Passionate cake business founder brings back event for SEND community for third year running
A passionate cake business founder has brought back her event for the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) community for the third year running.
Ama Ofosu launched Joyous Cupcakes in August 2020 after she had been considering starting her own business for some time while she worked in social care.
Baking was something that Ama felt passionately about, having grown up doing it with her aunties and siblings for Christmas time and other family celebrations.
Ama completed a college course in cake decorating in March 2020 and the pandemic gave her the opportunity to practice her skills before launching the venture later in the year.
There are many strands to Joyous Cupcakes, which includes bespoke cakes for special occasions, corporate events and weddings, cookies and live demonstrations at different locations.
It was in 2023 when the idea of hosting ‘Joyfully Seen’ events for the SEND community came about. Ama described it as a difficult year following the bereavement of a close relative, which saw a shift in where she wanted to go next in life.
The business owner recalls pulling back from her network of support and using the time to reflect on how far she had come.
Following a SEND diagnosis in her family, as well as the aspiration to do something for the community when she launched Joyous Cupcakes, Ama held her first successful event and she is now preparing to bring it back for a third consecutive year.
The event is being held from 1pm until 4pm on May 16 at Elim Church. SEND parents, carers and professionals are welcome to attend and enjoy an afternoon tea for free, and booking in advance is required.
“It’s very exciting and I’m very grateful that people have rallied around the event,” said Ama. “I’m so grateful we have the opportunity to do it again for the third time. I hope it will continue to grow and impact lives.
“Parents, carers and professionals working in the SEND area have weight and burdens they are carrying. I wondered what an afternoon tea is going to do to help that, but even if we have a positive impact on one person, we have met our aim.”
The theme for the event is creating pathways, with a guest speaker on the topic to inspire attendees to create something for those with additional needs by thinking outside the box.
“We want to encourage the community to support families and professionals struggling,” said Ama. “They can become isolated and may not have the support network around them to come outside of the bubble they have created.
“Do you know someone who would benefit from this event? Offer childcare and relieve them for a couple of hours to enjoy the day. Share the word about what is going on.”