Female Entrepreneur: Introducing Priyanka Savjani of Pri Bakes

Meet Priyanka Savjani, founder of the health brand Pri Bakes. Whose mission is to create a natural world of bakery indulgence to make your day even sweeter.

Your name: Priyanka Savjani

Business name: Pri Bakes

Introduce yourself: I’m Pri, founder of non-HFSS (high in fat, salt or sugar), healthy bakery brand Pri Bakes.

Your business mission: At Pri Bakes, we are on a mission to create a natural world of bakery indulgence TO BAKE YOUR DAY even sweeter. We’re changing how consumers think about bakery; baking it healthier, baking it more innovative.

What made you start your business/the inspiration behind it:

The journey of Pri Bakes started when I was diagnosed with IBS. I found myself struggling to find indulgent treats that not only satisfied my sweet tooth but also met my new dietary needs.

The lightbulb moment came when I realised the lack of readily available options for guilt-free, natural baked goods. I then became determined to not just fill a gap in the market but create a delicious and wholesome alternative for individuals like me. All our products are oat-based and crafted from just five plant-based ingredients.

Pri Bakes actually started from my parents’ kitchen in 2019. The journey was quite a whirlwind – within six weeks, the demand for our products had soared. We quickly outgrew the home as we expanded our footprint into retail stores, ventured into the food service industry, and even embraced the global market through exports.

The overwhelming response from consumers meant we also expanded into the direct-to-consumer space, bringing our oaty pies and oaty pockets straight to the hands of those seeking a healthier indulgence.

What’s worked for you to get your business noticed? 

Our business growth and recognition has largely come through small but mighty marketing strategies. Working on our presence and content on social media has been key – I feel that we’ve now built a real online community around our brand.

Consumer and business trade events have also been pivotal to our growth. They provide us with the opportunity to showcase our products, as well as connect with our target audience on a more personal level.

Word of mouth has also proven to be a powerful tool on our journey. Our customers have become our greatest advocates, turning every positive experience with our products into a story worth telling.

However, the real magic happens when we get our products into the hands of consumers. The fact we have a strong repurchase rate is a testament to the trust and loyalty our customers place in us!

What would you do differently if you started again?

If there’s one thing I would do differently from the very beginning, it would be to recognise the importance of investing in branding from day one. In the early days of Pri Bakes, I underestimated the value that strong branding can deliver. Our collaboration with Family and Friends Branding agency has been a game-changer. They’ve breathed life into our brand, giving it a new look and feel that buyers and consumers love!

Another valuable lesson I learned along the way is the importance of bringing in experienced talent sooner rather than later. As an entrepreneur, it’s tempting to try and do it all. However, I’ve come to realise that surrounding yourself with people with diverse skills and experience is key to business growth.

Where would you like to see your business in the future?

In the future, we aim to see our brand as a leader in healthy bakery in mainstream grocery stores.

The one thing that has brought you the most buzz from your business journey.

Exporting has bought us the most buzz on our business journey. The appeal of Pri Bakes has transcended borders, and it’s fantastic to see consumers delight in our products across the globe – from the US to the Middle East! In fact, exporting now makes up 55-60% of our total business revenue.

What is the one thing you really want to achieve next year?

In the next year, we want our customers to be able to access our products in mainstream supermarkets. We’re already listed in high-street retailers like Boots, WHSmith and more!

If you could have any resource, be it extra money or a service, what would it be?

If we could have any resource, it would be an even larger and stronger team. People are our most valuable asset! But if I’m allowed to push the boundaries of wishful thinking a bit further, I would say foresight – the ability to predict the wave of events that have occurred over the last 4 years. Brexit, COVID, inflation, supply chain constraints, and an economic downturn to name but a few!

Tips and advice for new entrepreneurs 

My best advice would be to test and pivot. If you have an idea, get it market ready, test it quickly, learn and pivot. Don’t spend years in development before launch – the market moves quickly!

Favourite motivational phrase/quote 

“If you are working on something that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.” — Steve Jobs