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Baking has always been part of Nashaya’s life. Her mother was a baker, and the sights and smells of the kitchen naturally became part of her world. Still, she didn’t set out to follow the same path. It was only after leaving her first job that she began experimenting, initially with decorated donuts instead of the usual fondant cakes. Even as she worked as an air hostess, baking remained a quiet passion she returned to whenever she was home. When the airline went bankrupt, Nashaya turned that downtime into opportunity. “After my doughnut bouquet went viral, things just took off,” she recalls.

That viral moment was only the beginning. Over time, Baking Room became known for its playful designs and creative twists, from donut bouquets to delicate smash cakes. “I love experimenting with textures, shapes, and concepts that aren’t common here,” she explains. Her inspirations often come from what she sees online, but she reimagines them through her own lens, ensuring that each creation feels original and distinctly hers.

While her work embraces global trends, Nashaya often draws subtle inspiration from the Maldives itself — its colours, flavours, and laid-back creativity. “The Maldives has so much warmth and imagination,” she says. “Even when I’m not using local ingredients, that spirit is always there.”

The idea of happiness runs through everything she makes, from the process of baking to the final bite. For Nashaya, joy comes full circle when customers share how her creations have brightened their days. “During festivals, people always tell me how much they love the chicken bao buns, that always makes my day,” she says. “Once, an artist I really admire told me one of my smash cakes looked so artsy and unique. That meant a lot coming from someone so creative.”

Running a small creative business in a fast-paced market hasn’t been without challenges. Festival seasons often bring long hours, tight schedules, and the delicate balance of managing orders without losing the creative spark. Still, Nashaya credits her family and friends for keeping her grounded. “They’re always there when I need an extra hand or encouragement,” she says.

Even now, with Baking Room growing steadily, Nashaya remains deeply involved in every step — from design to delivery. She limits her orders to maintain quality and originality. “I always make sure each item looks and feels special, even if it’s something I’ve made a hundred times,” she adds.

As for what’s next, Nashaya is expanding her creative range. Her signature drinks have quickly become customer favourites, and she dreams of setting up a small mobile cart for celebrations and festivals — a way to bring the Baking Room experience to people wherever they are. Grateful for the journey so far, Nashaya’s message to aspiring creators is simple but sincere: start small, believe in what you do, and keep going even when it’s tough. For her, baking has never been just about desserts — it’s about the craft of making something that can turn an ordinary moment into something happy.