It’s April can you believe it!? This month we have yet another entrepreneur to feature. Pretty and Smart Co. please meet Navreet Hundal. Navreet is the woman behind Bakery23TO. She bakes all sorts of treats that look absolutely beautiful and is sharing a little slice with us today about her small business. OH and while you’re here be sure to check out Taylor’s digital downloads for this month.
Without further delay, meet Navreet Hundal.
Name or nickname if you have one:
Navreet
Zodiac sign:
Taurus
What is your relationship with P&S Co.?
I am a big fan of the ladies that run P&S Co and also very much enjoy reading the articles- especially all the tips on becoming more organized!
Where do you live and what do you do?
I live and work in Toronto and run a small baking business on the side.
What makes you feel pretty and smart? What does it mean to you?
I think it refers to someone whose inner goodness shines through, someone who is secure, confident, and committed to growth. It is also someone who helps empower and encourage others to reach their full potential.
What’s next for you and your bakery? New projects? New menu items?
During Valentines I sold Valentines-themed desserts, I would love to, and plan to, offer that during other holidays and special occasions such as Mothers Day, Halloween, during Christmas-time…
I am working on introducing new cookie flavours which is a lot of fun because I get to experiment and try unique combinations! The other night I topped my gingerbread cookies with Nutella and crushed M&Ms. So. Good. My next goal is to perfect making macarons. I would also love to start selling my baked goods at farmers’ markets and community events this summer.
How do you like the process of making/creating your baked goods? Are you inspired by something specifically?
The part I enjoy the most is decorating. It allows me to channel my creativity and I’m always overjoyed when I’m given creative freedom with orders.
Recently, I’ve been inspired by flowers/nature and colour palettes I come across. I enjoy attempting to use those colour combinations and designs to decorate cakes and cupcakes.
What goes into producing a quality dessert (besides love and probably a lot of butter)?
You’re absolutely right! Lots and lots of love and butter. It also takes time and patience. I recommend practicing as much as you can until you’re comfortable with the quality of the product- your friends and family will always appreciate taste-testing!
This also includes researching the ingredients you’re using, don’t be afraid to do some homework or even ask other bakers what they prefer to use. I’ve found that the online baking community is always happy to share thoughts and tips.
What is your number one tip for those who might be taking up baking for the first time?
I highly recommend investing in good-quality appliances. Baking is a science-following the exact measurements provided in a recipe is important because too much or too little of an ingredient can throw everything off. As someone formerly guilty of being too heavy-handed with the cups of flour, purchasing a kitchen scale was the best thing I did! Next time you get your hands on a Bed, Bath, and Beyond coupon, a kitchen scale should be your first purchase 🙂
Can you give us the good and the bad? The single best and the worst thing about operating your small business or even creating the product?
The best part of having my business is knowing that something I made is a part of a happy moment in others’ lives. Whether it be the happiness someone experiences when eating a cookie or cupcake I made or someone purchasing a cake for a celebration. It makes me sincerely happy and excited that I get to play a role in that, however minor it may be.
The worst part is the clean-up! Sometimes you have to use a whole lot of tools and dishes to create something and once you’re all done you’ll see a pile of things to clean. In these moments I am very grateful for my dishwasher.
What would you tell younger women who haven’t yet taken a risk they might be considering. Is this something you might not have followed yourself?
I would remind them that every journey begins with one step. I know what it’s like to be nervous and to let the fear of failure hold you back. However, what I’ve recently learned (and yes, a little cheesy and cliche) is that it’s true when they say that if your goal doesn’t scare you it’s not big enough. You owe it to yourself to go after what you want.
It’s also okay to reach out to others for advice or support, I do it all the time. There will be setbacks but in the words of the wise Dory “just keep swimming” and always show up in life.
Can you share your favourite recipe with us?
I can’t pick a favourite! However, if you ever have a craving for something sweet and easy to make: Make a pancake, slather Nutella on it, and top with strawberries (or crushed nuts, ice-cream, anything really…)
What is your guilty pleasure? Does it happen to be something you’ve baked?
I love ice-cream with brownie and cookie dough pieces mixed into or strawberry ice-cream on a cone. I’d like to add that I feel zero guilt over this!
Number one thing on your bucket list right now?
I’d love to one day travel to Italy, Greece, Hawaii and maybe even end the trip off with a visit to Disney World…
What is your favourite thing in your inventory right now?
I have two-I love my chocolate cupcakes and jumbo double chocolate cookies stuffed with Nutella. I realize that I’ve mentioned Nutella three times now and I’m okay with that. It makes everything better.
Tell us about the process that led you to Bakery 23? Is this something you want to expand?
I have loved baking since I was a little girl. Anytime there was a “Cake Boss” marathon on TLC was a good day. My mom always ensured we had Betty Crocker mixes in stock in our pantry because I would go through them very fast. Slowly over the years, I started looking at baking as a fun challenge. I would see something I liked and attempt to make it from scratch (some took numerous tries to get right…quite a few batches of cookies have been thrown out!).
During this time my friends and family would tell me I should start my own business but I would doubt myself and shake my head at the idea. It wasn’t until this past summer where I thought of the quote “one day or day one” and decided there’s no time like the present! I’ve been fortunate enough to receive a lot of strong support and am excited to continue doing something I love.
What is one thing we didn’t ask but you want people to know about you?
I truly enjoy and appreciate learning from others. If any readers have nuggets of wisdom they’d like to share on running a small business or any vendors would like to collaborate for projects please feel free to reach out!
Where can people find you online? What is your handle?
I can be found on Instagram at @bakery23to.
Thank you so much to Navreet for sharing a little slice of her with us! If you have any questions for her ask them in the comments below or get in touch at her Instagram handle.
