Interest in South Africa as a wedding destination is rising, thanks to its exceptional experiences and stunning natural beauty. Among the local talents making a mark is Sweet LionHeart, the team behind some of Cape Town’s most drool-worthy cakes and treats. Founded in 2015, this online bake shop has swiftly risen to fame thanks to its signature pink Instagram style and impeccable taste in both design and flavor. With a keen eye for trends and a flair for fantasy, Sweet LionHeart’s creations are nothing short of extraordinary.
Under the leadership of Nikki Symons, who fused her graphic design background with a love for baking, Sweet LionHeart has become a synonym for innovation and creativity. Their cakes and sweet treats are works of art. In this exclusive interview with Nikki, we delve into the core of Sweet LionHeart to uncover their secrets to success, their approach to wedding cakes, and their signature designs. Prepare to be inspired by a team that truly knows how to cake things up!
Sweet LionHeart is a women-owned business. What inspired the team of ten talented and diverse women to establish the online bake shop in Cape Town, and what are your backgrounds in baking and pastry?
Sweet LionHeart is a female-founded and led business. It was started by Nikki Symons (née Albertyn) after she completed a part-time pastry course while working as a graphic designer. The cake design was and still is, the perfect real-world translation of Nikki’s love for design, morphing into something beautiful to look at and a memorable taste experience.
The team comprises women from varied backgrounds, with the majority having some form of training in the food space, whether it be running their own food business, cheffing, food technology, or working in hotel kitchens. We currently have one man on the team, the ‘thorn amongst our roses,’ who has added a great dynamic to our company culture.
We’re all about whipping up delicious wonders that raise the bar and keep our creative spark alive – that’s how we roll! A sweet explosion of colors, textures, flavor, and SPARKLE (duh, of course!) is what we aim to create in every delicious treat.
What sets your brand apart from other bakeries?
Besides the healthy company culture we’ve cultivated, our vision to delight the senses with quality baked goods sets us apart. We’re driven to deliver the most memorable experience, from the first engagement with our brand to the final cake crumb. Should we fall short, we always do our utmost to improve.
As an online bake shop specializing in made-to-order cakes for any occasion, including weddings, how do you personalize wedding cakes to reflect the couple's unique style and vision?
In the early days, we created entirely custom creations for clients. Over time, we have honed our skills and understood our strengths. As we play in the broader celebration space, not just weddings, we prefer to showcase our capabilities and craft a professional experience within these boundaries. Hence, our Ready-To-Go Bridal range was born, allowing us to confidently deliver on your special day.
Customization for your selected cake design is possible through flavor selection and final color choices, making it uniquely yours.
What are some of the most popular flavors and designs for wedding cakes offered by your Sweet LionHeart?
One of our longest-standing and most popular flavor profiles is our Chocolate Caramel Dream—a dark chocolate mud cake filled with salted caramel and dark chocolate ganache covered in Swiss meringue buttercream. After this profile, our Raspberry Lemonade and Vanilla Salted Caramel would be fan favorites! Every element used in our cakes is made in our kitchen, from the caramels, curd, and jams to the cake sponges, buttercreams, and cookie crunches!
When it comes to designs, we have seen a massive uptick in the number of orders for piped floral cake designs like our Petalique and Petalosa.
How does your team stay updated with the latest cake design and decoration trends?
Our team stays tuned with the latest cake design and decoration trends by engaging with international trends through social media, mainly Instagram and Pinterest. We look to industries outside our own, including fashion and event companies, to broaden our perspective on current trends.
Which cake created by the Sweet LionHeart team will you never forget? And what was your signature cake of 2023?
There are so many memorable cakes – it’s like trying to pick a favorite child! 2023 was the year of the regal piped cake, with many ‘Frilly Antoinette’s leaving our kitchen. However, since its launch in January 2024, our ‘Chroma’ design has been stealing the spotlight, marking a significant design success.
