In this spotlight we’d like to introduce you to Rachel who runs Cotswold Vegan Bakery. They are a plant based bakery based in Cheltenham who do custom celebration cakes as well as having just opened up their first cake shop. At markets you will know them for their sweet treats – cakes by the slice, cookies, cupcakes – but soon they will be branching into savoury items, too!

What came first? Veganism or your business?

Veganism! My husband and I became interested in veganism in about 2017, and took the plunge in 2018. I started CVB in 2021.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I’ve always loved baking, and the idea of running my own bakery. I also love the freedom and flexibility of working for myself.

 My grandad had his own doughnut market stall for years, and I used to help him make the doughnuts during the summer as a child, so that was a big inspiration!

What's your favourite thing about trading at vegan markets?

I love meeting other people who run vegan businesses. Vegan markets are also a really friendly environment for people following other lifestyles to learn about veganism and see all the amazing food and products that can be made compassionately!

What's your top selling product at markets?

It varies so much, but my lemon and elderflower, and sticky toffee cakes both tend to go down very well, as do my salted honeycomb cookies. It’s almost impossible to predict, though!

What advice would you give someone wanting to start trading at vegan markets?

Just give it a try! Daisy works really hard to make sure they’re welcoming and well-attended events, and the other traders are really friendly and helpful.

What are the biggest challenges you are facing as an independent business owner right now?

The biggest challenge is definitely how much food and energy prices have risen since I set up the business. It’s also a challenge to fit everything I want to get done into each week! I’ve got lots of new and different things I’d like to start doing, or to improve, and it’s difficult to fit it all into the day.

If you have a rare weekend off, how are you spending it?

If there’s no life admin to be done, I’ll normally go for a walk in the countryside with my husband and our dog, Basil. Maybe pop into the pub, or cook something new and interesting (or just a Sunday Roast).

What's your favourite…

…Vegan restaurant/cafe

Reishi Plant Kitchen in Worcester is 10/10! They’re 100% plant-based and serve some fancy dishes that you don’t always find on a vegan menu.

…Go to meal?

Fajitas! I absolutely love Mexican food. I either use tofu crisped up in the air frier, or mushrooms, sliced finely and griddled.

…Vegan product you couldn't live without?

In my baking I don’t use many specialist vegan ingredients, but I use loads of tofu when cooking at home. It just makes every meal better, and it’s so versatile!

What does the future hold for you and Cotswold Vegan Bakery?

Let’s see! We’ve recently opening our first physical bakery, so I’m still getting my bearings there and trying to work out the magic formula! I have been trying out lots of new and exciting recipes, and I want to do lots more of that sort of thing. For sure, I’ll still be trading at markets, though – I enjoy it way too much to stop!

You can find Cotswold Vegan Bakery and a whole host of other brilliant vegan run businesses at our events. Check out our upcoming events to see if we’re coming anywhere near you soon!