Позитивные изменения. Том 4, №1 (2024). Positive changes. Volume 4, Issue 1 (2024)

This vision inspired Oksana Sarina’s venture in Kaliningrad. “The field chose me,” Sarina reflects. During her maternity leave with her second child, she delved into healthy eating to shed the extra pounds without giving up her sweet tooth. Dermatologists advised her against sugar, which aggravated her skin conditions, and her mother’s diagnosis with Type 2 diabetes solidified her resolve. “The demand for healthy eating and wholesome desserts is clear. People are increasingly conscious about their diets, opting for products with a healthy composition. Thus, I decided to cater primarily to those facing dietary restrictions,” shares Oksana Sarina.

METHODS USED TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM

Pastry chef Oksana Sarina has introduced a line of wholesome food desserts, encompassing cakes, eclairs, cupcakes, rolls, marshmallow treats, and other confections. For individuals unable to consume dairy, she offers cream puffs made with plant-based milk. Her low-calorie and low-carbohydrate offerings exclude sugar, wheat flour, and butter/margarine, catering to those on strict diets. For those allergic to chicken eggs, she presents a Japanese dessert, mochi, which is also sugar- and gluten-free. The desserts utilize natural colorings: berries, fruits, isomalt candies, coconut cream, rice flour, natural sweeteners, and other healthier alternatives to traditional “harmful” ingredients.

Interested parties can browse the assortment, select a healthy dessert, and place an order through the “Ksyunia’s Delight” project page on the VK social network. Additionally, Oksana provides consultations regarding the ingredients, fillings, and caloric content of her products, assisting customers in choosing desserts that accommodate their dietary restrictions.

Beyond crafting wholesome cakes and desserts, Oksana Sarina conducts master classes and hosts arranges healthy-eating-themed parties, during which she shares her recipes for tasty, nutritious sweets. These gatherings aim to facilitate networking, giving each participant a platform to introduce herself and forge valuable connections. A distinctive feature of these events is the inclusion of a special guest, such as a psychologist, writer, or astrologer.

Another facet of Oksana Sarina’s work involves collaboration with the Kaliningrad-based charity, “I Believe in Miracle,” which supports children facing life-threatening illnesses and those deprived of parental care. The charity regularly celebrates the birthdays of its patients and organizes various events, to which Oksana contributes cakes and desserts. “Many confectioners in our city engage in this project, but it’s heartwarming to know my desserts too bring joy to children and families navigating tough circumstances,” Oksana remarks.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS

Participant and winner at the regional stage of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia’s federal grant program “Mompreneur” aimed at women planning to start their business (Kaliningrad, 2023).

Finalist of the federal stage of the “Mompreneur” contest (Moscow, 2023).

FUNDS RAISED IN 2023

Secured a grant of 100,000 rubles for business development from the “Mompreneur” program.

WHAT WAS DONE LAST YEAR

Completed training in the “Mompreneur” program, devised a business plan for her project, and successfully presented it at the federal level. The presentation was held as part of the “Russia” exhibition-forum at VDNKh in late 2023.

Became a mentor at Christina Ozerova’s wholesome desserts online school, assisting novice pastry chefs in crafting healthy desserts, establishing sales, and enhancing their market presence.

Initiated collaborations with two cafés to supply wholesome desserts.

DIRECT RESULTS FOR 2023

Held two healthy-eating-themed parties and one online marshmallow making workshop, attracting over 20 participants in total.

Fulfilled more than 350 orders throughout the year, including over 100 cakes, 100 rolls, and more than 1,000 pieces of marshmallows.

Partnered with several private events, including a graduation ceremony at a model school.

SOCIAL EFFECTS ACHIEVED IN 2023

“The main social impact of my work, I believe, is contributing to my clients’ health. Given that many of them have dietary restrictions, they had thought their days of enjoying desserts were over. It brings me joy to see feedback about no allergic reactions or blood sugar spikes after consuming my desserts, and that these treats don’t compromise their figure. Parents are satisfied, and children are delighted. The majority of clients return to relive the experience and emotions,” Oksana Sarina shares.

FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY MODEL

Revenue is derived from three sources: sales of healthy desserts, hosting masterclasses, and mentoring at the online school.