76 July 2014 www.womanthismonth.com Given the plethora of chemicals in our lives, every parent is looking for safe, non-toxic playthings for their children. Bahraini entrepreneur Nouf Al Khaja caters to this demand with her store Rock A Bye Baby at Riyadat Mall. She got the inspiration to start this enterprise in the Kingdom when she moved to Bahrain after living for several years in the US. “There was a lot of health awareness towards babies in America and we wanted that lifestyle for our kids as well. When we moved back to Bahrain, we saw that organic baby items were limited. We realised that many parents must have faced the same problem,” she recalls. Rock a Bye Baby is different from conventional baby stores in that it sells only organic and eco-friendly products. Nouf’s retail outlet houses a range of snacks, feeding accessories, toys, clothes, detergents and shampoos. In the creative section, you will find play dough, crayons, glue and paints that are non-toxic and safe for children’s use. “All our bath products are organic and natural. The water-based, non-toxic nail polish is really popular. The chew beads necklace is well-liked as well. It is made of high-grade silicone that acts as a teether and completes the mother’s outfit,” she notes. “Riyadat has been an enormous help for the business. For start-up companies, the most difficult period is the first and second year when they’re struggling to meet financial obligations. Through Tamkeen, Riyadat offers spaces for very reasonable rent. They host regular events that bring people to the mall which helps us sell,” Nouf adds. Visit Instagram.com/rockabyebaby_bh or www.riyadat.com.bh. A Kid’s World Bahrain needs a wider range of baby merchandise that’s affordable and safe for children. Nouf Al Khaja’s store at Riyadat Mall is a step in this direction. They’re the ubiquitous pick-me-up we turn to in times of celebration and gloom. With the launch of Lola’s Cupcakes, the cupcake craze shows no sign of abating in Bahrain. Decadence in a Shell Cupcakes have taken over chocolates and flowers as gift ideas. When you can personalise something that’s so delicious like Lola’s Cupcakes, then there’s no reason why they can’t be the perfect giveaway at your parties. The unique bakery concept began in 2006 when friends, Victoria Jossel and Romy Lewis, took orders at home and baked in their parents’ kitchens. Soon they had to move production to a commercial bakery at Primrose Hill. With concessions in Harrods, Selfridges and Topshop, a flagship store in Mayfair and a booming online store, the name Lola’s has become synonymous with style and quality. In December 2011, the company was taken over by Asher Budwig, a fourth-generation baker born into a family of sweet-toothed entrepreneurs. Lola’s Cupcakes has since expanded its reach across the globe. In Bahrain, it has a bakery/coffee shop in Umm Al Hassam, where people can walk in and place orders or pick up a freshly baked cupcake, and a cart in Najibi Centre in Saar. Although they specialise in creating customised cupcakes and cakes, Lola’s also offers a variety of desserts, such as cheesecakes, layered cakes, brownies and muffins. With Ramadan upon us, this patisserie is at its most tempting with more than 16 classic flavours to choose from. Lola’s Cupcakes use only the finest Belgian chocolate, pure vanilla and the freshest fruit, so you can really taste the difference. Most ingredients used in the local outlets are imported from the UK. Who doesn’t love a little red velvet with smooth cream cheese frosting? These little delectable delights are a perfect offering for any occasion. Call 17 723-456, follow @lolascupcakesbahrain on Instagram or visit Facebook.com/lolascupcakesbahrain. showcase
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==