A business born out of passion is always there to stay. The beginning of the pandemic had paved the way for lots of home bakers to come out and share their creations with the world. The baking creations from Elegant Cakes thrived in such an attempt and turned into sought-after goodies.
Aneeqa Abdulghani is a self-made baker who learned from YouTube and built a business from her hobby. Aneeqa is currently working as a senior auditor in the Consultative Council of Oman (Majlis Al Shura) after her MBA from the University of Bedfordshire.
It was in the midst of such an extremely busy job when she suddenly had plenty of free hours at hand after the Covid lockdown. Aneeqa began to make use of her time baking delicacies one after another. She says “baking is my passion, that’s what I love and enjoy doing.”
With three kids at home, her baked goods vanished as soon they were out of the oven. “I love sweets; first I was making and eating them myself,” she giggles.
Soon Aneeqa started posting them on social media and her friends and relatives began noticing them. She started receiving endless requests for her baking wonders and to appease them, her baking journey grew intense. Later, when the lockdown finished, she was able to follow her passion only during the weekends.
“I work full time, so I don’t get much time. Now I bake only on weekends. It is something that makes me happy. So, I thought I’d do it during my spare time,” says Aneeqa.
She offers endless treats for the sweet tooth: from scones, biscotti, cheesecakes to Tres leches cakes, sponge cakes, muffins, tarts, tiramisu, blondies, cookies, and bars. You name a dessert and she has it. Her customers are varied and the positive feedbacks encourage her to do more. Some return for more of her variety baking.
“My almond Raffaelo cake is a favourite of all. Also, my scones, biscottis, brownies, and sticky toffee pudding are the most popular ones for which I get repeat customers,” Aneeqa says.
The demand for her goods varies from time to time. “During Covid lockdown time, I got plenty of orders. Then during Christmas and festive periods, people are more likely to order.
Aneeqa ensures that quality and hygiene are her highest priorities. Baking times are fun, she says. Even her kids join in her efforts.
“My 10-year-old daughter often helps me. Sometimes it is a fun time for the family as a whole. Even my 3-year-old son makes brownies.”
She takes every feedback with a positive outlook so as to improve her skill and is ever ready to customise the item as per the customer’s choice. She also undertakes party hall decorations for her clients.
She says, “My mom is my biggest inspiration; she bakes so well. I started with her recipes initially and after getting excellent results constantly, I continued. That motivated me and I keep going till today.”
Aneeqa is planning to expand her business in the future. She believes new bakers should continue their passion if they enjoy baking.
“I always add new treats to my menu. I love to try new desserts and baking items,” she says.
Try out her decadent tiramisu cheesecake which combines layers of biscuit, chocolate, cheesecake and is topped with cream and you’d die for it!