Nestled in a quiet corner in Subang, this cafe which was initially a home-based experiment had turned into something fruitful. And as I stepped into the cafe for quick coffee run, I was greeted with friendly smiles and a taste of home.
How a home-based Brownie Xperiment turned into a Baking Xperiment
Enjoying a cup of coffee, I was given the opportunity to sit down with the artisans behind the The Baking Xperiment. And despite the volatility of the F&B industry, I was pleasantly surprised by the zest and passion they have in creating something that belongs to them uniquely.
Back in 2020 when the pandemic hit, the thought of baking seemed to be in trend. Trying out for themselves, Amanda quickly found herself wrapped around the fun of experimenting with different methods of baking. What started out as a hobby quickly turned into something substantial as inquiries about ordering came puring in.
“It was a norm back then where people would order online and send it to their friends and family”, said Aaron. That was where they saw the opportunity to create meaningful gifts out of customizable brownie boxes.
The end of an era and the start of something new
However, as the pandemic restrictions were lifted, it was time for a change. The Brownie Xperiment was now on its way to venture out of its home-based setting, with another vision in mind.
In October 2021, they officially rebranded themselves as The Baking Xperiment. After a whole lot of effort, they were finally able to open their own cafe. As of March 2022, The Baking Xperiment found itself a new home in the peaceful neighborhood of SS17, Subang Jaya.
“It was definitely scary at first”, said Aaron as he recalls the days where they were one of the first few tenants to move in. Yet soon enough, the couple eventually found their footing.
From humble beginnings
Having to raise two children, Aaron and Amanda took a huge risk by quitting their jobs at the time. Previously, he had worked in franchise sales, while she held a position in marketing.
Now at The Baking Xperiment, their roles are reversed. The dynamic duo work hand in hand, with Amanda baking the goods and Aaron handling the marketing side of things. As their client list expanded to include celebrities, Amanda sought to up her baking game by attending pastry classes.
They aimed to curate something of their own through the knowledge and resources accumulated over the years. Currently, the cafe provides wholesale pastries and even cater to events like weddings, birthday celebrations and more. The two believe it is important to stay flexible in accommodating to business demands.
Taking a leap of faith
“If not now, when? If we fail, just get a job and start fresh,” Aaron affirmed. In spite of the big jump from an employee to a boss, he does not view it as much of a difference. Aaron owed it to the nature of his former job, which included a lot of groundwork and effort.
“Always stay humble,” he said, “As it takes time to build up something and watch it progress.” True enough, that principle has brought them to where they are today.
Even now, The Baking Xperiment still holds dear to those values. Going cafe hopping from time to time, the two hope to learn from others and continue to grow in the industry. To this day, they always strive towards quality control, and all their goods are handmade daily.
Not without its challenges
Behind their success, the cafe does have its fair share of good days and bad. From navigating technical mishaps to spoilt products, the owners believe that each mistake is a stepping stone to improve.
At The Baking Xperiment, consistency is key. Their goal is to provide comfort food that remind customers of home. In fact, it’s what keeps patrons coming back for more. “You should always put out something you’re proud of,” they ended by saying.
Sharing joy through the food they love, it’s no wonder that The Baking Xperiment is making waves in the cafe scene. Find them at their corner outlet in Subang Jaya for the perfect pick-me-up!
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Also read: Banker2baker: A successful career switch that allowed this M’sian to open his own bakery in London!
