Hi, I’m Jess.

The story behind
Butter Up.

I’m a Durban-born South African, mum to two boys and the hands behind Butter Up. We moved to the Netherlands for my husband’s work at the end of 2021, and Voorburg is now home. In a house full of boys, Butter Up is my happy little corner for pretty details, pastel colours and an entirely reasonable amount of pink.

Before Butter Up, I studied business and spent some time in the business world. The organised side of me enjoyed it, but baking kept calling, so I swapped business plans for recipe books and trained at Prue Leith Chefs Academy. Butter Up grew from that happy mix of organisation and creativity.

Butter Up then spent ten happy years in Johannesburg, baking for weddings, baby showers, birthdays, businesses, cafés and restaurants. I met wonderful people, made an impressive amount of buttercream and survived a few 3am finishes that were far less charming than the cakes.

When we moved to the Netherlands, I paused Butter Up to focus on family. Now that both boys are at school, I’m back in the kitchen for a fresh chapter in Voorburg — creating beautiful bakes with carefully chosen flavours, whether the occasion is a wedding, a birthday or simply friends coming for tea.

My favourite part is bringing an idea to life and handing over a box that makes someone smile. Sometimes it’s a centrepiece for a big celebration. Sometimes it’s cake because the weekend has arrived, the kettle is on or Tuesday simply needs improving.

Whatever the occasion — even if the occasion is “just because” — I’d love to hear what you have in mind and bake something that makes your heart happy.