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! 

Lubna Imtizam has always had a passion for baking and whipping up quick desserts. “Two of my favourite hobbies include baking and decorating, so my aim was to create a curated dessert box that combines the two. I’m very particular about creating something unorthodox and aesthetically pleasing. Beauty lies in all of the little details and I would like to showcase that through my dessert box!”. 

What do you offer?
What we do at The Delicacy is offer curated dessert boxes and we launch a new and exciting menu every 4-6 weeks. That way my customers will have the opportunity of trying out something new every few weeks. This helps keep the element of surprise alive. From most of the reviews that I’ve received, the different flavoured Tres Leches seems to tick all the boxes. It’s a dessert box that hits all the pallets with something chilled, something baked and something that is all sweet.  

When did you start operations?
I’ve always dreamed of starting The Delicacy and the lockdown period gave me the time to properly plan it out. I started operations once the restrictions were lifted. 

How are you ensuring the proper hygiene measures are taken in preparation and delivery?
Since it is a home-based business, we take the same steps to ensure proper hygiene is maintained just like how it is implemented at home. 

What do you enjoy about baking and operating your own home baking business?
I’ve had an interest in whipping up desserts from a very young age and I’ve always enjoyed it. Family functions, Eid and other celebration are something that I always look forward to, as good food and the good company brings people together and makes people happy. My customers play a huge role in my motivation. I also like to think of my family as my own taste testers and couldn’t have done this without the complete help, love and support from all of them.

How do you see home bakers going forward post-Covid? 
As my business is only 3 months old since the launch, the response and appreciation which I received with only two boxes released were overwhelming and encouraging. As to home bakers moving forward, since precautionary hygiene measures are being taken by many, it will result in a better liking for smaller, niche and quality products and this will in turn generate a higher demand.

What does 2021 hold for your brand? 
I hope to introduce new concepts, quality desserts and a lot of love, good vibes and positivity.

Any advice to anyone who wants to start their own business?
We are all gifted in our own ways, identify our talent, do what we love and go for it! You are your only limit.