Baking may be regarded as a science, but it's the chemistry between the ingredients and the cook that gives desserts life. Baking is done out of love, to share with family and friends, to see them smile. At only 17, Amina started Minat bakery and has grown has grown into a full time detail oriented baker who has mastered her job with a touch of art and perfection. She believes that there’s more to life than wait for the right time to start a business or be independent. Keep reading!

 

The world wants to know, who is Amina Khalid?

Am a 21 year old entrepreneur, self-taught baker, cake designer and humanitarian based in Mombasa, Kenya. Am a confident, self-driven lady, passionate about business, cakes, art, technology and community development. I have a background in business management, website development & technology as a whole.

 

When and how did you start baking?

I started baking at the age of 17 when my little brother requested for a cake to mark their school closing day. That was my first cake and the feedback I got was…astonishing! Since then baking has been my passion, and when I saw the opportunity to bake the world a better place I couldn’t help but grab it.  So far so good. I have been independent and now I help others who have the same passion within my community.

 

What services and or products do you offer?

Minat Bakery deals with both corporate and individuals. We offer a variety of products including cakes:

• Wedding cakes
• Birthday cakes
• Official cakes
• Fresh bread
• Digestive cookies
• French macarons
• Desserts
• Pastries
• Other baked products

But 2019 was a game changer, I decided to start baking classes so as to empower and nature those who are passionate in baking.

 

Anyone can literally bake, what makes you stand out?

Anyone can bake so why us? Cause we care and focus more on health. The customer is our number one priority. Our products have precise amount of all natural flavors and do not contain any preservatives. Nutritionally, this is key to eat healthy and balance diet. 

I have mastered baking, cake designing and cake art. I can craft cakes into any form. I can also replicate any cake design art.

In addition, we've also partnered with NGO's. We dedicate a percentage of our profits to charity courses, mostly to help and support the needy.

 

What achievements have you made so far as baker?

Being a self-taught baker has been one of my biggest life achievements. You know, it’s never easy to self-teach and push yourself to track. I used to learn through my mistakes until I finally made it.

I've been to a lot of cake exhibitions showcasing my products. This has made me become the youngest baker in Kenya.

I have participated in cake competitions including:

• The cake festival at city mall Nyali with other bakers. I emerged the first runners up.
• Cake Expo at Diamond Jubilee hall, in the glamourous wedding cake category in which I was second runners up.

I also pitched my business Idea at Yepi Entrepreneurship Summit Mombasa 2020. I grabbed the second position!

 

What are some of the challenges that you have faced so far as a baker?

I had a similar business name with another cake company that was known for years. So I had to change my business name from Minny Bakery to Minat Bakery.

I never went to cake school so it was really hard to convince a client that yes my baking qualifications are really okay.

 

With the current rate of unemployment do you think young people can benefit in the baking industry?

 

Of course yes. I really have big plans for the future where I can open several bakeries around coast region then finally all over Kenya where I can create job opportunities for the youth.

I'm also empowering young girls at a local orphanage. I teach them the art of baking so that they can also be independent in future. I believe with this kind of empowerment their future is bright. This project aims to empower 5 girls annually.

 

Where do you see yourself in the next 2 yours?

I want to be the best baker in Kenya, open a cake shop and coffee house.

Am planning to partner with supermarkets and supply them with fresh breads, delicious muffins, cookies and other baked products.

I also want to challenge myself to break the world Guinness Book of Records In sha Allah.

 

Apart from baking what else do you do?

I go to school, am pursuing Business management. I also paint and do calligraphy art. I love doing things by hand.

 

Give us a parting shot

I would tell people to keep holding on to their dreams. Anybody can be successful in this life but it’s not going to be a walk in the park. But once you come out of your comfort zone and discover your gift that’s when you'll get closer to your goals.

Make God your priority and always believe in yourself that you can do great things.

I actually look back in life when I was just a 17 year old girl baking for fun and today Alhamdulillah I run my own business. It’s such a blessing for me. Hard work always pays.

Never give up on your dreams!