A number of businesses have struggled during lockdown but after being made redundant, one woman decided to launch her own business.
Noushien Khazeni-Rad, 27, who has lived in Churchdown for the majority of her life, worked at a cancer charity as an events and fundraising organiser, but like many in the county, was placed on furlough at the end of April.
Then just a month later, as the charity began to struggle, she was made redundant.
But rather than let it get her down, Noushien decided to take the opportunity to turn what had just been a hobby into a business.
Having backed for years for fun, the budding entrepreneur decided to launch her own baking business: The Village Cakery. And after setting up her own website and social media pages, she had more than 45 orders – and things aren’t slowing down.
Talking about the business, Noushien said: “I’ve already got 11 orders for August and new ones are coming in every day.
“I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved in such a short space of time, I’ve always baked but never to this level and with such support from the community.
“Churchdown is about community and supporting local produce, business and people. I definitely feel the love from Churchdown and the surrounding areas with the great response I’ve had and repeat customers.”
In fact, things have been so successful that the baker is now taking the business up as a permanent job and is in the process of opening her own bakery in Churchdown.
And for those who can’t wait for her shop to open, Noushien offers both a contact-free collection service and a delivery service in and around Churchdown, Gloucester and Cheltenham and you can find more information on her website here.
