As the deadline for the National Cupcake Championships 2014 draws near, Bronya Smolen speaks to last year’s home baker winner, Shalini Sriskandarasa, about how it felt to take the crown. 

If you are inspired by Sriskandarasa’s story and subsequent opening of her own successful business, Lovely Cakes by Shalini, there is still time to enter the 2014 championships.

Visit www.nationalcupcakeweek.co.uk for all entry information and choose from four categories to enter: Classic; Themed, Made with Alcohol; and Free-from. There is no limit on how many categories you enter - just get your recipe in before Friday 29 August.