SHAH ALAM, Oct 9 — The first thing Ann Noorul baked were cookies. The avid baker had always been interested in baking as her mother used to sell cookies during the festive season... as a hobby.
Noticing her interest, Ann's mum sent her and her elder sister to baking and cake decorating classes.
"I learned how to make macarons on my own from the Internet. At first, I failed many times but because I like baking I kept trying. Finally, I was satisfied with the results," said the 34-year-old.
Currently, her best-selling macaron flavours are red velvet and cookies and cream. Ann started her online business 6th St Desserts last November. She quit her job at an IT firm in February 2013 before embarking on a new journey of baking. She also actively participates in bazaars in Klang Valley to reach more customers.
Amirah Azizan, Ann's elder sister, inspired Ann to pursue baking. Amirah was baking and taking orders from people first. Although they bake different things - Amirah makes wedding cakes and custom-make cakes - Ann learned some of her baking skills from Amirah.
"I used to get requests from my colleagues to bake but I didn't have the confidence to sell my baked goods. It was with the encouragement from my mother and sister that I decided to go into this business," said Ann.
Previously, Ann was not aware that one could sell pastries online. It was a good thing that she found out about it because now she can do something she really likes. "I find baking relaxing and fun," said the shy baker. She can spend hours baking without feeling stressed out or bored.
The name 6th St Desserts is derived from her birthday which falls on the sixth of June. Currently, she runs the business on her own while Amirah helps out once in awhile for certain orders. Ann's younger sisters and brother are not involved in baking at all. Her mother also lends a hand when she needs it.
Despite not having a big team, Ann can manage the workload for now. "I take about one day to prepare an order, depending on the quantity," said Ann. She gets about two to three orders a week. Recently, she had an order for a baby shower where she made a batch of decorated cupcakes in pastel colours. Her customers order through 6th St Desserts Facebook page.
Because it's a home business, Ann does most of the delivery, charging RM5 to RM6 for deliveries within Petaling Jaya and Subang and RM10 for deliveries in Kuala Lumpur. You can also find her at food bazaars in the Klang Valley.
"My baked goods are priced between RM1.50 to RM10. I use raw ingredients without any preservatives. The reason why I price them this way is so that everyone can eat and try them. Also, I have no commitment for expensive rental unlike other bakers," said Ann.
Her pastries are not just affordable but they are delicious and made with quality. Things are looking positive for Ann and she looks forward to opening her own shop within the next few years. "I'm planning to open my shop in either Petaling Jaya or Subang. Kuala Lumpur has too many competitors. Next time, I plan to bake on location too so it would be good if it is close to home," she said.
She plans to expand her business by adding more products such as tiered cakes and savoury pies. "The next trend in baking is savoury pies," she said. She is still working on various recipes to see which ones will work.
For more information, please check out https://www.facebook.com/6thstreetdesserts
