If you have ever glanced at a recipe you would have noticed the measurement reference t.spn, right? Caryn Andrews, Umhlanga based graphic designer, has cleverly used this reference for her new business name, t.spn. Debuting at the I Heart Market this month I decided to ask Caryn a few questions about t.spn so have a look at what she had to say.
When did the idea of t.spn start?
At the end of 2013, I realised that I liked graphic design but loved everything food – for a while! I needed to embrace this. I guess God wired me this way and I couldn’t ignore it any longer.
Well I pondered over a name for about 2 weeks I think! I wanted something different, simple and quirky. I thought about the word tspn because it is used in all recipes. I just couldn’t settle on one, until my clever husband, narrowed it down for me and simply yelled out “t.spn!” with great excitement! That was the “Eureka!” moment.
Besides baking what do you do?
Aside from working full time, and searching the internet wide eyed for the latest and greatest foodie news, trends and places, I freelance as a qualified graphic designer and incorporate my work into t.spn with the décor, favours and gifts. I also love creating innovative/alternative ideas for décor, style event catering and food photography. I must admit, I am a bit of a collector of anything old, vintage and antique.
What’s your favourite goodie to bake?
Brownies, madelines, sugar cookies and self-saucing chocolate pudding!
How long have you been baking?
I have been baking since I was a kid. I can remember making kid-sized rotis with my gran on her kitchen counter and peering over the mixing bowl as my mom whipped up her most amazing chocolate cake!
Where can people buy your amazing baked goods?
t.spn is at the I heart market, first Saturday of every month and we take orders for events, styled event catering and customised favours/gifts over email.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love giving people an experience and offering them affordable, special, different alternatives. Especially, creating something customised to their desires.
Donating to a different charity every month from every market’s takings.
Also, building on this business to one day have a unique, cosy café/restaurant that gives back to the communities and those in need.
For aspiring business starters out there what is one piece of advice you can offer?
Gosh, there’s a lot of advice but one that I truly believe is – Take the leap but start small! You will grow and that takes time. Do everything with excitement and love. If you are not doing it with love, stop – take a deep breath and remember your passion!
And always try to do it differently!
What has been your biggest challenge overcome so far?
That would be the very first market. This was t.spn’s debut. Everything was created, designed and baked 2 days before the market! I learnt a lot about time management after that!
Not only can you find t.spn at the I Heart Market, you can order directly from Caryn.
Thank you!!! 🙂
Such a pleasure Caryn 🙂