Rima Karawi is an Edmonton based self taught baker. She specializes in making boxes full of decorative pudding cups, chocolate covered strawberries, and many other bite sized sweets. You can check out her entire menu on Instagram!
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When did you start your business? Was there something/someone who inspired you?
I started my business two years ago. What was once a hobby became an infinite road filled with many destinations. My main inspiration has been my family and friends. I have always loved food and creating delicious desserts for everyone to taste as their smiles bring me happiness and thatβs all that matters to me.
I am a proud mom of three and I wanted to do something I love and be able to stay by their side at the same time, so this was the βcherry on topβ kind of combination. My husband, close friend and sisters really pushed me to start this adventure as I was a bit skeptical of my ability to handle both motherhood and a business at the same time; their constant support and cheering helped me overcome my inner fears!
Would you say you reached all of your goals since you started or do you have more to achieve?
The sky is the limit! As growing individuals that we are, I feel we have countless goals to achieve throughout our lives so once I reach one I set another one with greater difficulty to attain. Life is about setting your goals, accepting new challenges and savoring the journey of embarking these new adventures.
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What are the ups and downs when dealing with the Arab community?
There will always be ups and downs of working with different communities, as each community has their own view on what they like. For me, the only difficult part is that many of my customers are family, friends and people I personally know which makes it hard at times to keep it strictly business.
On the other hand, word spreads fast and their love and support towards me has always shined in the way they pass along my name, talk about my business or simply say how much they love it. That itself means the world to me and keeps me going every single day.
What would you change if you had to do it all over again?
I would not change a thing; there are no regrets in life only lessons!
What challenges has Covid-19 brought to you and your business and how did you overcome them?
Covid-19 has been a big challenge for everyone in the past year, and it has taken a big toll on all businesses especially small ones like mine. The main issue with the uncertainty of this novel virus is that no one knew what was yet to come, so the majority of clients cancelled, postponed or were just unsure if there events were going to take place any longer.
Going to the store has also become a big challenge, since everything I make needs fresh ingredients, as well as other baking products which many times are out of stock or just outrageously overpriced, it does make it hard to keep a happy face at times. But I love what I do, and I know this is a wave that weβll overcome with a lot of patience and perseverance.
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