Lebanese-Australian mum builds a global brand

A Lebanese-Australian mother has turned a kitchen experiment into a global business, creating edible cupcake bouquets now sought by celebrities, hotels and hundreds of thousands of fans worldwide.

Macey Nemer, founder of The Baked Bouquet, transformed what began as a creative outlet during Covid into a fast-growing venture known for its intricate standing cupcake bouquets.

Her journey began at home in 2021, juggling motherhood and searching for a creative escape.

“During Covid in 2021, I was at home with a newborn, a two year old and a one year old, trying to juggle life with three little ones,” she said.

Like many mums, I felt I needed something just for me, something creative to keep my mind busy and give me a little space in a very busy time.

“When my daughter needed a birthday cake and everything was closed, I decided to make one myself. It was not perfect, but I loved the piping process and found it very therapeutic. That little moment sparked something in me.

“Slowly, that passion became The Baked Bouquet, and it is amazing to see how far it has come since those first cupcakes in my kitchen.”

From that first homemade cake, Mrs Nemer spent months experimenting with recipes, buttercream and piping techniques, determined to create something different.

“At some point, I thought, why choose between flowers and dessert? Why not combine them into something that could surprise and delight someone? I wanted to create a gift that was beautiful, thoughtful, and exciting to receive,” she said.

“When the standing cupcake bouquet finally came together, I remember thinking, we’ve actually created something completely new. A world first, and I just knew people would really love it.

“That was the moment I realised this could really have a place in the gifting world, and it became the heart of what The Baked Bouquet is today.”

However, balancing rapid business growth with family life brought its challenges.

“Starting a business while raising three young children was definitely a challenge. My days often started at 6 am and finished at 11 pm. I was breastfeeding between orders, working through nap times, and doing everything on my own,” she said.

“It was exhausting at times, and there were days when I questioned if I could keep up. The hardest part, though, was the pressure I put on myself as a mum. I didn’t expect the business to grow as quickly as it did, and with that growth came responsibilities I hadn’t anticipated.

What pushed me through was my children and my amazing husband. Seeing how proud they are of me now makes everything worth it. That has made all the long hours and sacrifices feel completely worthwhile.

Her Lebanese heritage and upbringing around her family’s restaurant has also played a defining role in shaping the business.

“My Lebanese heritage has had a huge influence on The Baked Bouquet. Growing up, I spent a few months each year in our hometown in Lebanon, and the rest of the time I was at home in Australia, where my family had opened our own Lebanese restaurant, Samara’s,” she said.

“Being around the restaurant every day taught me so much about food, hospitality, and how much joy sharing good food can bring. From a young age, I learned that food is a language of love. It brings people together, creates joy, and shows care in a way words often can’t.

“Hospitality, generosity, and sharing are deeply ingrained in me. That upbringing shaped not just my work ethic, but also my creativity and the way I think about celebrating life’s special moments.

“The Baked Bouquet is my way of putting that love into something tangible, creating experiences that people can see, taste, and feel, no matter the occasion.”

Ahead of International Women’s Day, Mrs Nemer’s success shows how Lebanese women in the diaspora are shaping innovation while staying rooted in their cultural heritage.

And the business has since reached major milestones, including celebrity clients and industry recognition.

“There have been so many moments that make me stop and reflect on how far we’ve come,” she said.

Receiving orders from singers like Jason Derulo and Rita Ora was unbelievable. Partnering with Accor hotels was another proud milestone and a big moment of validation for all the work behind the brand.

“Winning Australia’s Cupcake Artist of the Year was also incredible. It felt like recognition not just for the product, but for all the hard work, long nights, and growth that went into building the business."

“And seeing The Baked Bouquet now reach over 450,000 followers online is so humbling, it’s amazing to know how far this little idea from my kitchen has grown.”

Looking ahead, Mrs Nemer is focused on global expansion and sharing her skills with others.

“We’re exploring expanding into Dubai, which is an incredible opportunity, and I’m also considering launching an academy to teach others the art of creating these bouquets,” she said.

“I truly feel like this is just the beginning. I can’t wait to continue sharing creativity, joy, and love through what we do, and to see how far The Baked Bouquet can go.

“There’s so much to look forward to, and it’s exciting to think about the people we’ll continue to inspire along the way.”