Darlington mum opens Emma’s Bake Shed business from her garden

Emma Maull, 44, from Darlington, officially opened her brand Emma’s Bake Shed on Saturday (February 21), which had two days of sellouts of her homemade sweet treats.

The new venture marks the latest step for the mum of two, who launched her small business in January last year after rediscovering her passion of baking.

She said: “I’ve always loved baking. I used to make celebration cakes for friends and family, but I lost the enjoyment because I became a bit too obsessive over the details and would be up until one in the morning finishing things off.

“I stopped for a few years, but I ended up really missing it.”

Emma Maull and her new bake shed. (Image: Emma Maull)

Her passion was reignited after regularly bringing brownies along to family and friends parties and gatherings.

After being encouraged by the positive response, she began selling her sweet treats locally at the Cornmill Centre, Hopetown in Darlington, and a two-day event in Leyburn.

At the start of this year, Emma then decided to install a purpose made shed in her garden to grow her business while keeping financial costs low.

Originally a standard garden shed, it has since been painted and fitted with shelves and fairy lights, with a ring doorbell for added security.

The shed is on an honesty box basis, where customers can pay in cash or via a QR code.

Emma’s Bake Shed (Image: Emma Maull)

Ahead of the opening, Emma said she felt “excited but nervous”, however, her fears were quickly put to rest following a sell-out weekend.

Taking to Facebook yesterday (February 22), she said: “I honestly could never have imagined such a success. The support, the kindness, the queues, the lovely messages, you have completely blown me away.

“Seeing so many of you visit, share photos, and enjoy the bakes has meant more to me than I can put into words.”

Among her favourites treats to bake are peanut butter New York cookies, cherry Bakewell bakes and lemon meringue blondies.

Emma’s Bake Shed (Image: Emma Maull)

The 44-year-old, who currently balances the new venture alongside a part-time job, hopes the successful opening is a sign of things to come.

She said: “I’d love to be able to do this full-time one day, that’s my ultimate dream.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who made the launch weekend so special, and I’m so excited for what’s to come in the future.”

You can visit Emma’s Bake Shed at 11 Swallow Close, Darlington, DL1 4RP.