In a bid to contain and combat the global pandemic of coronavirus, the curfew imposed nationwide has effectively put most of the country in quarantine over the past few weeks. So, while most businesses experience huge losses in times like these, online businesses tend to thrive, online businesses like Munchies by Nims, a home bakery that delivers delicious baked goods to your door.
We caught up with Nimasha Pieris, mother, teacher, baker, who shared her journey with us.
Were you self-taught or did you have any formal training? Do you believe there’s a limit to what you can teach yourself?
I’m a self-taught home baker, with absolutely no formal training – though I would have loved to learn more about it, if time would’ve allowed it. I strongly believe that there is absolutely no limit to what you can teach yourself. Whenever I want to try a new treat, I like to find and read multiple recipes. I mix and match the ingredients and quantities, and then add my own twist to it.
What made you want to turn baking into a source of income? Did you have an inspiration?
I started baking after I got married. I’m a teacher by day, and at the time, I was looking for an innovative way to teach my first-grade students about mixing colours to make new ones – and what better way than to make rainbow cupcakes! I had to practise before doing it in class with them, and we all had the best time! The first ‘official’ cake I baked (for an event) was for my daughter’s first birthday. It wasn’t the best-looking cake, but it was delicious! – if I may say so myself.
I took up baking as a part time business when I was a stay-at-home mum, taking care of my two kids. It was never about generating a huge income, but more about having something that I could call ‘my own.’
How would you describe Munchies, to someone who isn’t in the know? What is its main appeal?
Munchies is a small-scale, mum-owned business. It started when I was in between jobs, as a stay-at-home mother. I try very hard to keep the price at a minimum, mainly because I bake as a hobby. Its main appeal is that everything is handmade from scratch, with a lot of attention and care.
Do you do everything yourself or do you have help? Have you any intention to hire another pair of hands?
Everything that goes out of the Munchies kitchen is made by me. I don’t have a helper, and I am not thinking of getting any help right now. The orders I undertake are limited, mainly because I want to be able to give enough time to tend to each cake individually instead of baking in bulk.
How big do you plan for this to become? Will it remain a side project for you?
I currently work as an English teacher, and I love my job. Baking will remain a side project for now because it’s something I enjoy doing.
What would you say is your most popular item? What about it that makes it so popular?
I have two popular cakes. First is the classic chocolate cake with a chocolate frosting. Some people like to tweak it a bit by including add-ons like peanut brittle, chocolate chips, roasted cashews or almonds, Smarties etc.
The second is a Mocha cake – chocolate cake with a coffee frosting, topped with chocolate chips or roasted cashew nuts. Personally, I think it’s the soft and moist texture of the cake and the unique taste that makes it so popular.
Are there any goods that you enjoy making specifically? Is there something you’d like to make in the future?
I cook with smells, so I just toss in ingredients that I think would ‘smell’ good together. It’s worked for me so far, and I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen. I have tried many flavours including classic vanilla, red velvet, brownie cheesecake, mint chocolate, etc. and I’ve even added flavours using fresh fruit like mangoes and strawberries.
Do you still bake for yourself or your family anymore? Which items do you find to be your/their favourite?
I do bake a lot for my family. I have officially turned my kids into chocoholic monsters! The classic chocolate cake and the chocolate brownies are definitely the most popular among family and friends.
Do you have any advice for people looking to start their own baking brand? What is a good place to start?
“Do what you love to do, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life”, right? Don’t be afraid to start. It’s important to know your worth, to believe in yourself, and to have faith. Dream big but take one step at a time to achieve your goals. Onwards and upwards!