What’s your story? I was always a creative and adventurous person. All thanks to my grandmother, who used to sign me up for all possible handmade and arts crafts activities in my childhood. After I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, I run my first business, hand crafted corporate gifts. From decorated festive baskets to a branded box with cookies- local companies such as mobile operators, auto salons, stationary companies, banks- were my customers.

Seeking adventure, I travelled to Dubai to develop my marketing skills. At the time Dubai was known with its extravaganza and I worked in different positions: florist, marketing manager, brand ambassador. Somewhere in between I met my loving partner and were blessed with 2 children. We lived in Dubai for the past 9 years. Being surrounded with creativity, I noticed a unique method of cake making. Never baked before, I was fascinated by this art and created my first edible masterpiece 7 years ago. While I was doing custom baking for special orders, other bakers noticed my techniques and that’s how I developed pastry masterclasses, and a new journey began in my life. I travelled with master classes to Oman, Lebanon, and different parts of the middle east region, creating my teaching journey.

In 2019 I finished my Master’s in Marketing and was ready to Immigrate to Canada until Covid hit. My Journey in Canada had to wait till January of 2021 and Bakenary was born in March 2021. Good food is one of the things that brings people together, which is one other thing that makes me love what I do. 

 

What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce? 

Being a member gave me confidence in my startup, as I am surrounded by businesses, small or large, who are overcoming struggles daily. 

Networking coffee mornings and events are like a breath of fresh air- help to create new contacts, even find new customers. Chamber members are very supportive, show their enthusiasm and give us a chance to he heard! 

 

What is one thing people are surprised to learn about your business?

People are very surprised knowing I setup a business only 3 months after I arrived to Canada. 

 

Who is your ideal client?

Our ideal customers value high quality pastries and personalized service we offer. From a birthday party cake, that waws by look and taste to a special cafe menu- at Bakenary we got you covered. 

 

What has been your biggest challenge in business, and how did you overcome it?

Our biggest challenge in the beginning was finding a commercial kitchen to rent for our baking operations. A balance between the price and the contract conditions was a real struggle. In the end, we were lucky to be hosted by our community center in Belmead, from where we could operate and begin our journey. 

 

What is your favorite thing to do in Edmonton?

My favorite thing to do in Edmonton is visiting the library with my family. It was such a pleasure finding how great and fun a visit to the library can be with your kids.

 

If you could make one substantial improvement to Edmonton’s business environment, what would it be?

If I could have a chance to make an improvement, I would organize commercial kitchens for startups like us, fulfilling all the needs for a reasonable price. There is a transition moment before a baking startup can risk and get their own commercial space. Affordable kitchen spaces for these purposes are in need.