Meet one of Britain's youngest café owners - who customers often mistake for staff from paul hollywood bread recipe for beginners Watch Video

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✓ Published: 25-Apr-2024

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Meet one of Britain’s youngest business owners – who customers often mistake for staff rather than the boss.<br/><br/>Chloe Frost, 18, opened The Baking Suite - her very own café - in October 2023.<br/><br/>She initially considered starting an apprenticeship after finishing her A levels in June, but instead decided to follow her ‘dream’ – which had always been baking.<br/><br/>Now, Chloe has her own place in Bromham, Beds., and neither she, nor her customers, can quite believe it.<br/><br/>She said: “I’ve just always loved baking. After sixth form, I started making and selling celebration cakes on Instagram.<br/><br/>“So then I just thought, why not do this properly? Even though that still feels crazy.<br/><br/>“People hardly ever think it’s me that runs the place.<br/><br/>“Even today, with one of our regulars, he said, ‘Where’s the boss then?’ And I said, ‘I am the boss.’ <br/><br/>“People are always surprised but everyone is supportive when they realise.”<br/><br/>Chloe took over the site at the end of August after a previous café closed – and then spent just over a month re-decorating, re-fitting the kitchen, and making the place feel like hers.<br/><br/>She said: “I thought it was a good opportunity as there was already a small customer base. But I wanted to turn it into my own place too.”<br/><br/>The Baking Suite offers breakfast, lunch and an array of tasty sweet treats – all of which Chloe bakes from scratch by herself.<br/><br/>So far, her banana bread and rocky road have been consistent crowd pleasers – but she says classics like brownies, scones, and millionaire shortbread are always popular too.<br/><br/>Chloe currently has two staff members – chef Kimberley White, who has 18 years' experience, and barista Rosie Harrington, her brother Jonathan’s fiancée – but one day Chloe hopes to have a bigger team.<br/><br/>“I would love to open more premises at some point,” she said. “But it’s all about taking things one step at a time.”<br/><br/>Chloe says business has been going well so far – with the café already boasting plenty of regulars.<br/><br/>“We have a lot of customers who we see nearly every day,” she said. “Builders, dog-walkers, elderly people, those working from home. <br/><br/>“Of course, sometimes there’s a quiet day or two – but that’s to be expected in hospitality.”<br/><br/>Chloe says other local businesses have supported her too, with nearby Wooden Hill Coffee Company, whose coffee the café serves, offering all staff members free barista training.<br/><br/>She currently isn’t taking in a salary, but is making enough for rent, outgoings, staff salaries, and to pay back her dad – who financed the initial opening.<br/><br/>Chloe said: “I’m very lucky to have such a supportive family. My grandparents even keep a bunch of ingredients in their freezer for me.”<br/><br/>Chloe said she would encourage other young people to follow their dreams like she did – but only if they’re willing to put in the effort.<br/><br/>“I definitely would say to other young people who want their own business that they should follow their dreams and their passions,” she said.