ELK TALES: KATHERINE SABBATH

We met with some of our favourite creative women to learn more about the inspiration behind their endeavours.

Well known for her iconic and well-loved cakes and recipes, introducing unique cake creative, Katherine Sabbath, along with her wonderful mum, Yen.

Do you have a favourite memory from your childhood with your mother?

I remember always loving going grocery shopping with my mother, and being mesmerised by all of the colours and shapes of fresh and packaged foods showcased in the aisles. She would pop me in the child seat of the shopping trolley and sneakily grab me a few green beans to munch on while in the grocery store. I loved green beans and they always kept me occupied! I learned everything about picking and preparing fresh produce from my Mother.

What was your mother's response when you decided to go out on your own in the creative field?

Of course, your parents only want what's best for you, so when I decided to pursue self-employment in a non-traditional career (home baking and cake teaching), they were worried about my financial well-being. I'm glad they taught me how to manage money, because these skills helped me to carefully plan my career change without too much financial strain. After attending some of my cake demonstrations and seeing me through the process of self-publishing my first cookbook, "Katherine Sabbath - Greatest Hits", they couldn't be more proud of what I've achieved so far, and excited about the kinds of projects a career of this nature can create. Needless to say, I'm incredibly grateful for my Mother's support!

Did you learn to cook from your mother?

My Mother is a wonderful cook and is always experimenting with exciting new flavours and cooking techniques. When it comes to food, she instilled in me the value of trying everything before judging, so growing up, I was exposed to a plethora of flavours and cuisines, and always had a curiosity about ingredients. I'm very lucky to have been given such a diverse palette from a young age! I love watching my Mother cook, but I love eating her food even more.

What qualities do you most admire in your mother?

My mother Yen, is extraordinarily patient and compassionate. Her love and acceptance of others is a quality I hugely admire. She just has this profound capacity to love other people and she never judges others without knowing their backstory. Her quiet resilience is another quality which surprises me almost every day. I've learned more from my Mother than I'll ever know!

When did you decide you wanted to bake professionally?

Leaving my full-time role as a High School Teacher was the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make in my life but so far, it’s also proven to be the most rewarding and exciting! After people found my work on Instagram and started reaching out to me with opportunities I just couldn’t turn down, it became difficult to satisfy both passions at the same time and to the best of my ability. It’s been fantastic because now I am able to teach people from all walks of life, in all different types of learning environments and also manage to keep in contact with my old students.

What's next for Katherine Sabbath?

My focus is on supporting and inspiring the home baking community through new ideas, recipes, and skills. I'd love to publish another cookbook and also work on my video editing skills, so that I can make some cake decorating tutorials. Watch this space!

Click here to browse Katherine's website, or follow her on Instagram @katherience_sabbath x