Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Blakiston.
Hi Grace, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion for food started at a young age. At just seven years old, I began cooking independently after being inspired by Jamie Oliver. From that point on, I was always in the kitchen, eager to learn and create.
After finishing high school at a young age, I enrolled at TAFE when I was 15 to begin my apprenticeship as a pastry chef. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of bakeries and kitchens, continually developing my skills and learning from talented chefs with experience across Australia and internationally.
Alongside my work as a pastry chef, I started sharing my baking journey online through Grace MD Bakes and my blog, graceblakiston.com. I love creating recipes, sharing behind-the-scenes moments from life in the kitchen, and making baking approachable and enjoyable for others.
As a teenager, I also began competing as an apprentice pastry chef and have been fortunate to receive several awards, including being named Most Successful Apprentice at the Perth Royal Food Awards. I continue to compete today and am currently a finalist in several industry competitions.
Today, I continue working as a pastry chef while growing my online community, creating content, and collaborating with brands that align with my passion for food, baking, and creativity. It’s incredibly rewarding to have turned a childhood passion into both a career and a platform where I can inspire others to discover the joy of baking.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many apprentices, I experienced workplaces where I wasn’t always treated fairly. This meant my apprenticeship took longer than it should have because employers were reluctant to pay me at the correct rate. Those experiences were challenging and, at times, left me questioning whether I wanted to stay in the industry.
After becoming qualified, I felt quite discouraged and decided to step away from baking professionally for a period. Looking back, that break was exactly what I needed. It gave me time to rediscover why I loved baking in the first place and the confidence to return to the industry on my own terms by starting Grace MD Bakes.
Those challenges taught me resilience and have shaped the way I approach my work today. They also gave me a greater appreciation for creating a positive, encouraging environment and for using my platform to inspire others who may be navigating similar challenges.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Grace MD Bakes is where my passion for baking, education, and creativity come together. Through my blog, social media platforms, and collaborations, I share recipes, baking tips, behind-the-scenes insights from life as a pastry chef, and honest glimpses into the reality of working in the food industry.
One thing that sets Grace MD Bakes apart is authenticity. I don’t just share the finished product—I share the process, the lessons, the challenges, and what life is really like behind the scenes. I want people to feel like they’re learning alongside me rather than being shown an unattainable standard.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://graceblakiston.com
- Instagram: @gracemdblakiston
- Other: TikTok: @graceblakiston
Image Credits
@gracemdblakiston
