"Hard work pays off": Woman who lost two jobs to the pandemic opens new Porthleven cake shop

A new sweet treats shop has opened in Porthleven inspired and pushed forward by owner Bethany when she lost both her jobs to the pandemic.

27-year-old Bethany Harrington set 'Truly Cornish' up in 2017, selling her creations initially as a pop-up venture from a gazebo on Porthleven Harbour Head and attending foodie events and shows around the county.

"The dream was always to turn my love of baking into a full-time career," says Bethany. "I've continued to work two jobs whilst building up the business but when the pandemic struck, I lost both jobs, so things looked quite scary for me."

The pandemic has had an impact on so many people and Bethany wasn't immune. But rather than get downhearted, she saw it as an opportunity to realise her dream.

She said:

"I had to do something to keep myself occupied and take my mind off the situation, so I decided to spend lockdown developing the business, creating new recipes and drive it to where I always wanted it to go."

The opportunity to take over a shop just off the bustling harbour town's Fore Street was too good to ignore.

"My cupcakes and bakes had been very well received at the events I've attended, usually selling out, so I was confident that opening a shop was a viable option," Bethany continued.

"Hard work pays off and you can always make the best of a bad situation if you put your mind to it."

If the first weekend's trading is a barometer of potential success then it smashed all expectations. Stock completely sold out on both days with more than double the quantity of products having been created than initially planned.

The vanilla Unicorn and Cornish cream tea cupcakes plus Cornish sea salted caramel billionaire brownies are among the top sellers on a menu of irresistible treats that evolves on a weekly basis.

The new base at Chapel Terrace will also provide a base for Truly Cornish's bespoke service supplying cupcakes, bakes and cakes for events, weddings, corporate clients as well as a growing number of wholesale customers.

The shop currently opens to the public every Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Hot drinks and other developments are planned to be added to the menu in the near future.

Bethany concluded:

"I can now expand, fulfil more orders and build towards working full time on my own business."

To find out more visit The Truly Cornish website at www.trulycornish.com or search @trulycornish on Facebook and Instagram.