Michaela Meade
Donnybrook resident Hiba Zain found the sweet side of Melbourne’s most recent lockdown.
For about two years, Hiba has been running her business Sweetique from her home, baking sweet treats for special occasions, including baby gender reveals.
Hiba said she started the business after a push from those closest to her.
“I used to make cupcakes and cakes for my family and friends,” she said.
“They really loved them, and told me to start a business.”
Unfortunately, Melbourne’s lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic had hindered her business.
“It was going really well before lockdown,” Hiba said.
“After lockdown hit, it made it really hard.
“I was getting five to six orders per week, now it’s just one or two.
“I used to deliver my stuff to people… from all northern suburbs.
“Now, people are reluctant to leave home.
“If the lockdown extends, I’m not sure how much longer we will last.”
Despite the hardship she has been facing, Hiba is determined to bring positivity into people’s lives by making her signature cupcakes for a lockdown giveaway.
“I was feeling that everybody’s quite low these days, so I made two batches for a giveaway so that I could make people happy.
“It’s just like a small activity for me, and [will hopefully] make someone smile.”
Details: www.facebook.com/sweetiquebyhiba
