Raaela Khalid – A Woman Who Turned Her Passion Into A Career

A Canadian- Muslim entrepreneur, Raaela Khalid runs her online cake shop “Cakes+Taste” based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada offering a variety of delicious desserts and baked treats. She bakes custom cakes for Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Baby Showers, Corporate Events, Cookies, and other special occasions. Having a passion for baking and art, she started her entrepreneurial journey to shape her dreams into reality. Kudos to her!
It is inspiring to know that a good number of Pakistani women immigrants in Canada have discovered their areas of interest and started their own businesses. There is no country in the world where women have a better quality of life, more job opportunities, and more freedoms than in Canada. And Raaela Khalid is one of them who not only utilized her skills and knowledge but also fulfilled her dreams to live the life she wants.
Raaela Khalid is a woman who turned her passion into a career. Undoubtedly, she is truly an inspiration to many who want to pursue their passion for living a dream life.
At Mively, we approached her to learn more about her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, & how she handled the highs and lows of her career. So, let’s meet her!
My name is Raaela Khalid. I am from Lahore, Pakistan and currently reside in Mississauga, Ontario. I own a business brand named Cakes+Taste which I started in 2010 after earning certifications in baking and decoration from organizations such as PME and Wilton and polished my skill gradually. Our products are based on quality ingredients and are baked from scratch without any kind of preservatives, we especially do not compromise on that aspect.
As a new Muslim immigrant, looking for good quality and reasonably priced items following the process of settling in a new country, finding halal products was a difficult task which sparked the idea to open a halal bake shop. As I also have had a passion for baking from a young age, there was no hesitation when I thought of the idea, and because my business is a home-based business, it gives me the opportunity to balance my work and family which also halted any hesitation.
The thought behind Cakes+Taste is to give 100% halal, mouth-watering, and high-quality products at an affordable price to everyone. Secondly, I love to bake and have a passion for fine arts so it was the right field to use my skills and knowledge without any second thoughts.
I faced some challenges such as balancing my work life and household and searching for platforms to advertise my business but the biggest challenge was price comparison with well-known stores and dessert shops. But Alhamdulillah with hope, determination, and the help of Allah Taa’ala, I did overcome all those challenges step by step.
My greatest achievement was when received my first wedding cake order which catered around five-hundred people. I became a lot more confident in myself and my products upon successfully completing this order.
I compiled a successful customer base due to my products considering they are one hundred percent halal, freshly baked, and tasty. I also used various marketing techniques such as advertising on social media platforms, creating a business card, and hosting pop-up stalls when I had the opportunity.
My greatest inspiration is my father, he was an innovative and hardworking person and always encouraged me to try making new things.
My learning process is still ongoing, and each lesson I learn is the most valuable to me. Over the years, I have learned how to deal with different customers, expand my product line, and more.
In the next three years, I see myself as the owner of a bakery with seating, serving people my treats, and still providing the community with my high-quality products.
I would say, “Have a strong faith in Allah, keep persevering, and never give up”.