Words: Tivania Moodley | Image: Supplied
It’s no secret that kids love homemade cookies. Getting them involved in the baking process is a great way to allow them to explore their creative side. Baseera Rajah has a natural flair for creativity and turned her passion into a business, Cherry on the Top, offering homemade specialty biscuits together with a Little Bakers workshop designed for kids.
How did your business start?
My passion for baking started seven years ago after I had kids because I wanted to create something special for their birthdays. I began experimenting with extraordinary biscuits which quickly became popular, so three years ago I began baking professionally as Cherry on the Top. My kids wanted to get involved so I would give them biscuits to decorate. It was at that point that I thought of introducing a workshop for kids to have fun learning to bake and decorate beautiful confectionery.
Why did you choose this area to set up shop?
I work from home in Durban North. Working from home works for me because it allows me to work around my family’s schedule. Durban North is also a great area to be based in as everything is conveniently situated. It’s also a family-orientated area with lots of activities available, which I love.
Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?
I have the luxury of establishing my own working hours. I also have a big yard, which is ideal to host my workshops as kids love the space and they get to work comfortably.
Who are your neighbours?
I live in a residential area, so mostly families. There are also quite a few guest houses in the area.
What are the rental/sales prices like in this area?
One of the perks of working from home is that I save on rent. The property prices around me are relatively high and when working from home, your overheads are less. I knew I could make use of my spacious backyard to host my kids’ workshops.
How many people go through your store each day?
My baked treats are made to order, so it depends on the quantity I’ve taken on. The workshops are held during school holidays where I see between 40 to 80 kids.
Do you have any expansion plans?
Yes, I’m considering an advanced workshop for teenagers as well as planning adult classes for the royal icing cookie decoration due to the large number of requests I receive.
Do you operate online as well?
Yes, I have active Instagram (@cherry_on_the_top_by_baseera) and Facebook (goo.gl/EBpFNB) pages that provide information on my workshops and showcase my treats.
What’s your most popular item?
My most popular items are the trending cream tarts and my royal icing biscuits. My workshops are very popular during the school holidays.
Cherry on the Top
078 304 8538
goo.gl/EBpFNB
