San Crema Bakery Founder
A teacher by profession and an art school graduate, Jamila always carried a creative spark. After 25 years in education, she discovered a new passion in confectionery. “When we received our first ten orders, I realised I could contribute to society in a different way,” she shares. With loyal customers by her side, she built something meaningful. Nearly a decade later, her café- bakery thrives, and the San Crema brand – founded four years ago – is now a beloved part of Ganja’s culinary scene.
What is the greatest value of your business?
For me, the most valuable thing is customer satisfaction. When I create a cake – its colour, its design – and receive the client’s approval, that is the highest reward.
What is more important – the process or the result?
The result. Certainly.
What rule from business do you apply in life?
Discipline. Everything must be according to the rules. Only then can you achieve both quality and quantity.
How can an entrepreneur cope with the fear of failure?
I’ve never feared failure. I’ve always believed in myself. I’ve always considered myself a strong woman.
What makes a person a leader?
Belief in yourself. Confidence that everything will work out.
What does support mean to you?
My children supported me. My family stood by me. They were always there – and that’s been an important part of my success.
If you were starting a business from scratch, what would you do differently?
I believe everything happened as it should. There’s nothing I would change. Everything unfolded at the right time, in the right way. Of course, there’s always something new to learn – but everything I dreamed of creating, I’ve created.
Which successful person in the world would you like to meet, and why?
Someone from the world of confectionery art. I greatly admire those who’ve reached global recognition. I can’t recall all their names, but I deeply respect Cédric Grolet and Renat Agzamov – they are incredibly talented.
What qualities do you look for in people you would like to work with?
Honesty and responsibility. This is the most important thing – a person must be loyal to his business and approach his work with full dedication.
What specific advice would you give to those just starting a business?
Take it seriously. Pay close attention to the quality of your ingredients – that’s the foundation of success. The product must be excellent. And, of course, you need to understand how to combine flavours harmoniously.
In 2025, Visa together with Birbank Biznes, is launching an educational and competition program called “Create your success story.” Program participants will acquire key business skills, receive support from experienced mentors, and at the end of the program, they will have a chance to compete for cash prizes to grow their business. The total prize fund of the competition is 60,000 azn.
Applications can be submitted until June 10, 2025 (inclusive) on the program’s website:
https://shesnext.emergingeurope.org/az/
