You may know her as Isobel Bakes of @isobel_bakes but Isobel's creative output is fast expanding beyond her beautiful bakes. There are recipes (for really tired people) and now a stunning shop for vintage prints. To visit Isobel on Instagram is to discover this whole world; her beautiful home full of vintage finds and the place where she conjures her magnificent bakes.

I first met Isobel, during a time when we both exhibited and collaborated creatively with A Most Curious Wedding Fair. (Me with invitation designs and her with wedding cakes). Shortly after I was planning my own wedding and knew I had to have an Isobel Bakes (chocolate) cake.

Fast forward five years and we've both had children and a business pivot! It's always encouraging to see how other creative women are navigating it all and I love to see everything Isobel turns her hand to. You'll now find Isobel's vintage prints and information about the latest bakes via a new site gretasgallery.co.uk she is based in London.

Here's how Isobel answered my 10 nosey questions for 'Creative Friends'.

Describe your creative style in 3 words.

Nostalgic, thoughtful, joyful

When did you first start to love the thing that you do now, or was it always there? 

I’ve always been creative, as a child who struggled academically and wasn’t hugely confident, being creative was the way I expressed myself. It was when I started my baking business that I realised that creating something beautiful could actually become my way of life and I’ve never felt more myself.

What inspired you to build the business you have now? What impact do you hope to create? 

I knew I wanted to work in food, so when I had the opportunity to make a wedding cake for a friend, I went for it and I’m so happy I did. It was the start of my business. Food and interiors are my passion, I also own a print shop, so to be able to cross over the two is such a privilege. I bring joy to people through creating beautiful things, and it’s an honour to be able to do that, I feel very lucky.

Where, who or what experience taught you the most invaluable lessons about the work you do now? Was it education, a career moment, or the school of life? Tell us more…

I would say learning on the job and the people I’ve met along the way. I wasn’t trained in baking, cooking or styling, so I have found it so valuable to take on as many jobs as I can of all different kinds to find out where my skills lie and also more importantly the sort of design and cooking that I love. Support from others in the industries I work in has been invaluable.

It’s your day off, what do you do? How do you unwind or find inspiration?

A day off is a sacred thing, especially a child free day! I like to seek out a new bakery that I may not have tried, or I love to browse a beautiful deli or grocery and take my time over it. Putting together ideas and recipes in my own down time is something I love to do. Travelling and taking in culture and art will always be an inspiration to me so I hope I can do more in the future.

Words of wisdom; what’s the best life or work advice you’ve received?  

Keep trying. It’s not easy being a freelance creative. It’s easy to give up when you don’t feel like you’re getting anywhere, but trust me keep trying. I’ve worked for a long time to get to where I am now. I’ve tried all sorts of work, put myself in stressful situations, but I’ve learnt from all of it and I couldn’t be happier with what I’ve achieved in the last four years, having two children and carving out my career and truly understanding who I am as a person and a creative

Your desert island book?

Can I take all of my cook books?

What item in your home gives you the most joy? Where did it come from?

This is a tricky one because I have a rule that I should only buy something for my home if it brings me joy! I love to bring items home from holidays that I’ve fallen in love with. My collection of ceramics from Italy probably brings me the most joy. Bowls and plates, giant pasta bowls, egg cups, you name it I’ve squeezed it into my hand luggage. I use them every day and the colours and shapes make food even better.

What’s the most surprising fact about you?

I actually don’t really eat a lot of cake! I’m a pastry girl

Proudest recent achievement? 

Having my second child, and being able to maintain my creativity and even thrive more than I did before when it comes to my work.

(My chocolate winter wedding cake by Isobel, it was the edible incarnation of a Dutch master painting - told ya she's good!)