Today we’d like to introduce you to Saniyah Owens.
Hi Saniyah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story with baking really began during COVID. Being home so much gave me a lot of time to explore different interests, and I found myself spending more time than ever on TikTok and Instagram. At some point, cakes and desserts started becoming something I constantly saw while scrolling, and I was fascinated by how beautiful and creative they were. I remember thinking how amazing it was that people could turn simple ingredients into something that looked like a piece of art, and I wanted to see if I could recreate that same feeling.
At first, I thought I wanted to get into cooking, but I quickly realized that I didn’t feel the same passion or excitement that I felt when I looked at desserts. There was something about baking and decorating that felt different to me. At the time, I was a sophomore in high school, and I already knew that the traditional college path wasn’t something I wanted to pursue because school had never really felt like the right fit for me.
One day, I made a dessert and a friend of mine saw it. She suggested that since I didn’t want to go to college, I should consider turning baking into a business. At first, I didn’t think something like that was possible for me. I always felt like owning a business required a certain level of knowledge or schooling, and I didn’t think I had what it took. Looking back, I realize that while business does require learning and growth, so much of it comes from being willing to try, make mistakes, and keep going.
During my senior year, I joined a program called Operation Breakthrough where I had the opportunity to work alongside a real chef. Although we weren’t focused on baking, the experience taught me a lot about being in a professional kitchen, having confidence, and believing in my abilities. I carried the things he taught me with me and decided to take that leap and officially start my business.
I started out making cookies and slowly expanded into cakes and other desserts. Over time, baking became something I truly loved. What started as something I was simply curious about turned into a passion and a business that I’m excited to continue growing. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and I’m looking forward to seeing where this journey takes me next.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has not been a smooth one. There have been many moments where I wanted to give up because I felt like I wasn’t where I needed to be. I often compared my progress to others and felt like I was falling behind, and at times the negative criticism I received made it difficult to stay confident in myself and my abilities.
Another challenge I faced was not always having the space or resources I felt I needed to grow my business the way I envisioned. There were times when my environment made it harder to create and operate the way I wanted, and that became discouraging. I also reached a point where I wasn’t investing back into my business the way I should have, and I realized that growth requires not only passion but also commitment, patience, and the willingness to pour back into what you’re building.
Even through those challenges, I continued to learn and push forward. Those moments taught me the importance of believing in my vision, staying consistent, and understanding that growth doesn’t happen overnight. Every setback has helped shape me into a better business owner and has made me even more excited about the future of my business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I bake, and I feel that what sets me apart is just being myself. I have always believed that my individuality is one of my greatest strengths, and I try to bring that into everything I do. Starting so young has also shaped me in a unique way, and being self-taught has made me stand out even more. Instead of letting those differences hold me back, I have learned to embrace them as part of who I am.
Another thing that sets me apart is my determination. Even when criticism has come my way, I have continued to push forward and stay focused on my goals. I do not give up easily, and that mindset has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Every challenge has taught me to keep going, trust myself, and stay true to my vision.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Honestly, I do not really read books, so I would not lie and say that I do. But sometimes I come across motivational things on TikTok that really help me push forward and stay focused on my goals. Those little reminders can make a big difference when I need encouragement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bakesy.shop/b/saniyahs-sweets
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saniyahssweets
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1LAg1J1RWg/
