From Home Baker to Culinary Success: Sakiba Mohammed’s Journey of Passion and Perseverance

Her message to other women is simple and optimistic: with talent and determination, any woman can become self-reliant

By Kamran Khan

Sakiba Mohammed, a baker from Panjabari in Guwahati, Assam, has become famous for selling delicious yet nutritious treats under her bakery brand, ‘Baketree’. Despite having no formal training in baking, she creates mouth-watering cakes, bread, cookies, brownies, and biryani for her customers.

“The bakery market is highly competitive, but my products cater to a unique niche. I focus on quality and cleanliness, ensuring that I never serve stale food, even at the cost of profits,” says Sakiba.

Sakiba used to get few orders of baking during her college days. In 2000, she moved to Dubai with her husband. After returning to Guwahati 11 years later, she started baking and her bakes were popular among friends and family that’s how she was inspired to take it up as a profession. Now, she receives orders through Instagram, Facebook, and word-of-mouth, catering to events of 30-50 people.

Her chocolate chip cookies, date cookies and butter cookies are especially popular. Sakiba has earned recognition, including third place in the ‘Priyobondhu’ cake baking competition, while ranking among the top contestants in G Plus’s ‘Home Baker’ programme.

“There’s a lot of competition in the food business, but if you work with passion, success will follow,” she says.

She believes that women can successfully run a business from home, especially in the food industry. As a responsible mother and wife, she skillfully manages both her family and business. Inspired by Islamic history, Sakiba looks up to Prophet Muhammad’s wives—Khadija Bibi, a businesswoman, and Ayesha Bibi, a highly educated woman.

Her message to other women is simple and optimistic: with talent and determination, any woman can become self-reliant.

Sakiba’s passion for cooking began in her childhood, while spending time with her grandmother in Shillong, Meghalaya, where she learned the art of cooking. She has participated in numerous cooking contests and appeared on the reality show ‘Master Chef Season 3; she had cleared the 1st round from Guwahati and was invited to Kolkata for the 2nd round. She has also won accolades, including third prize in the ‘Priyobondhu’ cake baking competition and Blue Paradise’s cooking contest, while finishing among the top three in G Plus’s ‘Home Baker’ programme.

“Women have dignity in Islam, and our Prophet’s wives set an example—Khadija Bibi was a businesswoman, and Ayesha Bibi was highly educated. Islam values women’s education and independence,” she says.