It was by a “sweet accident” that Valeri Valeriano and Christina Ong discovered their passion and talent. On Mother’s Day April 2011, they wanted to give their two friends whom they consider their “second-moms” something special but not expensive and so they decided to try and bake for them. They scoured the internet and stumbled on a tutorial about making a Sunflower Cupcake using a ziploc-bag improvise. This was when they discovered about buttercream. Few clicks after, they saw a tutorial on how to make a cupcake bouquet and instantly fell in love with it.
The special day came and they surprised their friends with lovely homemade gift they made. They both really loved it even though some the cupcakes were coming off the wrappers. One of them, Aida, was really the one who convinced the ladies to improve it and brought the idea of making a business out of it. It is as if she saw something from that bouquet although what’s all there was were dry cupcakes that are almost falling off from the pot. It was the start of it all. From then on, they practiced every single day. In June 2011, Queen of Hearts Couture Cakes was then founded and they have braved to open their Facebook Page with the hope that people would appreciate their work and hopeful that one day, someone would order their sweet treats. Weeks and months passed but not a single order. It was a really tough business, but they were determined. They knew they had to do something and so they have scoured through the internet and searched for all the local schools in their area even the neighbouring cities. They have sent about 50-60 emails introducing themselves and attached a couple of pictures inspirited that they would like them and hopefully order.
Weeks passed.. then months…but not a single order. It was a really tough business, but they were determined. They knew they had to do something and so they have scoured through the internet and searched for all the local schools in their area even the neighbouring cities. They have sent about 50-60 emails introducing themselves and attached a couple of pictures inspirited that they would like them and hopefully order. Again, no one bothered to reply.
Then one day, they had a phone call from a local Nursery School. It was one of the organizers for the school’s Summer Fair. They are in desperate need for a cupcake seller as the parent who volunteered could not make it. Even if it was only 3 days until the event, without hesitation, they said yes. As soon as they put the phone down, they rushed to the grocery and bought everything they needed. They did not waste a single second. They baked through the night in their cramped studio apartment. They were not able to sleep as the cupcakes were on their bed..and just everywhere. They have baked about 200 cupcakes, 150 cakepops…in their humble 5liter oven that can only bake 6 cupcakes at a time. They sold everything and not only they had their first wedding cupcake order but also had invitation to another fair in the local park. It was a very challenging process. They have worked countless hours, made a lots of mistakes, wasted so many butter and icing sugar, broke few hand mixers..the long list could go on. But all these did not really stop them. Instead, these became their inspiration. Not only that they were very keen on perfecting their craft..but also, they wanted to prove that buttercream is not just for filling cakes.
A chance that changed their lives...
They were given a chance to showcase their talent at the Cake International Show London back in 2012, they made the most of it. It was their first ever live demonstration in front of so many people. They were very nervous and their whole body was literally shaking, but no body knew. Consequently, they had inquiries and requests for buttercream cake decorating classes.
They braved announcing their first Buttercream Floral Cupcake Class in May 2012 and they had just 1 student. Then on the next, they had 2… then3… then 4… then 6… then the next thing they knew, they were invited to different countries to hold Buttercream Master Classes.
Primarily, they conduct their classes at their Studio in Uxbridge (UK) and also to other studios UK wide. Zoe’s Fancy Cakes (Leeds) and Sugar and Crumbs (Manchester), are the other places they usually teach in UK. They also hold Buttercream Master Classes worldwide.
Wendy Mills
United KingdomTake a QoH class, you will love the whole experience. Valeri and Christina are two of the nicest people you could wish to meet, they make you feel very welcome and you will learn so much. The only problem is, their classes are addictive – you will definitely want to go back for more! Book their classes while you can!
Anu Chopra Mehta
SingaporeIt was an awesome experience! I overcame my fear of buttercream flowers and learnt what I thought I would never be able to pick. Both Valerie and Christina are warm, welcoming and Super responsive to any query! I’m so glad I went for the class which I had almost nearly missed, courtesy surprise fever & flu! Thanks once again!
Felicia Miranda
Texas, USAIf you get the chance to take one of the classes you should DO IT!! It’s no doubt the best class I’ve ever been in and I’ve been to quite a few. Valeri and Christina, you are pretty awesome teachers. Very patient and answered all my questions. They had no problem pulling up a chair right next to me until I understood what I was doing wrong. I am so thankful to have joined the class and cannot wait for the visit to San Antonio! You’ll love it! You guys rock! So talented, inspirational and down to earth too! Time to order the next book too
Anita Hariharan
Dubai, UAEValerie and Christina are the sweetest teachers I have come across till date. The techniques they teach in their class are absolutely one of a kind. Not to be missed by Buttercream lovers! How could I miss a masterclass with them when they came all the way from London to Dubai! Thanks so much both of you! It will be a day to cherish!!
Elizabeth Simpson
United KingdomIt is extremely difficult to highlight the best parts of the 3 day intensive buttercream class with Christina and Valeri as there is just too many fantastic techniques and tips to choose from, as well as the never ending stream of wonderful stories of their adventures in buttercream. I would highly recommend this class to anyone that wants to take their buttercream skills to the complete next level! It was the best Christmas present I gave myself and has motivated me, beyond measure, to get better and better.
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