What happened

For Azurah, 35, baking started as a small act of love. In 2016, she began sharing her cakes and cookies with family and friends. Her joy came from seeing others enjoy her creations. Three years later, she decided to turn that love into something more and founded Qwalaaa* (https://www.instagram.com/qwalaaa/?hl=en), a home-based business run from her small kitchen.

At the time, she was also working part-time as a receptionist while caring for her young children. But as her children grew, it became harder to balance long hours away from home. Running Qwalaaa allowed her to stay close to her children while still contributing to the household income.

Azurah’s story is just one example of the quiet effort made by many individuals who are trying to build a more stable life for their families.

*Ray of Hope does not verify, endorse, or assume liability for any products or services provided through any home-based businesses featured on this page. 

How she’s trying

Azurah is a hands-on mother and a determined baker. “No matter how tired I am, I still take orders and make sure they are up to standard,” she says. Over the years, she has worked hard to keep her business afloat, often reinvesting whatever little she earns back into her business.

One of her turning point came in 2024, when Empowered Families Initiative provided her with mentoring, matched savings and small business grants. With their support, she bought trays, a new fridge, and tried out new recipes. Soon enough, her monthly sales grew from as little as $0–$300 to an average of $600–$700. It was the first time Azurah felt that her home bakery could truly help her family’s stability.

When sales dipped, she sometimes doubted herself, but her family were quick to lift her spirits. “I keep doubting myself, but my family keeps me going,” she shares. 

The family’s growing needs and struggles

Despite her progress, Azurah’s financial situation remains fragile. The family lives month to month, and unexpected expenses, such as medical visits or household needs, often force her to dip into her small savings. Hence, the income is stretched thin. 

Without additional support, Azurah finds it difficult to scale her business further. She hopes to take up baking courses to learn how to make bread and croissants, expand her menu, and eventually register her business with ACRA to gain credibility with customers. However, these plans remain out of reach while she continues to prioritise her family’s basic needs.

Why now

Azurah is at a turning point. Her home bakery has the potential to be a stable source of income, but without the resources to upgrade her skills and invest in tools, her progress will stall. With the right support now, she can grow Qwalaaa into a sustainable business that provides long-term stability for her family.

With some stability and guided support, families facing similar situations like Azurah’s can begin to build stronger foundations for their family, careers, or small businesses. Without it, they risk falling back into cycles of debt or unstable income.

What the money will cover

Ray of Hope is raising $33,594** to support 10 families ($3,300 per family), including Azurah, as they work toward their goals. Families receiving this fund are working closely with the team and co-facilitators (past EFI beneficiaries who come back to mentor) from Empowered Families Initiative — whether it is improving a home business, building savings, upgrading skills, or taking steps toward better income.

Funds will be disbursed directly to the families in tranches as they reach the goals and milestones set with their co-facilitators and mentors, ensuring that your donation supports real and steady progress.

**The campaign goal includes a 1.8% payment processing fee.