Sometimes in life you have that one friend that completely takes your breath away in all that they do. Since meeting Liezl more than 2 years ago her talents have literally left me speechless on more than one occassion. She has supported and helped me with my blog on numerous occassions from a design point of view, is a photographer extraordinaire and more recently has launched a baking and design business Sugar & Paper.
As we kick off 2019’s “Love Local” Series, she was a no brainer to be the first to feature. I’ve showcased her skill a few times on my instagram page, but I really wanted to get more insight into how she has grown Sugar & Paper Parties and what her plans are for the year ahead. Be warned, this post will leave you drooling, not only does her baking look too good to eat, but it’s literally the most flavourful I have ever tasted too. I use Liezl for my boys parties and everyone always asks who made the cake! All of her details are at the end of the post to order. Youre welcome ๐
For now, over to Liezl:
Tell me more about yourself and what you currently do?
I am a born and bred KZN girl and grew up on the south coast but moved inland to finish my
schooling. I have been married to Michael for almost 12 years, and have two children,
Amelia (6) and Diego (3.5). I am a freelance Graphic Designer, Party Planner and now,
baker ๐
How did โSugar & Paper Partiesโ come about?
I have done freelance Graphic Design since 2013, but having always loved parties and
baking, last year I decided to start my party planning business, Sugar & Paper. I call myself
“a celebration enthusiast” โ I can conceptualise, design, coordinate and style your event,
and even bake the tasty treats. A one-stop-shop of good taste!
What did you study โ was it in this field or something different?
I studied Graphic Design at Tech for 3 years.
What was your first job and how did you progress to this?
I have always been a Graphic Designer and when I was pregnant for the first time, I had all
intentions to go back to full-time graphic design work once our baby was born. But then
Amelia came along and I realised that I just could not leave her with a stranger and return to
work. So, I decided to stay at home with her and become a WAHM.
What have been the highlights of starting your own business?
The highlights so far have been the positive feedback from clients, their genuine happiness
drives me.
Whatโs the best part of your job?
Being able to dedicate my time to my children when they need me, while still having a creative
outlet.
What is the most challenging part?
Obviously making sure you have enough clientele to cover your expenses. I am very
fortunate to have a supportive husband, who keeps us afloat most months. But I am really
proud to contribute financially when I can.
Describe a typical day in your life.
A typical day is that of most Moms โ get the kids up and ready for school (while half-sleeping myself
as I always go to bed way too late!) Amelia and Diego attend school half-day, so I try get most
work done during the day (design-wise) and spend the afternoons with my kids, running
errands, etc. I also work at night once they are asleep and I’ve finished all the household
stuff (I’mnot the best domestic but I do try!)
What are the โsecretsโ to your success?
I donโt think I have any secrets to success just yet โ ask me in a yearโs time ๐
How do you balance having a family (being an amazing mum and wife) and starting your own
business?
It can be difficult at times, as a small business is like another child and demands just as much
attention! Fortunately, my kids are a bit older now so play well on their own together if I am very
busy (although that does often seem to end up with more mess than Iโd expect!) I do sometimes
have to bake and source party paraphernalia with my tiny business partners in tow! They
don’t mind as they enjoy it and I try involve them in small ways, like baking extra cookies for them to decorate while I am busy. The juggle between being an entrepreneur, wife and
momโฆand still being yourself too, is a challenge but Iโm hoping 2019 is my year to master it!
What is your dream for Sugar and Paper?
I hope to build Sugar & Paper into a brand that people will immediately think of when it comes to
parties. Right now, I seemed to have slid more into the cookie side of my talents, but hope that I will
be able to become ever more involved in the design side too.
Any tips for people wanting to take the leap and start their own business?
It’s a scary endeavour but you will never look back!
Please show me how the hell you make your cookies so incredibly perfect ? ๐ ๐ ๐ Will you give
lessons one day?
Iโve been asked by numerous people if Iโd host lessons on cookies! ๐ Cookies are finicky and a lot of
cookiers will agree that everything we do comes down to personal preference so for me, it would be
a difficult thing to โteachโ. Also, I am a bit of a control freak, so may have to sit on my hands in order
not to cut in and just dรฉcorate everyoneโs cookies for them ha ha
You can visit my websites www.sugarandpaper.co.za (Party Planning) and
www.lastveigas.com (Graphic Design), follow my instagram feed @sugarandpaperparties.
Otherwise, I can be contacted on hello@sugarandpaper.co.za for party stuff,
hello@lastveigas.com for design work, or call me 0732881013.
GIVEAWAY:
Sugar & Paper Parties and In these Stilettos are giving away a box of “Mixed Love” for Valentines Day! The perfect box of cookies to spoil yourself (or a loved one if you can bear to share.)
All you have to do is make sure you are following @sugarandpaperparties on instagram (Ill check) and @IntheseStilettos and comment on the pic on my feed.
Winner will be announed via Instagram on Sunday 10 February 2019
