan describes his daily symptoms as “disabling and severe chronic pain”, including involuntary movement, non-epileptic seizures and paralysis.
“I always had a passion for baking and that’s why the business was created,” said Ryan. “It took off. I’m a self taught baker specialising in bespoke orders and designs of cakes for a wide range of occasions. I come up with a unique design for each brief.”
Pat-a-Cake Man operates across Northamptonshire but Ryan does fulfill national orders too, having delivered to Rugby, Leamington and London before.
“Even with the significant personal challenges I face, I have built and sustained a successful business,” said Ryan. “Feedback has been unprecedented and so heartwarming, particularly in the last 12-to-18 months.
“There has been an increase in new enquiries and repeat business as well. To see the smiles on everyone’s faces when you hand over the final product is so pleasing – it gives a sense of purpose and fulfilment.”
Talking about the impact of his chronic condition on how he is able to run his business, Ryan said: “The unpredictability of the symptoms is a daily challenge. As a family we have adapted a lot.
“You’ve really got to get up and push forward on a daily basis, it’s very hard work. There are times when it’s too much, like when I’m paralysed in my legs or I have a seizure. It does take it out of me but I’ve got a business to run and I very much enjoy it.
“I hope my little story inspires others if they are facing challenges to plough on, get up and be determined to succeed in something – as it proves very valuable.”
Ryan’s proudest achievement is every completed order and seeing smiles on faces when he hands them over, particularly the grander wedding cakes he creates. Pat-a-Cake Man also has a five star food hygiene rating.
Looking to the future, Ryan hopes to continue growing the business and developing his skillset. He would love his own premises in the not-so-distant future to scale up from his home baking studio.