With a passion for baking, the one-of-a-kind cake shop, CakeyHand Dessert Factory (CakeyHand), continues to grow in Paradise, N.L, offering quality special-order cakes for a variety of occasions including weddings, birthdays, graduations and more.

The idea for CakeyHand was inspired by Anna Paytyan’s passion for Armenian cuisine. Paytyan moved from Armenia to St. John’s, N.L., to be with her husband Suren Margaryan, who was finishing his studies. Together they opened CakeyHand in October 2019.

What started as a vendor at the St. John’s Farmers’ Market, soon became something more due to their cake’s popularity. The cakes rely less on the traditional buttercream but provide a combination of sweetness and spice that keeps their customers coming back for more.

“I always loved to bake and would do so for friends and family back in Armenia.”
– ANNA PAYTYAN

“I always loved to bake and would do so for friends and family back in Armenia,” Paytyan said. “When I arrived in Newfoundland, I started taking orders as a side hustle, which gradually turned into a full-time job and a business.”

Their first offerings at the market sold out and from there, the business grew, opening a brick-and-mortar shop in August 2022. They now offer e-commerce pick-up through their website; where customers can view samples of cakes, browse event catering options, and make custom orders online.

“We are the only cake shop/bakery that offers both individual pieces of cakes and desserts, whole cakes, customized cakes, and catering to weddings and corporate events. We’re a fully featured business covering all sorts of occasions” says Paytyan.

Paytyan is making plans to expand CakeyHands product offerings even further by providing cakes in different styles, inspired by other countries.

With support from CBDC Cabot and their Kick$tart Loan program, CakeyHand was able to expand their business and offer other innovative ways for customers to enjoy their quality cakes.

The Kick$tart Loan is a low-interest loan of up to $10,000 for entrepreneurs under the age of 35 in Newfoundland and Labrador, which helps young entrepreneurs get started without the burden of a high interest rate.

With the Kick$tart Loan, CakeyHand is launching a new business model, a cake vending machine to offer cakes on-the-go for customers. This will be the first cake vending machine in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“CBDC helped us purchase the equipment, which will arrive soon, and we are excited to launch it in the province as the first cake vending machine,” Paytyan said.

As a business owner, Paytyan said her favourite part is having the freedom to make the best decisions for herself and her company.

“We own our own time, and while we work much more and longer hours than regular 9-to-5 employees, we enjoy it incredibly because we work for ourselves and don’t have to follow anyone else’s instructions,” she said.