Dianne Stanley – Cake Business Mentor
Dianne is a cake confidence and business mentor specialising in helping midlife women transform their passion for baking into a profitable, sustainable businesses. With 16 years of hands-on experience running her own successful cake business, Dianne brings a deep understanding of the challenges that come with starting and growing a creative business, particularly for those navigating life’s transitions.
Known for her approachable and supportive coaching style, Dianne helps her clients tackle key challenges like pricing with confidence, attracting the right customers, managing business 'nitty gritties', and using social media effectively. Her practical strategies and empathetic approach empower women to overcome self-doubt, anxiety, and overwhelm, enabling them to build businesses that align with their personal goals and values.
Dianne’s professional journey began in early years education, where she developed her talent for nurturing and guiding others. Following a career shift, she founded her bespoke cake business, where she grew from humble beginnings making celebration cakes to a bespoke business creating showstopping wedding cakes. Along the way, she gained first-hand experience navigating the complexities of balancing creativity, running a business, managing family life, and building personal resilience.
When she’s not mentoring, Dianne leads Caking it Back to Business Basics, an online community where women in the early stages of developing their cake business can find support, accountability, and encouragement. Outside of work, she enjoys woodland walks with her dog and connecting with nature, spending time with her grandchildren, and drawing inspiration from the everyday moments that bring joy and creativity into her life.
Dianne is passionate about helping her clients succeed with integrity and confidence, equipping them with the tools they need to build a successful business they can be proud of!
About Me - My Story
Hi, I’m Dianne—a cake business mentor, midlife woman (still trying to get to grips with it), proud nana and doggy mama, navigating life’s twists and turns just like you. I know how it feels to juggle family, responsibilities, and the dream of turning your creative passion into something profitable and fulfilling. My journey into the world of cakes hasn’t always been smooth or straightforward, but that’s what makes it all the more relatable (and a little bit messy, in the best way!).
I started my career working with little ones, finding my passion and creative flow as a nursery nurse in early years settings. Life had other plans, though, and when redundancy pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a world of anxiety and depression, I found myself diving headfirst into the world of cake decorating... picking up where I had left off many years before when my children were young. From early kitchen 'experiments' to stunning wedding cakes, I built a thriving cake business that brought smiles to countless faces of all ages.
I’m now here to help women like you step boldly into your cake business dreams, conquer self-doubt, and leave behind the overwhelm of figuring it all out alone. Whether you’re transitioning from hobby baker to business owner or just trying to balance business while taking care of everyone else, I’m here to guide you with real talk, practical strategies, and a good dose of encouragement and accountability!
If you’ve ever felt anxious, stuck, or unsure about your next steps, know you’re not alone. I’ve been there too, and I’m here to help. Together, we’ll turn your passion into a business that works for you—one that brings joy, confidence, and pride, no matter what challenges come your way. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. I’ll be with you every step of the way.
When I’m not cheering you on, you’ll find me enjoying the countryside, wrangling muddy grandchildren and dogs, or chatting with my community in Caking it Back to Business Basics—a space where like-minded women share, support, and grow together.
Let’s make your cake dreams a reality. You’ve got this, and I’m right here to help.