Discover how Gayle Johnstone transformed her baking hobby into a bustling business in Elgin.
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From hobby to thriving business: The story of The Crofter’s Neuk
During the early days of the Covid-19 lockdown, many individuals sought new hobbies to fill their time. For Gayle Johnstone, this quest led to an unexpected entrepreneurial journey.
What began as a simple pastime of baking soon evolved into a bustling business, The Crofter’s Neuk, located in the south of Elgin. This transformation not only provided her with a creative outlet but also met a growing demand for baked goods in her community.
Turning a passion into a business
Initially, Gayle’s baking was a way to keep herself occupied while managing her small croft, which was home to Highland cows, ducks, sheep, and hens. The idea of selling her baked goods came about when she started placing items in an honesty box at the end of her road. To her surprise, cars began lining up to purchase her treats, leading to a surge in demand that even prompted a visit from the local police, who were impressed with her safety measures.
“It was the hardest I’ve ever worked in my life,” Gayle recalls, describing her days filled with baking from early morning until midnight. The overwhelming response from the community encouraged her to consider a more permanent business solution. When a small takeaway space became available in New Elgin, she seized the opportunity, believing it would be the perfect location to serve her growing customer base.
At first, The Crofter’s Neuk focused solely on cakes and snacks for local schoolchildren. However, as the business gained traction, Gayle expanded the menu to include hot food options, such as loaded fries. Today, the takeaway serves a diverse clientele, including hungry workers and students, while also supplying cakes to shops across the northeast of Scotland.
“More than half of our income comes from preparing cakes for local shops,” Gayle explains. Her products can now be found in KeyStore, Premier, and Budgens, reaching communities as far as Kemnay and Grantown. This strategic approach has allowed her to maintain a steady income stream, ensuring that the business is not solely reliant on foot traffic.
Community engagement and future aspirations
Despite the challenges of running a business during a pandemic, Gayle has fostered a strong connection with her community. She enjoys interacting with regular customers and appreciates the support from local businesses. “I love our customers, the regulars, the new faces,” she shares, highlighting the joy her work brings her.
Looking ahead, Gayle remains optimistic about the future of The Crofter’s Neuk. She continues to innovate and adapt her offerings based on customer feedback and market trends. “You’ve got to do with the craze at the time too,” she notes, emphasizing the importance of staying relevant in a competitive market.
In conclusion, Gayle Johnstone’s journey from a lockdown hobbyist to a successful business owner exemplifies the resilience and creativity that many have displayed during challenging times. The Crofter’s Neuk stands as a testament to the power of community support and the potential for personal passions to flourish into thriving enterprises.
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