Monthly Muse: Helena Witte

Bakes By Her is the sweet brainchild of self-taught baker Helena Witte, who swapped her 9-to-5 office job for early mornings, buttercream, and big dreams.

What began as a humble Instagram account filled with experimental cookies and cupcakes has grown into one of Melbourne’s most-loved boutique cake studios. From baking at her mum’s kitchen bench to opening a beautiful studio in Brunswick, her journey is proof that passion and persistence can turn a side hustle into a full-fledged brand.

We sat down in conversation with Helena for our Monthly Muse series. Discover what fuels her creativity, how she navigates the chaos of entrepreneurship, and what a "typical" day looks like (spoiler: there’s no such thing). From her morning rituals to dream collaborations, favourite cakes, and bold future plans, she shares the raw, real, and often hilarious behind-the-scenes of running a cake business that’s as extra as the gorgeous designs she creates.

 

How was Bakes By Her born?

BBH started with nothing more than an Instagram account and some terrible quality photos of some terrible quality cookies & cupcakes that I had made. I have no other explanation other than I tried decorating one day, and fell in love with it. I’d spend every minute that I had spare at my mum’s house, baking & decorating different designs to take photos and post on my account. I taught myself everything I know and after about a year, I quit my full time office job and put everything I had into growing bakes by her. I transitioned from home kitchen to commercial shared space and then in early 2023, signed a lease to our beautiful studio in Brunswick. Today, my team and I are creating cakes for people all over Melbourne, and absolutely loving it. 

 

 What does a typical working day look like for you?

My working days don’t know the word typical! Every day is so different. Most of the time, I’m working before 7am, whether it’s from home or the studio. Working from home is very unglamorously computer & email heavy, doing all of the behind-the-scenes for running the business. When I’m in the studio, I’m usually covered in buttercream, decorating the most beautiful cakes & having a laugh with my team.

 

 

Favourite cake you have ever baked?

I’m like a mother who can’t pick her favourite child… I have loved so many cakes over the years but two stand out to me from very recently. One was a five tier pink & red vintage style cake with the longest red draping bows, which is just completely my aesthetic. The other was a candy pink tiered cake with gem stones all over it - very extra, very OTT. 

Do you have a morning routine?

I’ve recently implemented a morning routine that I try my best to stick to! It’s pretty basic, but sets me up for a good day. Wake up, brush my teeth, skincare, gratitude journal, supplements & bone broth (when I remember), then a cup of coffee and I’m out the door or straight onto my laptop.

 

 

What’s your star sign — and do you believe in it?

I’m a Pisces. I’ve had two friends give me contradicting opinions about whether I’m a true Pisces (one votes that I’m textbook Pisces while the other argues that I’m not at all). All I know is that I love to be in the ocean, I’m creative and sensitive. Does that make me a Pisces? 

Podcasts or music? What are you listening to right now?

Music, but don’t ask me what my music style is! My Spotify is a cute and chaotic mix of genres, from sing along Pitbull, some dirty minimal techno, AC/DC (hello Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders) and my personal fave Marlon Hoffstadt.

Dead or alive, who is your dream coffee date with and why?

I’d take a coffee date with my best friend over anybody else, any day of the week. BUT, I could really see myself having a good chat over a cappuccino with Elle Woods. Why? She seems like she would be a lot of fun, but I also love her attitude, her boss energy, she’s unapologetically herself, she’s smart, driven and that’s the kind of people I like to have around me. 

In your opinion, what's the best thing money can buy?

Experiences! Whether it’s a plane ticket to Euro summer (my personal favourite), a long lunch with friends, tickets to a music event or a weekend away. I’ll happily splurge on any experiences with the people I love if it means spending time with them and creating new memories. Which, I’ll argue is best done late July, in Europe. Just saying..

 

 

Advice for those looking to start their own business?

You’re wasting time by not starting right now! Don’t wait until you have everything perfect before you launch. You’ll learn most things as you go. Be prepared to sleep less. Be prepared to make mistakes. Finding the right people to support your business is the most important thing. Always ask for advice from people who are doing better than you. Listen to your customers. Go for gold, and have fun! 

What's your big hairy audacious goal for the next 3 years?

How long do you have? I want to run a marathon (unrelated to my career but running does keep me sane!). I’d love to speak on a panel about small business and represent my brand. I want to collaborate with some big brands (keeping those to myself for now). But my main goal is to continue running BBH successfully and have our cakes be the first choice for all of the fabulous party people in Melbourne!