Quarantine Home Bakers

Lourain Melissa Fernando started her baking business over a decade ago, back in 2010 under the moniker ‘Sugary Cake Store’ before it was rebranded under her name ‘Meli’s Cakes’. Quitting her full time job as procurement assistant at a British firm in 2015 to focus on building her business full time, Melissa adds that it was ‘one of the best decisions she’s ever made’. Today she runs her business and offers baking and decorating classes.

What do you offer?

We bake and decorate on bespoke basis; Themed Cakes, Cupcakes, Wedding Cakes, mini Cakes, Cookies, Brownies, Cake pops, Cakesicles etc.

The Chocolate Cake frosted with Mocha icing and Ganache is the signature cake and the best seller of Meli’s cakes. We always get the best feedback from the customers for that! I also conduct several baking and decorating classes, starting from the basics to the

Diploma level.

What is your signature style in baking?

Freshly baked, moist, soft, melt-in-mouth cakes. When it comes to baking, I use some old recipes with a modern touch that make my cakes taste very good even without frosting.

What is it like running your operations in times like these?

At the beginning of the pandemic, luckily, I had some stocks to cater with the orders I received. But some supplies like edible prints were not available, so I had to paint free hand, which turned out very well. Also, I did not have any assistance and had to work alone. Now, it is more challenging because most of the ingredients are out of stock and we have to find substitutes and those could be expensive. Everything is expensive due to the inflation, so people find it difficult to purchase a customised cake. However, I still have clients who prefer quality products from Meli’s Cakes and as a small business owner I am really grateful for their support.

How are you ensuring the proper hygiene measures are taken in preparation and delivery?

Everything is homemade and is always carefully prepared with a lot