A chat with Pathum
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!
Quarantine Home Bakers
Teacher by profession Pathum Weerasinghe, the hands behind the brand ‘Purfect Baker’, her homebased venture is best described as a hobbybusiness. “Purfect Baker was born during the first lockdown as a means of substituting the healthy and wholesome meal options that my family, friends and I found hard to get hold of. During that period, I found ample time to try and test the recipes that I was always fond of and added my own touch to them. I focused on making the recipes healthier with natural ingredients as much as possible. Cooking and baking has always been one of my hobbies, thus it eventually transformed into a hobby business that I’m proud to own today.”
What do you offer?
I cater to some diverse food option seekers who have specific dietary requirements such as Keto, Vegan and decadent. So, if you’re conscious of carb consumption there’s Keto rotis, cheese crackers and multi seed crackers. For those who are vegans there’s Classic and Gingerbread Granola and multi seed crackers. Some of the popular decadent options are the range of Artisan chocolates, Cinnamon rolls with three different glazes and festive bread and loaves. The best sellers essentially vary according to the season but to name a few, the Classic Granola, Rum Milk Cinnamon Rolls and the Chocolates.
When did you start operations?
I have been in operation throughout the lockdowns with limited menu items and at times there were interruptions due to ground situation but eventually all ended up fine.
What is it like running your operations in times like these?
That was definitely an interesting challenge, at times there were lengthy delays and difficulty in getting the ingredients. This also prompted me to look for substitutes which I view as a positive outcome. Even though I got hold of the suppliers, the prices were relatively high making it difficult to cover the costs. The travel restrictions affected the deliveries and hence the sales. It was a constant process of learning, frustrations and small wins. But I am so glad for the loyal customers who were patient and understanding and stuck around during this time.
How are you ensuring the proper hygiene measures are taken in preparation and delivery?
As a home based small business
I do not operate from a commercial kitchen and I am solely responsible for the operations; from baking to packing and handing over packages to delivery services. My entire family and I are fully vaccinated. I also make it a point to sanitise and use delivery services that follow health guidelines and are conscientious about public wellbeing.
What do you enjoy about baking and operating your own home baking business?
I have always been passionate about baking and I find that it gives a lot of room for creativity and selfexpression. I don’t believe that any two bakers are alike or that their baked goods tastes the same, that is what I find attractive in running this type of business. I wish to call my venture a hobby business, because I am not entirely focused on profit making. It is a brand that is poised to provide a greater customer satisfaction through offering a menu that’s open to customising items to a greater degree based on individual preferences, using natural ingredients and avoiding preservatives. Everything is freshly made on a pre-order basis so that the customer is guaranteed of a good experience and
value for their money. But above all, I love how this home based venture of mine provides me with a creative outlet and pure satisfaction when I find happy customers. I am a teacher by profession and this I find is a welcome distraction from my otherwise routine life.
How do you see home bakers going forward post Covid?
I think we are resilient and adapt easily therefore we need a little patience and need to be creative as we move along.
It is amazing how our lives transformed during the pandemic we started to work from home, learn from home and find alternatives for so many things. As businesses, we have come to appreciate the loyalty of our customers, the constant encouragement of our families and friends and those who stand by us with conviction and faith. The pandemic has changed our perception of what a business is and how it can operate with minimum facilities.
So many have transformed their hobbies into successful and fulfilling ventures while others discovered their talents during this time. I think businesses will move forward through creative yet adaptable models post Covid.
The Purfect Baker takes orders via Instagram (@purfectbaker) on pre-order basis. Delivery is available in Colombo and suburbs.