In our March edition, we interview Rai, a budding entrepreneur in the bakery field. We talk about her passions, the obstacles she faces and what dreams mean to her whilst maintaining a full time job. Pursing one’s dream is not easy! Here are some of her tips and advice when it comes to making a business work in such a fast paced city.

Tell me a little about yourself. How did your passion in baking start?

I am Rai Saidra, the founder of ‘RICH SWEETS HK’.

It all started during the pandemic on 30th March, 2020. I admit I was fed up of being confined indoors and working from home. I was mostly free so I would work, bake and sleep. This was my routine for about 2-3 months. Whatever I use to bake I would give it away to my family, friends and neighbours. My best friends and brother told me I should start selling my desserts on Instagram…it took a while, but finally I did!!! Never did I think I would one day turn it into a business.

Me and my best friend still laugh about what I used to do when I was in secondary 1. I use to buy “bracelets” from $2 shop and would sell them for $10. I just love the word “self-employed”, “CEO”, “businesswomen”. For me the word itself is STRONG AND EMPOWERING. I guess business was always in my mind… I knew for sure I wanted my own business or be a “content creator” (on YouTube) but YouTube was a total fail for me I cannot speak in front of the camera alone!!!

Why the name RICH SWEETS?

Since I always wanted my name for my own brand, I knew that sweet shops and bakeries have attractive names. So I decided my first letters SHOULD be my surname and name ‘R’ and ‘S”. Hence Rich Sweets.   

How has your life been affected by the pandemic?

I think people are experiencing the pandemic differently but I have taken the time to really focus on myself. I am thankful I figured out my track and purpose…. Especially during this time, people still have birthdays, anniversaries. It is always nice when someone does something small to make the other person smile. I love to see all my customers happy.

What is passion to you? How does this apply in your everyday life?

Passion is what you should love and enjoy doing every day. It’s important to know you can’t be great in everything but you will learn from it. Not everyone is born with a passion but you will find what you enjoy, I am always searching and learning new things as a result!

How do you balance money vs ‘dreams’? For example handling a full time job and juggling your passion must be hard.

I hope to see myself and my business grow where I can open a ‘RICH SWEETS HK CAFE’ in Hong Kong or abroad.

Balancing money and dreams together is tough since I am obsessed with high end bags. But I have controlled myself a lot, and realised I should settle all aspects of my life first. I have been working for 3 years now, so the majority of my savings are invested in my hometown “Pakistan” and in recent years in the US Stock Market. What I am earning from my baking business is my investment plan for my future. In a city like Hong Kong, Central is not necessarily affordable. I believe money makes money so it’s simply useless to save it in your bank account, investing might be a better option.

What top qualities should a person strive to have in this day and age?

Faith, Hope, Love and Patience! I don’t think there’s an age limit when it comes to your dreams and passions. You just have to believe in yourself and keep working towards your dream and leave the rest to the creator above and beyond. Everything will eventually come together one day!

Balancing a healthy lifestyle vs a healthy mind. How do you maintain a positive mindset?

There have been times in life when I’ve felt a total failure and I didn’t know how to deal with it. Always treat yourself and have self-discipline. You should change your perspective to better your life and be confidence enough in the choices you make. Focus on building the NEW, never compare yourself from your past mistakes and keep going…. Make sure you have a long term mindset, and once you’ve found your motivation you should keep it permanent and keep pursing it- as if it’s your daily habit.

Where there any obstacles that you encountered in the process? Were there any issues with social media or negative responses or feedback? if not, any positive comments?

I’ve been very lucky but there was a time where my family member destroyed the dessert on their way to the drop off, but the customer understood and I gave an extra box of desserts on their next order for free!

Technically, I have not learned much on the decoration part and I need to continue practicing. I started baking passionately about 8 years ago however with certain restraints from full-time work, I have yet to work on my craft more well-roundedly. I self taught to where I am now because I truly love sweets and sharing the happiness associated with them. Currently I am designing my own signature desserts, which is exciting! I believe in “practice makes perfect”.

In terms of positive comments, I have had things like – “you made my big day extra special”- and as a creator, that alone makes your hard work worth it.

Do you believe in overnight success?

Dreaming and achieving a goal is great but starting a business and thinking you will achieve overnight success is impossible. However, never lose hope and keep working. It takes a lot of time and effort. I stay up all night to make sure all orders are ready.

The first time I made my first EID Festival treat box– that was the starting point for me regarding multiple orders in a short time frame. As more holidays came, I had people asking me if I was going to make more treat boxes. By the time Chinese New Year and Valentines Days 2021 arrived, I had so many orders that I was fully occupied during my holidays and now the business is better than it ever was. I am getting opportunities that I cannot wait for!! I am so thankful.

Any plans on expanding your baking business? Who usually orders from you?

Yes! I am always planning on adding new things not just for those with a sweet tooth but also for budding bakers. In mid-2020 I launched my rich sweets sprinkle line with equipment. I am also planning on adding more themed bakes in the coming future, such as birthday cakes! It’s a struggle to find a vendor in Hong Kong as I want my own customised packaging- I started with a simple white plain box with a twist of my favourite colour (and ribbons), but I am always innovating! As all my Desserts are halal, the majority of my customers are Muslims, yet I can cater for everyone and my customers range.

Is it hard for customers to find halal desserts in HK?

Most likely YES, especially 80% of the cake shops in Hong Kong contain ‘gelatin’ for example the cake and cheesecakes tops (the glossy look) we need to search and ask the bakeries if they have added anything that does contain animal fat/gelatin. But it’s quite easy for those who use social media accounts these days. Luckily we have many Hong Kong halal bakers. I can name so many amazing ones!!

What makes your bakery line stand out from others?

What makes my business unique is that I make every dessert from scratch with high quality ingredients and in a clean separate environment within my own home. There is no unnecessary mixing of ingredients, I make sure the dessert cups are bacteria free (hot water used). Special gloves are used while baking and I check the ingredients carefully before e.g) if its “HALAL”.

All in all I cater to the individual, and for the community. All ingredients are considered clean ingredients. I am working on eggless desserts and a vegan range, and currently, I cater for “CBD” but only upon request.

What does CBD refer to?

(CBD) is a cannabinoid which can be extracted from the cannabis plant and used for foods these days. It is most likely to be treated as medicine and it won’t get you high –it has been touted as having certain therapeutic benefits for dealing with menstruation pain, inflammation and general anxiety. But it’s only made as a special request as it’s not for everyone.

How can readers learn more about you?

I will be happy to hear from anyone interested in the baking business and my journey!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richsweetshk/?hl=en

Business: richsweetshk@gmail.com      WhatsApp: +852 9402 3130

Personal: Raiisofficial@gmail.com

Thanks a lot for agreeing to be interviewed! Good luck with your business ‘Rich Sweets’ and we look forward to hearing more about your exciting ventures 🙂

Thank you! It’s an honor.

Rai Saidra x Lens of Passion