Vanessa Rousseau Richardson was born and raised in the picturesque landscapes of South Africa, where she developed a profound love for the art of cooking from an early age. Raised in a household where her mother thrived in the world of catering, Vanessa absorbed the culinary intricacies that would later become the foundation of her career. In 1998, Vanessa's journey led her across continents as she embarked on a new chapter in the United Kingdom, where she married her British husband, Peter Richardson (Classical Guitarist, Songwriter, Composer). Initially, Vanessa embarked as a breakfast chef and hostess on a high-speed train to London, 5 mornings a week, which was an adventure to remember. In this role, she learned a lot about timing and handling pressure, etc. Fueled by her passion for the culinary arts, Vanessa pursued formal education, studying professional catering at Clarendon College in Nottingham. Her journey into the professional kitchen commenced at a 5-star hotel in The Park, in Nottingham, where she honed her skills as a commis chef, setting the stage for a remarkable career.Venturing to Cornwall, Vanessa decided to carve her path in the culinary world. Launching her catering business, she quickly gained acclaim for her unique approach and exceptional skills. Driven by an innate creativity, Vanessa later took the helm in managing and opening a restaurant in Cornwall. After some years immersed in the restaurant business, Vanessa redirected her focus to the world of wedding cakes. Drawing on her extensive culinary background, she seamlessly blended her passion for creativity and love for baking. For the past 15 years, Vanessa has been an integral part of the Wedding Cake Industry, steadily earning a reputation for her distinctive and contemporary designs. Her wedding cake repertoire has evolved from Traditional Elegant Designs, Modern Contemporary, Shabby Chic to Rustic and Simple. She has also filled a Niche in the market for alternative wedding cakes including becoming an expert in the Piece Montee, and French Croquembouche Profiterole towers, which have proven to be a very popular choice for couples, over the years.Notably, Vanessa's commitment to providing an exceptional client experience led her to pioneer an exclusive and unique service – a photo finish computer-aided design mock-up service. This innovation allows her clients to envision their dream wedding cake with unparalleled precision, showcasing Vanessa's dedication to transparency and excellence in her craft. Using her years of expertise as a Wedding Cake Specialist, and her Graphic Design skills, Vanessa has finally finished her Book, which is now presented to you to enjoy, Sweet Beginnings. The Dream Wedding Cake planning Guide. Vanessa’s journey has been marked by diverse experiences and a commitment to pushing creative boundaries. She continues to inspire couples as they embark on their own “Sweet Beginnings.” Vanessa is still working along with couples who are to be wed, to help them create their Dream Wedding Cake. Read more about this authorRead less about this author