If there was such a thing as a rock’n’roll baker Lily Vanilli (aka Jones) is it. She began baking as a hobby. “I was always reading about and thinking about ideas for cakes. I stay up nights baking.” Part of what makes her cake so special is that is by hand. She’s been lauded by the press. “Metro said I was a celebrity! If that ain't fame i dont know what is... I'm gonna get myself a footballer's husband.” The 27-year-old co-runs Swanfield Market with her friends Cecilia Hammarborg and fashion designer Katherine Pont from Mine, where the put on bands, shows and Lily sells her cupcakes and frozen margharitas. “I make cake-sculptures too. I'm going to corner the market in gothic cakes. Right now I'm designing two giant blue metallic lobster cakes for a wedding... They're going to be really alien and creepy. and delicious.”

Name a person or organisation that shares your DIY ethos, and explain why.
Anyone working from home doing what they love, anything that spreads by word of mouth and not marketing. Anyone who steers clear of the grindstone.

Send us a picture/video that summarises your view of modern life, and explain why.
I cant. Maybe a dead bee? I've forgotten GCSE art.

Do you think the recession has helped or hindered your creativity? Why?
Definitely helped. Now I've got more friends to hang out with during the week.
Plus it forced me to not have a job and figure out how to make a living for myself. I think the next few years are going to be an interesting time watching people one by one break out of the box of how they think they have to live their lives. Even if they have to be forced out.

Music for a revolution - what song sums up your attitude?
Bonnie says it: death to everyone is gonna come, but it makes hosing much more fun.

What other period inspires you the most, and why?
1820 Prometheus Unbound.
1989 Robert Van Winkle and DJ Earthquake.

Read more of the YCE feature here.