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. We talk to home bakers who are operating during these times to bring the sweet and savoury to your very own doorstep!

For passionate baker Muruganandan Thilushiya, the Covid-19 pandemic gave her the opportunity to turn her passion to profit. Working a full-time job before lockdown, the restrictions gave Thilushiya the perfect opportunity and time to structure her home business and get baking.  Thilushiya has followed a baking course in cake design in order to perfect her craft. 

What do you offer?
I offer cakes of all types and flavours and I’m working with fondant and icing to offer my customers creative cake designs and art. My best selling cakes are my Ribbon cake and my signature Black Forest Gateau cake which is also a personal favourite of mine!  

When did you start operations?
I started my business after the pandemic started and we were in lockdown. Even though I’ve always been a passionate baker, I never had the time to consider starting my own business but once the lockdowns were in place and we had nothing to do, I managed to start my home business. 

What is it like running your operations in times like these? 
It was good! Initially, there were a few challenges in figuring out how to get the ingredients and stocks but once suppliers managed to sort out those issues,  it was easy to run our operations. 

How are you ensuring the proper hygiene measures are taken in preparation and delivery?
I took all the safety measures in the kitchen to ensure hygiene such as wearing masks and gloves and all our cakes are covered and sealed for safety.  

What do you enjoy about baking and operating your own home baking business?
I love what I am doing. Baking has always made me happy so it is great to do something I love and earn from it! 

How do you see home bakers going forward post-Covid? 
I think the pandemic has created a big demand for home bakers and home-based businesses and it has allowed passionate bakers like myself the opportunity to get their business started and running. Even after Covid, I believe that everyone will do great as by then everyone would have adjusted to this new normal. 

Any advice to anyone who wants to start their own business?
Do what you love and you won’t ever fail!