A Young Baker With a Big Reason to Start

Today’s feature shines a spotlight on Haziq, the spirited founder behind Simply Pie. If you have ever wandered past Block 27 in Ngee Ann Polytechnic, you might have caught a whiff of freshly baked pastries drifting from his stall. What you may not know is the remarkable story that brought him there.

Haziq’s journey began during the height of the pandemic when his family faced a sudden loss of income. His father worked as a taxi driver and the lockdown meant the household finances were shaken. While most teenagers were worrying about online school and boredom, fifteen year old Haziq was thinking about survival. He had always enjoyed baking and the idea struck him to sell tarts online. With nothing but determination, he posted a simple Instagram story asking his friends if he should take the leap. The response was overwhelming and their excitement pushed him forward.

From Online Hustle to Crafting a Brand

That spark became Avenue Pie, a small but ambitious online bakery. Starting from scratch was no easy feat. Marketing was the most difficult part because he had no idea how to communicate his brand or make it appealing. Instead of giving up, he adapted. He began teaching himself how to use Canva and slowly sharpened his eye for design. Later on, he landed a marketing related internship that strengthened his understanding even further.

The Leap Into Campus Life

When he entered Ngee Ann Polytechnic, a new chapter opened. He was given the opportunity to run a physical stall on campus, something many young entrepreneurs only dream about. Yet reality hit hard during the first few months. His pies were not well received and sales were discouraging. Haziq refused to back down. He made it a point to connect with his customers, hear their thoughts and truly understand what they wanted. With this feedback, he made a bold pivot and revamped his menu to focus on pies. This changed everything. Students loved them because they were delicious, affordable and filling. Simply Pie quickly became a name people recognised and recommended.

Resilience as the Secret Ingredient

Through all the ups and downs, Haziq credits resilience as the key to his growth. As he reflected on the toughest moments, he shared a striking reminder. He said that once things start falling apart, you must push yourself to rise again because if you stay down there is no such thing as rock bottom. You will only keep sinking.

A Final Word for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For anyone dreaming of starting a business, his advice is simple yet powerful. Do not rush. Take care of yourself because the journey can be exhausting and burnout is real. Success is never instant, but with heart and persistence, it becomes possible.

Haziq’s story is more than a business journey. It is a lesson in courage, resourcefulness and grit. And it all started with a teenager, a passion for baking and a single Instagram story that changed everything.