24 March 2022 11:05 am Views - 960
In this series, we talk to people who turned their passion for food and baking into a business idea amidst lockdown and COVID-19 fears. Some have been in the market for years and others saw the new opportunity and took it! These home businesses are changing the game and have overcome the odds of running a business during quarantine.
Quarantine
Home baker
Razmila Samsudeen found her passion for baking when she was an undergraduate, developing a keen interest towards the science behind baking. After learning the art of baking from the bests in the industry, she ventured out on her own to start Treats and Sleek. “I was fascinated with how limitlessly we could express ourselves through food with a combination of arts. In whatever I do, I always seek for finesse and elegance and I knew I wanted my treats to be the same. That’s how Treats and Sleek came into life!”
What do you offer?
We are well known for our bespoke cakes and wedding structures and along with it we provide an entire range of sweet table delicacies such as cupcakes, cakesicles, geo hearts, meringues and cake pops. You name it - we do it! We customize almost any sweet and treat and adorn it according to customer liking. Other than our decadent cakes and brownies, French macaroons are our best sellers. I’m personally very fond of making French macaroons and meringue towers because it gives dimension in the spread.
When did you start operations?
We started our business in 2017 and over the past 5 years we secured a loyal clientele by maintaining our quality and standards continuously in our baked goods. And through our Treats and Sleek Academy we are able to also pass our knowledge to so many aspiring bakers too.
What is it like running your operations in times like these?
Impact of COVID-19 is universal and do affects industries such as ours immensely and of course, it did affect my home based business too. The current state of the world had made several replacements in my business; for example, the cakes and structures at events have switched to humble home parties. COVID brought out the creative aspects of many people out there specially during the first lockdown, which paved the way for experimenting and coming up with innovative ways of expressing themselves. We simply had to fine tune our operations to meet the new normal. I am a person who does not compromise with the quality so finding raw materials was the hardest part during lockdown and also sorting out deliveries was a hassle initially!
Maintaining hygiene is vital specially as we are in the food industry. I stock up for several months with proper storage measures and in addition to my personal hygiene, I clean and disinfect my workspace on a regular basis. I replaced pickup of orders with delivery to doorsteps by having a personal driver and replaced cash on delivery with online payments and I ensure I remain contactless throughout the process for proper food safety.
What do you enjoy most about baking and operating your own home baking business?
Having free rein of doing what I love the most for a living in my private space and being my own boss is phenomenal. I am able to express my creativity in the form of food and I’m not only a baker but also a baking Instructor, so not only am I a part of the best moments of people through my sweet delicacies but I also help students to experience it on their own. And I’m proud to say I’ve guided over 250 students physically and online across the globe.
What’s in store for your brand?
Treats and Sleek has a lot in store to offer you all in 2022. We have expanded our brand by affiliating with Talent Hub which is a City and Guilds and TVEC approved institute to provide standard and well recognized baking education for aspiring cake artistes around Gampola and Kandy.
What’s the Treats and Sleek signature style?
Keeping it clean and dainty without overcrowding needs a lot of experience and guts. I see that as my signature style.
Any advice to anyone who wants to start their own business?
My advice to anyone who wants to start their own business- if you are a person with a passion for baking, just go for it .We all have our humble beginnings so first off, start with a simple business plan. Focus on your target market and play around your strengths. For all the courageous bakers out there, you got this!
*. Treats and Sleek take orders via Instagram and Facebook (@treatsandsleek).
Online payments are preferred and delivery can be arranged in Gampola and Kandy city limits.