Cakes ‘n’ Bakes is made up of two like minded creative cousins with a passion for baking and decorating. Our aim is to create cakes that are out of the ordinary, one of a kind and that have the ‘WOW’ factor. Because we are a small family run business, we place high value on our relationships with our clients and offer a friendly yet professional and highly personalized service. We love being a part of people’s celebrations through our cakes and bakes and contributing to their happy memories in this creative way. Our attention to detail and passion for perfection is one that you won’t find anywhere else.
KAREN CARVALHO
A baker by passion, I have lived in Dubai for the past 30 years which I call home. Happily married with 3 beautiful children, my journey into the world of cakes started from my childhood and has evolved today into the concept of Cakes ‘n’ Bakes.
‘One of my favourite memories from my childhood is that of coming home from school to a home filled with the warm smells of baking. The heady scents of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla and chocolate lingers on and instantly takes me back to being a little girl eagerly watching the oven while magic happened inside. Be it cakes, cookies or cupcakes, my grandmother who was an amazing cook, was always in the kitchen dishing out tasty treats for her family especially her grandkids. I don’t know which was warmer and more comforting, her loving embrace or the taste of a freshly baked slice of cake after a hard day at school (probably both!). Those happy times spent with her in the kitchen (and tasty memories!) fostered my passion for baking today. Thanks Nana! xxx
With a degree in Business Administration, I developed my self- taught skills in cake decorating by completing the ‘Wilton’ professional cake decorating course in 2008. Since then I have been running a successful and thriving home based business specializing in custom, made to order cakes and cupcakes.
When exploring the concept of expanding the business, the one person that came to mind, for his expertise and knowledge (not to mention for being a great guy as well!) was my cousin Riki. Together we decided to start Cakes ‘n’ Bakes which is the culmination of our shared passion and the fulfilment of a lifelong dream……….
RIKI KAPOOR
Growing up in Bombay, India, I started baking at the early age of nine and never looked back. While other little boys were up to mischief, I spent hours perfecting my baking skills in the kitchen and once word started getting around, was soon taking orders by the time I was fifteen. I then enrolled in a specialised Wedding Cake Decorating course in 1997(Hayley’s) which was the platform for my later achievements.
After finishing college, I enrolled into a Hotel Management programme and gained a diploma in Patisserie and Culinary Arts. My passion continued over the years which led to further acclaim:
Today the ‘Kapoor’ family is well known for their Christmas sweets and to die for cakes. To date, we have received numerous mentions in local publications. I have also catered to esteemed organizations like Johnson & Johnsons, Oberoi Hotels and celebrities. Over the years, I have worked for 5 star hotels including the Marriot Mumbai. I then decided to broaden my horizons by taking on the full time role as Pastry Instructor for the past 6 years, at a well known catering college in Mumbai, teaching the basic, intermediate and advanced confectionary arts course.
‘Baking has always been a childhood passion that came from my love for food and the encouragement from my parents and family’.
When presented by the idea to team up together by Karen, I jumped at the opportunity to venture into something new. Unlike most other bakeries, we have single handedly overseen every step of the business setup and have applied our high standards in all aspects. Together we are proud to launch Cakes ‘n’Bakes today – a sweet success story!