Calista Wong: From Air Stewardess to Baker Extraordinaire
A Journey of Passion
When Calista Wong graduated from university in 2019, she embarked on a career with Singapore Airlines as an air stewardess, intending to stay for just two years. However, what began as a short-term job quickly transformed into a six-year adventure that deepened her love for flying and the unique experiences it offered. Yet, despite her passion for the skies, Calista made a pivotal decision last December: she chose to ground herself and focus on her true calling—her home-based bakery, Wkndbakes.
The Call to Prioritize Family
In an interview with AsiaOne, the 30-year-old shared the complexities she faced during her time in aviation. While the job brought her joy, it also hindered her family life. With a demanding flying schedule that allowed her to spend fewer than seven full days in Singapore each month, she missed celebrating important milestones with her aging parents, beloved dogs, and best friends. Calista explained, "After missing a lot of special occasions, I realised that I shouldn’t pursue this long-term."
The desire for a more "family-centric life" became paramount as she navigated responsibilities like caring for her parents and preparing for her wedding. This epiphany led her to make the brave decision to leave her airborne lifestyle behind.
Love for Baking Ignited
Calista’s passion for baking was ingrained in her from a young age, often shared with her elder sister as they created treats for family and friends. Despite her enthusiasm, it wasn’t until the Covid-19 pandemic that she considered baking as more than just a hobby. During lockdown, Calista and her sister crafted brownies, packing them with heartfelt notes to deliver to loved ones. Positive feedback soon followed, sparking a growing demand that pushed her to take on small orders.
What started as casual baking evolved into a full-scale operation. While the aviation industry faced challenges during the pandemic, Calista made the bold choice to dedicate her time to baking instead of exploring roles in nursing or transport. Starting with her home-based bakery named Huarantine, she eventually transitioned to Wkndbakes, motivated by the support of her clients and the thrill of fulfilling orders.
The Transition to Full-Time Baker
Initially intending to run Wkndbakes only on weekends, Calista soon found herself overwhelmed with orders. "Because of traction and the consistency of orders, I made it an everyday thing," she shared. Each week, she typically juggles about three orders on weekdays and up to ten on weekends. Special occasions like Mother’s Day lead to a surge in demand, with her busiest Christmas witnessing a flurry of corporate orders.
Calista’s culinary journey features signature highlights, including her beloved brownies—a treat she refined through numerous rounds of R&D before launching. Cheesecakes also grace her menu, alongside experimental "flavour drops" that allow her to introduce new tastes and attract a diverse clientele. One standout creation, the S’mores Brownie, garnered significant praise and showcased her ability to innovate within her offerings.
Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship
Running a home-based bakery comes with its set of hurdles. Calista initially had family support, but after her sister married and moved out, the dynamics shifted. While her mother is still a helping hand—especially in planning and inventory—Calista finds herself at the helm of baking, marketing, and customer interactions most of the time.
External challenges also tested her resilience. Just before Valentine’s Day, her dog became paralyzed and needed spinal surgery. Simultaneously, her mother faced cataract surgery, compounding the emotional strain. Despite these adversities, Calista pushed through, citing the importance of compartmentalization in maintaining her business commitments.
Looking Ahead
Calista’s outlook on her business remains optimistic. She aims to sustain Wkndbakes for the long haul, fueled by her job satisfaction and meaningful customer interactions. While she has dreams of expanding into a brick-and-mortar bakery one day, she understands the risks involved. "I think the experience of entering a shop that has an identity would be so nice," she remarked, but she is cautious and intentional about the pace of her growth.
Currently, she finds joy in deliveries and pop-up events, relishing the direct interactions with customers that recalls her days as an air stewardess.
Encouragement for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those contemplating launching their home-based businesses, Calista emphasizes the significance of following one’s passion. "There will definitely be fear… But follow your gut, and you will know when the right time is." Her journey suggests that perseverance, understanding one’s brand, and staying true to one’s passions are vital ingredients for success.
While she continues to explore avenues for growth and customer engagement, Calista’s story remains a testament to setting personal priorities and the pursuit of one’s dreams—whether in the air or baking at home.
