From hand-drawn menus to wholesale success: How LusciousKiki Cakes found its sweet spot in Brookie
Some businesses start with a plan. LusciousKiki Cakes, founded by Kirin Tipping (or Kiki, as the locals call her), started with inspo from her two eight-year-old nieces, a hand-drawn shop sign, and a whole lot of heart.
“They had flavour ideas, lemonade, the shop name and a sketch,” says Kiki. “I’d worked in hospitality for years and saw a gap in the wholesale market—but the girls convinced me to test my products through a weekend retail store. So we opened on Fridays and Saturdays—and it grew from there.”
Today, LusciousKiki Cakes is a local favourite on the Northern Beaches, known for nostalgic flavours, creative flair, and community spirit.
A Northern Beaches original
The Beaches are in Kiki’s blood. “My Nan lived in Manly, my Dad grew up here—I’ve always loved it,” she says. “After uni in Melbourne, I came back and lived in Fairlight, Manly and Balgowlah. Setting up in Brookvale was a no-brainer.”
She’s also built strong ties with local suppliers—Little Italy Coffee, Bush to Bowl Nursery, Bucketty’s—and proudly supports the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter.
“It’s the kind of place where people genuinely back each other.”
Starting lessons
Kiki’s biggest lesson? Don’t spend all your own money upfront consider getting a loan.
“I spent everything on the fit-out—signage, equipment, uniforms—and had nothing left when things went sideways. My dad calls it a ‘cunning kick’. I wish I’d had one.”
Another key? Stick to your plan. “People will say what they need to get their way, but your job is to protect your business.”
Standing strong through tough times
Kiki rode out the COVID storm solo. “I lost wholesale clients and didn’t take on debt. I just kept going.”
She’s proud of building her business from scratch, through hard times and all.
Cakes that feel like home
Why do customers keep coming back? “They say the cakes taste like home—like their Nan used to bake. That’s exactly what I was going for.”
Kiki often uses old family recipes, with flavours that surprise and comfort in equal measure.
Let word of mouth do the work
Kiki’s top marketing tip? Let your customers spruik for you.
“Word of mouth is gold. If someone raves about you, thank them— & even reward them.”
Finding balance and staying inspired
Outside the kitchen, Kiki reads voraciously, walks the beach, swims when she can, and takes photos. “Staying healthy keeps me creative. It’s a lesson I learnt the hard way.”
One final tip
Thinking about a shopfront? Study the space.
“Sit and watch. Check parking, light, neighbours, foot traffic. Talk to people. It all matters.”
Kiki’s also had to stand firm. “Some people underestimated me because I’m a woman. But I’ve learnt to push back—and I’ve found unexpected allies along the way.”
Kiki’s top tips for small biz owners:
- Keep a cash buffer—don’t spend it all
- Let your customers do your marketing
- Back yourself and your plan
- Build local connections and give back
- Stay creative, stay inspired
Luscious Kiki Cakes proves you don’t need a big team or fancy plan to create something special—just passion, persistence and the courage to keep going.
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