TWO single mums are battling motherhood, school runs and baking in a bid to win over the nation with their artisan marshmallows.

Fay Millar and Adele Wilkinson quit the nine to five rat race to pursue their dream of a career in cake decorating and baking, while juggling their young children.

They set up Brighton Cakes almost a decade ago, becoming a successful wedding and celebration cake company, then two years ago, following splits from their respective partners, they turned their attention to marshmallows and Miss Millar’s Marvellous Mallows was born.

Fay and Adele have added their own particular twist to marshmallows with a range of 12 different flavours and now supply a number of cafes and restaurants around the country.

Adele said: “We never realised when we started this that they would be so popular but their irresistible toppings and cloud-like centres are to die for. “It has been insane since we began it because as well as making several thousand marshmallows a week we still have to fit in time with our children as well.”

Based in Brighton and Worthing, Adele, who has a three-year-old son and founder Fay, who has two girls aged six and nine, often work late into the night after the children are in bed to finish off orders.

They both say having children is what drives them to succeed at their business.

Fay, a former journalist, said: “I think there is a tendency amongst less progressive employers to assume that once you have children you are suddenly rendered useless in the workplace.

“I started my own business because I wanted more flexibility to spend time with my daughters and it was impossible for me to continue in my own job. I also want to build something great to provide for my children.

“Fortunately, the business is going from strength to strength as well as giving me the flexibility I need to take my girls to school and pick them up and spend quality time with them.

“The fact we make amazing marshmallows and everyone loves them is a bonus.”

For more information visit www.brightoncakes.com or visit www.missmillars.com