Baking Up a Dream

Who’s ready to hear about a woman who’s rewritten the rules to build a life she loves? (Us, always!). This week’s PowerWomen story is a sweet one: baking, belief, and building a business from the ground up. Meet India Christian, the creative mind (and hands) behind IsleTraybake, who swapped corporate comms for cake trays, and isn’t looking back any time soon. 

Here’s India’s story:

A year or so ago, my life was completely different. I was sat behind a desk in corporate communications, building an internal intranet, ploughing through admin, making improvements, ticking boxes. But then I had my baby, and suddenly the endless corporate nonsense just didn’t feel worth it. I knew I needed a change. I wanted to figure out what I actually enjoyed, what skills I had, and how I could create something that worked for my life now.

Then my grandad passed away suddenly. He hadn’t been well, but it was still such a shock. He was such an entrepreneurial spirit, running his own businesses, chasing his passions, doing what he loved. Losing him was heart-breaking, but it also lit a spark in me. I thought, could I do that too? Could I create something for myself, on my own terms, for my family?

My gran, who I’m so close to, even now, was a school cook and an incredible baker. She loves cake. I love cake (especially eating it… less so when the jeans get a little snug!). I’ve always been creative, and while baking wasn’t the obvious choice on paper, it felt like something I could pour myself into and make work.

And so, IsleTraybake was born.

Small Start, Big Dreams

At first, it was just a few orders here and there… friends, family, a couple of locals who’d spotted my bakes on social media. I started saying yes to everything, whether it was a last-minute cake for a birthday, a batch of brownies for an office treat, or a table at a community market. Every order taught me something new, about baking at scale, about juggling time, and about how quickly word of mouth can work when people really love what you make.

Slowly but surely, things began to snowball. My kitchen, which once felt big enough, suddenly seemed tiny. Now, I’m officially expanding, more oven space is on the way! That might sound like a small thing, but for me, it’s huge. It means more batches, bigger orders, and the ability to keep up with demand without completely wearing myself out.

From the very start, I promised myself this business would also give back. Every year, I pledge to donate a portion of my profits to Alzheimer’s Society in honour of my grandad. It’s my way of keeping him connected to this journey, and even a couple of hundred pounds can make a real difference. It’s a reminder that even a small business can have a big heart.

Some of my proudest moments so far? Using my own profits to invest in new equipment that makes baking faster, easier, and more consistent. Signing contracts with local cafes who now stock my bakes, and building genuine friendships with fellow business owners, like Lucy over at De Ja Brew. And I can’t forget the inspiration I’ve found in women like Kellie at Cherry Tree and Sophie at The Pink Kitchen. They’re juggling kids, running successful businesses, and showing me that yes, it can be done.

The Realities (and the Rewards)

It hasn’t all been a piece of cake (pun intended). My now best-selling blondie recipe? A total disaster at first! I followed the instructions to the letter and still couldn’t get it right. In the end, I trusted my instincts, made my own tweaks, and finally nailed it.

Financially, starting a business while on maternity leave was… let’s just say brave. I’ve worked all hours, hovered dangerously close to burnout, and juggled the chaos of mum life. But watching it all come together? Honestly, that’s magic.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? You HAVE, to believe in yourself. If you don’t, no one else will.

Baking is my happy place. It gives me focus, lets me zone out, and fits perfectly around family life. It’s mine: my business, my space, my rules.

My Pep Talk for You

If you’re thinking about starting your own business, do it. Believe in yourself. It doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Start small, start part-time, but start. And make a plan. A business plan isn’t just a piece of paper, it’s your map. Picture where you want to be, build your brand, and make people pay attention.

And whatever you do, don’t let anyone shake your confidence. There will be knock-backs, but progress is progress.

What’s Next

One day, I’d love to have my own premises, find my signature products, and maybe even create the Manx equivalent of Finch Bakery. Postal orders are on my dream list, and eventually, I’d like to hire someone part-time to join me in the kitchen.

I’ve grown up with strong roots and an incredible support network, my family, my friends, and the women I look up to in business. That foundation has given me the courage to take risks, even when they’ve felt scary. I’ve learned that it really doesn’t matter how much money you start with, or whether you have the “perfect” set-up. What matters is how you use what you do have.

When I started IsleTraybake, I didn’t have a big kitchen, fancy branding, or a pile of savings to fall back on. I had a mixer, a handful of recipes, and a determination to make it work. And that’s the thing, you can build from there. You can learn as you go. You can grow into the business you dream about.

Being scared of the expense? Totally normal. There have been plenty of moments where I’ve stared at an order for new equipment or ingredients and thought, can I really afford this? But here’s the truth, letting that fear stop you in the first place is what keeps you stuck. Sometimes you have to back yourself and take that leap, trusting that the hard work will pay off.

For me, it’s about progress over perfection. Every step forward, no matter how small, is still movement towards your goals. And if you can combine belief in yourself with a willingness to figure things out along the way, there’s really no limit to where you can go.

Because if you can dream it, you really can make it happen.

India, thanks for reminding us that big change often starts with one brave decision… and that believing in yourself is the most important ingredient. From her kitchen to her customers, she’s proof that passion, resilience, and a dash of creativity can take you far. Here’s to more women carving out their own paths, one traybake at a time.