Living in the midst of a global pandemic is a challenging time for us all, but there are some people who are still able to realise their dreams.
A knock on the door last month from neighbour Mina Kashmir resulted in us enjoying a delicious box of homemade Cinnamon Bons, along with the news that she is starting up her own home bakery business. Keen to know more, I invited her round a few weeks later to have a proper chat and a cuppa – and of course another round of pastries.
So How Did Cinnammmm came about?
Mina explained how growing up in Moortown, Leeds, with her three siblings inspired her passion for cooking and baking from a young age “My parents were stall holders at Kirkgate markets, working long hours, so I became responsible for numerous household duties including baking and cooking for my younger siblings. It started from there, really, at the age of eleven.”
Moving into adulthood, after gaining a degree in tourism, Mina worked her way up in the hospitality industry, citing how the hustle and bustle of the marker traders she experienced during her childhood stood her in good stead to be successful working and liaising with members of the public.
The Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown in March resulted in Mina being furloughed from her current job at an events company, along with millions of other British people. This presented Mina with an opportunity to use her time putting some of her ideas into practice. “Being furloughed pushed me into experimenting with baking and planning how to go about setting up my own business. It is something that family and friends have been encouraging me to do for a while. After conducting some market research it was clear that there was a gap in the market for Cinnamon Bons. Doughnuts and Gelato places seem to be in abundance in Leeds and surrounding areas, so I had something different to sell. “
Cinnamon Bon – by any other name as sweet
Cinnamon Bons have various names. I personally would know them more as a Cinnamon swirl; some of you may know them as buns or rolls. Whatever you call them they are basically a sweet, coiled bread, flavoured with cinnamon of course, then filled and decorated with various toppings such as icing, fruits, nuts and chocolate.
Currently, Cinnammmm are offering their classic flavour buns in boxes of 4, 6 or 12. Mini-bons are also available, which are perfect for parties and events. Prices start from £10 for a box of 4. These classic flavours include Vanilla Cream Cheese, Nutella, Biscoff and Caramel with Pecan. Having tried all four of these flavours I can vouch that they are all lip-smackingly tasty. The last two are my favourites – the messiness of the Caramel Pecan brings out my inner child, and I seriously considered hiding the Biscoff one from with my partner!
Mina is currently experimenting with vegan flavours and is hoping to sell a range of vegan buns in the near future. Limited edition buns are also being looked into for occasions such as weddings, Halloween and Eid.
The Future of Cinnammmm
The business officially launched on 10th July 2020. All profits during the first week of opening were donated to the Yemen Appeal. You can place your Cinnamon Bon orders via direct messages through Cinnammmm’s social media channels:
www.facebook.com/cinnammmmor www.instagram.com/cinnammmm.
Their website is currently in development and will be available soon. Free home delivery is available to places within three miles of an LS17 postcode, then a small mileage surcharge to anywhere in Leeds outside of this 3 mile radius.
Mina is clearly passionate about baking for people and ensuring that her business is a success. Depending on how well the home-based bakery progresses, we may well see her in new premises at some point in the near future, as it’s clear this is her ultimate dream.
Right, I’m off to order some Cinnamon Bons, as writing about them is making me want more!
All photographs by @joshwildephoto
