Member Spotlight | Inny's Bake Shop
Inny's Bake Shop became an RGK member in March 2021. We caught up with owner Irum Mahmoud to learn more about her business and how it has grown over the past year.
What is your business and what do you sell?
We are a bakery with a purpose, combining baked goods with nutritious ingredients specifically for those who need a gluten free, sugar free, low carb diet - either through choice or for a chronic disease. We sell Nutritionist BSc formulated goods that range from chocolate chip cookies to superfood bagels!
What is the origin story of Inny's Bake Shop?
When the pandemic hit in March of 2020, I found myself thankful for the quarantine period. I had a huge realization that I wanted to use my Bachelor of Food Science and Nutrition degree in a positive and fulfilling way. As a daughter of Pakistani immigrants, I wanted to combine my love for feeding people delicious foods instilled in me by my generous, loving parents and my passion for baking American classics that I grew up on. I researched the idea for about a month before putting together a realistic yet SUPER rough draft of my business plan.
On the day of my 25th birthday in the first week of July, I applied for my Business License, started purchasing supplies, and started posting on social media. I wanted food inclusivity for everyone, regardless of their diet preferences or restrictions -- everyone deserves to have something yummy! We came out with item after item, and my best friend helped me deliver them from my home kitchen to homes and businesses around Knoxville.
I had to move to a commercial kitchen to manage the volume of orders, plus I needed a bigger oven! I joined RGK in March 2021 and it has been the best decision in my business yet! I have gained confidence in my ability as a business owner and have made so many friends and gained lifelong mentors and two new employees along the way.
How long have you been at Real Good Kitchen, and what’s your favorite thing about the kitchen?
We have been with RGK for about 10 months now, and absolutely love how helpful and knowledgeable Bailey and her staff are. When I joined, Bailey, Anna, and Melanie were the most amazing support group a girl could ask for. They were there for me no matter what questions I had, and that was priceless for me.
I'll forever cherish the advice I was given in the early days of joining the kitchen. They will go out of their way to research something with you, explore options, give amazing advice AND a helping hand whenever you need it.
What are some exciting short-term or long-term goals you have for your business?
Our short term goals are getting our baking mixes on Amazon and opening a wide variety of more affordable yet high quality items that are more accessible for all! Our long-term goals are to have our own production space one day and a small little storefront. Another goal is getting our products in Target or Whole Foods (a dream!).
How can people support Inny's Bakeshop?
We stock our website every Wednesday with new treats every week and deliver straight to your door - either here in Knoxville + surrounding areas or across the USA via nationwide shipping! You may pick up your order at our friend Olde Virden's Artisanal Food Market, located at 204 Randolph Avenue here in Knoxville. All options are available on our website!
We also cater business/corporate events, special occasions like weddings and birthdays, and love supporting community projects all around Knoxville.
We also will come back to the Downtown Market Square Nourish Farmer's Market every other Saturday starting 1/22 from 10 am - 2 pm if you want to stop by and shop local in Market Square!
Thanks Irum for this wonderful insight to your business!
Be sure to follow Inny’s on Instagram and TikTok. They recently had a TikTok get over 1M views! Visit their website for more info and to place an order.