From Mistake to Masterpiece: How Laura Evans Built an Award-Winning Brand on Purpose, Process, and Pancakes
Industry: Food Retail (Niche Bakery)
Client: Laura Evans, Founder of Sisu Pancakes
Business Model: High-end, bespoke pancake-cake shop in Cheltenham
MBS Involvement: Strategic financial coaching and systems support
Result: A values-led business with strong team culture, lifestyle balance, and clarity on growth
The Story Behind the Slice
Laura Evans didn’t just build a cake shop — she built a movement. Sisu Pancakes is a unique concept: indulgent cake slices made from layered pancakes, sold at premium pricing with a loyal local following.
But this wasn’t an overnight success.
It was the result of relentless refinement, constant rejection, and one glorious mistake that changed everything.
“I spent three years tweaking the recipe — changing sugar by 10g, altering egg ratios. The winning version came from doing it wrong. I forgot a step, left it in anyway… and it turned out to be the cake everyone loves today.”
A Business Built on Taking Control
Laura’s resilience goes far deeper than baking.
As a mixed-race woman growing up in a divided household, she faced intense bullying and a lack of belonging. But even as a teenager, she made bold decisions — including removing herself from a toxic school environment and transferring schools without waiting for permission.
“I realised really young that I have control. Even when everything feels out of control, I always have a choice.”
That mindset shaped her career. From studying business to working in aviation and process engineering, she honed her skills in efficiency, systems, and calm thinking under pressure.
“If there’s ever a traumatic situation, people say they’d want me next to them. I don’t panic — I just breathe and fix it.”
The Turning Point: From Burnout to Business Clarity
After 13 years working in corporate process improvement, Laura left her career behind, requested redundancy, and launched her business — not out of luxury, but necessity.
She was tired of overdelivering with no recognition. She wanted flexibility, ownership, and time with her family.
“I saved my company millions. But I couldn’t get time off for a doctor’s appointment. I knew I couldn’t go back.”
With no childcare support and no fallback plan, Laura knew Sisu had to work. She tested recipes relentlessly, sold from home, and built a following one slice at a time.
The Growth: Systems, Structure, and a Team She’s Proud Of
Laura’s biggest success?
“My team. 100%. I’ve built the kind of company I always wanted to work for.”
She now runs an award-winning cake brand with a passionate local customer base, a growing team, and a supportive culture. She designs her processes like an engineer — so anyone can replicate her signature product with consistency.
She’s also created her version of success:
Picking up her kids from school a few days a week
Taking bank holidays off
Creating boundaries that protect her energy and mental clarity
Building something that supports others, not just herself
“I used to work until 11pm every night. Now I have a lifestyle I’m proud of — because I designed it.”
Why MBS?
Laura’s journey connected with MBS not just for traditional accounting — but for the strategic thinking and mindset-first approach to building a business around your life.
While the case study focuses on her personal journey, MBS has supported her with:
Strategic guidance on pricing and financial structure
Clarity over business direction and financial priorities
Systems support that mirrors her value for process and efficiency
What Other Business Owners Can Learn
Success isn’t always the big moment. Sometimes it’s small wins, like leaving work on time or hiring your first staff member.
Mistakes can become breakthroughs. But only if you keep going long enough to find them.
Control comes from clarity. In business, systems give you back your time and confidence.
Build the business you wish you worked for.That’s where real fulfilment lives.
“I used to focus on everything I didn’t have. Now I’ve built a business — and a life — that gives me what matters most.”
👣 Want to Build a Business That Works For Your Life?
At MBS, we help founders like Laura gain control over their numbers, systems, and strategy — so they can grow without burning out.
👉 Book a free clarity call to see how we can support you to build your version of success.
