CakeyHand Dessert Factory: Sweet Success Rooted in Culture, Craft, and Community

In a food landscape often dominated by franchises and formulas, CakeyHand Dessert Factory stands out as a vibrant, heartfelt business that blends culinary artistry with cultural pride. As a finalist for the Atlantic Business Award of Distinction, this family-run bakery has captured the attention of customers and communities across Newfoundland and Labrador with its remarkable growth, unique offerings, and deep commitment to inclusion. 

Founded just over five years ago by Anna and Suren, CakeyHand began with a single table at the St. John’s Farmers Market. Today, it operates two storefronts, a food court booth, and a dessert vending machine that rarely stays stocked for long. If current trends continue, the business is on track to employ up to twenty-five full and part time staff. This growth is impressive by any measure, but even more so considering the couple built their business while raising two small children, completing academic studies, and navigating life as newcomers to Canada.

CakeyHand’s success is not just about numbers. It is about the kind of business they have chosen to build. Their team is made up primarily of new Canadian women who are treated with dignity, paid fair wages, and supported in ways that go far beyond the workplace. Anna and Suren have created a space where people feel valued, respected, and empowered. 

The business itself is a celebration of tradition and innovation. CakeyHand offers a full range of desserts, from individual slices to custom cakes, catering for weddings and corporate events, and even baking classes. Their second location in St. John’s includes space for teaching cake design and baking, while their vending machine in the Village Mall offers a high-end dessert option not found anywhere else in the area. Listening closely to customer feedback, they added café equipment to encourage guests to sit and enjoy their treats, deepening relationships and enhancing the experience. 

Their growth strategy is thoughtful and community-focused. While they are not planning immediate expansion in terms of new locations, they are committed to refining their offerings and strengthening their presence in St. John’s and Paradise. Anna continues to attend trade shows to stay current with baking trends, while also preserving traditional international recipes that reflect their heritage and resonate with their customers. 

CakeyHand’s community impact goes far beyond sponsorships or donations. When the Conception Bay Area Chamber of Commerce asked for snacks for a holiday event, Anna and Suren responded with a table overflowing with beautiful cakes and desserts—far exceeding expectations and leaving a lasting impression. Anna also teaches baking and decorating to other newcomers, sharing her techniques and recipes so they can start their own businesses, even if it means competing with her. This selfless act speaks volumes about the values that guide CakeyHand: generosity, humility, and a belief in shared success. 

Financially, the business is thriving. After self-financing their Paradise location, they partnered with CBDC Cabot to secure funding for their vending machine and later received a Youth loan to support the opening of their St. John’s shop.

CakeyHand Dessert Factory is more than a bakery. It is a story of resilience, creativity, and community care. As a finalist for the Atlantic Business Award of Distinction, Anna and Suren’s journey reminds us that success is not just measured in revenue, but in the lives touched, the traditions preserved, and the joy shared—one dessert at a time.