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. With increased restrictions once more, we talk to home bakers who are operating during these times to bring the sweet and savoury to your very own doorstep! 

At a very young age, Pawani Attanayake learnt to love the art of cakes. “I’ve always loved eating cake! And very often it was homemade. To date, I cherish my childhood memories of helping my mom bake and decorate cakes for almost every family occasion.” Having found herself baking for family and friends on and off, Pawani quit her day job as a Marketing Manager at an IT company to devote her passions to baking full-time and spend time with her baby. Cakealicious by Pinky was launched on her son’s first birthday in June 2020. 

What do you offer?
- I’ve carefully curated a collection of cakes of different flavours and fillings that have been tried and tested over the years. On top of our standard cake menu, we do custom designs as well. At the end of the day, cake is meant to be devoured by your heart and soul! Recently, we’ve expanded our menu to include a few more beauties like cupcakes, brownies, cakesicles, geo hearts, cake pops and the ever so popular smash hearts (chocolate pinàtas) for those who like to be daring. Our cakes and cupcakes come with the option of eggless – so everyone can enjoy a piece of goodness! If I had to pick a favourite, I’d definitely go with “The Chocolate Heaven”, one of our signature cakes. Do give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!
 
When did you start operations?
- Starting this business has been a long time coming. I never had the time to pursue this dream until I quit work. The pandemic just gave me that extra push that I needed to get things going. I’m not saying it wasn’t challenging, I mean we are in the middle of a global pandemic, but it also gave me great experience, something that I reckon would’ve taken longer to learn if not for the situation. I must thank my husband for personally delivering cakes when we had no other way and for encouragingly standing by me.
 
How are you ensuring the proper hygiene measures are taken in preparation and delivery?
- We are taking all necessary precautions against COVID-19 and strictly follow food safety and sanitation protocols recommended by the WHO. Hygiene and safety is our utmost priority – especially since we have a toddler at home!
 
What do you enjoy about baking and operating your own home baking business?
- I love experimenting with recipes. And yes, I do eat cake as much as I share! Sometimes, you just can’t resist. Designing a cake with artistic freedom really is like meditation. It calms the soul. But the best part of all, if you ask me, is being able to be part of someone’s special occasion. It’s hard to put into words the joy and fulfilment in hearing back from clients on how great the cake was and how surprised their loved ones were. That’s a different feeling!
 
How do you see home bakers going forward post-Covid? 
- COVID-19 has had a huge impact on some aspects of the business, especially when getting down colours, decorative elements and tools from overseas. Unfortunately, it is even more difficult to source these items locally. But a great thing happened during this pandemic; a lot of home bakers and other small business owners started helping each other to source material, promote each other and have in fact become a community that stands up for each other, which is absolutely wonderful!

What does 2021 hold for your brand? 
- Excitement galore! This year we’ve got a lot lined up for Cakealicious. But at the forefront, we will soon be available on Uber Eats making it easier and more accessible for a larger clientele to get their hands on some freshly baked goodies.

Any advice to anyone who wants to start their own business?
- If you keep waiting for the right moment, you might be waiting forever! I would say, do your research and just get out there and follow your dreams. Now is always the right time! Learn as you go, but never stop learning. And choose something you are deeply passionate about, this way it will never tire you and it will never feel like work. Take that leap of faith!