Meet Salma Ahmed | Home Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Salma Ahmed and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Salma, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Hello! My name is Salma Ahmed and I’m a home baker in Plano, TX. My business name is Mini Delights by Salma. Starting my business wasn’t part of some grand plan—it grew out of love, curiosity, and a lot of late nights in the kitchen. After having my first daughter in 2013, I became really interested in what we were eating as a family—what ingredients were in our food and how to make cleaner choices. I started baking from scratch, just playing around, learning, experimenting. Before I knew it, I was baking for friends and family. I realized how much joy it brought me—not just the baking itself, but the process of creating something special for people to enjoy.

When my second daughter was born, I made the tough decision to leave my job in the corporate world. It just didn’t make financial sense to continue working when most of my paycheck was going toward daycare. But we still needed income. So in December 2016, I took a leap of faith and accepted my first order—Christmas cupcakes for my husband’s coworker. I was nervous, but also really excited. That moment turned my hobby into something more.

What should our readers know about your business?
Mini Delights by Salma didn’t start out as a fully established business. It began as Sweet Decadents by Salma in New Jersey, where I initially shared my love for baking with family and friends. I started off making customized cakes, which I absolutely loved, but I eventually stopped because I put too much pressure on myself to make each one perfect. It became overwhelming at times. However, I still enjoy making customized cakes for friends and family. Back then, I wasn’t as consistent—my schedule was unpredictable, and when I was expecting, I even took a hiatus from the business for over a year. It wasn’t easy balancing everything, but I always had the passion for baking.

The big shift happened when I moved to Texas three years ago. It was a fresh start, and I knew I wanted to take my business to the next level. So, I rebranded to Mini Delights by Salma, and it was here that I found consistency. In 2022, I started taking orders regularly, and by 2023, I was more committed than ever to growing my business. One thing I’m truly proud of is the process of making a recipe my own and sharing that with others. I was recipe developing, trying new ideas, and pushing myself to be better every day. This is when I really focused on perfecting my cookies and brioche donuts, which have now become fan favorites. Each recipe was developed with a lot of trial and error, and I’m proud of how they’ve turned out. Also a Muslim baker, one of my top priorities is to ensure that all of my desserts are halal and alcohol-free, so they’re accessible to my Muslim customers.

What sets Mini Delights by Salma apart is the fusion of South Asian flavors with classic desserts. I love creating innovative treats that blend traditional tastes with a modern twist. Two of my favorites have been the Gulab Jamun donut—a soft brioche donut glazed with rose, cardamom, and saffron, then topped with a piece of gulab jamun—and the Falooda donut, filled with rose syrup milk cream, jello pieces, and vermicelli, then finished with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios. I can’t wait to keep experimenting with more unique flavor combinations. At the same time, I’m always mindful of offering simpler, classic flavors for those who enjoys simplicity.

When you also visit my booth at a market, you’ll notice something extra special. I’ve always wanted my market setups to feel enchanting and inviting. I make sure to incorporate floral elements, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that draws people in. It’s my way of sharing the love and care I put into my desserts through the entire experience.

Like many business owners, I face challenges every day. One of the biggest things I’m learning is how to time-manage and stay healthy while running a business. Balancing my well-being with the demands of work is something I’m still figuring out, but I’m making it a priority so I don’t get too overwhelmed. Building my confidence as a business owner has also been a journey. I’ve started networking more and stepping outside my comfort zone. I’m no longer sitting back—I’m pushing forward.

Another challenge has been growing a customer base. It was difficult in New Jersey, and it continues to be a challenge here in Texas. But instead of focusing on the struggle, I choose to invest my energy in building a loyal, quality customer base.

As a Muslim, we believe in tawakkul—trusting in God while also taking the necessary steps toward our goals. I’m proud that I’ve kept going, even when it was tough. Not to sound cliché, but truly—my thanks goes to God first. None of this would’ve been possible without His guidance and blessings.

Looking ahead, my goal is to be in a position where I can give back to the community. Specifically, I want to offer my catering services for free for families who can’t afford the cost of celebrating a loved one. There are many people who want to celebrate their families, but the expense can be overwhelming. I hope to take that pressure off and create special, memorable moments for them, God willing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a homebody still getting to know Texas, I’d plan a week-long trip for my best friend that’s relaxed but full of meaningful experiences. We’d start with brunch at Escape 360, especially for their incredible soufflé desserts, followed by a drive around town and halal takeout from my favorite spots like Wave Bowl, Talkin Taco, and Beba BBQ. One day would be dedicated to exploring Dallas—strolling through Klyde Warren Park, checking out nearby museums, and enjoying the city. Midweek, we’d take a road trip to Austin—something neither of us has done before—spending a day or two exploring and trying new foods before heading back. After the road trip, we’d have a slower day to relax, maybe do a little self-care or some late-night baking at home. On our last day, we’d wrap up with a few local stops and close out the week the best way I know how: with late-night latte or Adeni chai from a Yemeni cafe.

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Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To my husband, Ali—my biggest supporter and the real MVP. You gave me that first push to chase this dream. You clean up my never-ending kitchen messes, help with market setups and breakdowns, handle those last-minute grocery runs, and keep me sane with house coffee from Zero Degrees or that much-needed extra-shot latte from Sayfani. I couldn’t do this without you.

To my children—Nadira, Zahara, Adam, and Sofia—you’ve grown up alongside this business. You guys seen it all: the mess, the late nights, the celebrations and the stress. Thank you for being patient, for cheering me on, and for being my biggest little fans.

To my family cheering me on from states away—especially my siblings, who constantly reminded me to keep going when I felt like giving up. Your encouragement, love, and belief in me have meant more than you know.

To my friends from back in NY/NJ—thank you for being part of the early days, for letting me experiment, for tasting my desserts and supporting my dream when it was just starting out.

To my newfound friends and fellow business owners here in Texas—thank you for welcoming me and helping me grow this dream in a new home.

And of course, a big shoutout to my customers—thank you for trusting me with your dessert orders. Your support truly means the world and keeps me wanting to do more, create more, and keep showing up with my best.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minidelightsbysalma/