Kamilah Cannonier, 36, mother of three and owner of Sweet SAAK Bakery. Cannonier attended Bermuda College for her Culinary degree and the Institute Of Culinary Education for her Baking and Pastry certification. She developed Sweet SAAK Bakery 12 years ago; growing it from her mother’s kitchen to her present form. The main concept behind Sweet SAAK was to create a facility where local bakers and pastry chefs could actually utilize their talents. They bake from scratch using the best ingredients, producing quality products. Sweet SAAK has won 9 Best of Bermuda Awards and has been featured in The Bermudian, RG Magazine and international publication Bake From Scratch.
1. What’s the most Instagram-worthy place in Bermuda?
I believe that all of Bermuda is Instagram-worthy. We live in paradise, so I’m choosing a time of day as the most Instagram-worthy of Bermuda. Summer sunsets in Bermuda have got to be the most photo worthy experience. The neon pinks and oranges back dropping the silhouetting island and the turquoise waters, its crazy amazing. (Runner up is sunrises with the pinks, purples and blues).
2. What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
This maybe the most cliché of sayings but my Aunt Spot (such a Bermudian nick-name) told me whenever she could to “Shoot for the moon, and if you miss, at least you’ll land amongst the stars”. I’m an entrepreneur, and the fundamental requirement of an entrepreneur is the ability to expertly assess and take risks. This ‘advice’ has helped to push me past those restricting comfort zones that keep most people from taking their own ‘leap’.
3. What’s your favorite thing to do on a Sunday?
EAT! I believe that that’s what good Sundays are made for: FOOD! Our most treasured traditions are cod fish and potato breakfasts, picnic foods at cricket games, BBQs at the beach or backyard and, of course, Sunday dinner. If I’m anywhere on a Sunday, you know there must be food!
4. What’s your favorite beach?
My favorite beach is any one of them that line the Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve. I’m a St. David’s girl and I remember when this section of the island was not accessible to locals. I am grateful that it is now public land and that I still live close enough to these beaches to enjoy their beauty.
5. What’s your favorite thing in your office?
My blackboard. It hangs next to my desk and I write different quotes on it that inspire me or make me laugh or remind me to relax.
6. What’s your favorite thing in your home?
MY BED! I have taken measures to ensure that my bed looks and feels like a hug. A good mattress, 100% cotton sheets, fluffy duvet and a reasonable amount of pillows (both functional and decorative). I must add that my bed is “Princess and the Pea” height, requiring a good hop to get into it.
7. Loquat or Bermuda banana?
I have to go with Bermuda banana. My preference tipped to the banana due to their perfect baking qualities. Adding banana to a recipe will surely moisten your cake and a homegrown Bermuda banana is absolutely more flavorful.
8. St. George’s or Somerset?
ST. GEORGE’S, “Wah ya dumb??” Not only have I lived in the east from birth but my father has coached the St. George’s Cup Match team, my brother has played for St. George’s in Cup Match as have numerous of my relatives and friends. Outside of Cup Match: ST. DAVID’S!!!! (The St. David’s – St. George’s rivalry is a real and serious thing!)
9. What are you reading right now?
To be completely honest, I am constantly multitasking so I prefer audio books. I just finished the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, but before I move on to the Fifth Agreement, I have lined up Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. I listened to her on a podcast and resonated with her resiliency. My perennial book list includes Tao Te Ching (by Laozi) and The Art Of War by Sun Tzo. These two books helped me to crate my personal Yin-Yang and I refer to them when necessary
10. What podcasts are you listening to right now?
Right now I am listening to Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu and Drink Champs. Impact Theory is an essential part of my entrepreneurial journey. Tom’s interviewee’s are some of the most successful and inspiring people and he interviews from the perspective of a true fan of these individuals. I recommend this podcast to anyone looking to push past their comfort zones and create amazing lives. Drink Champs is a fun and entertaining way to learn all of those cool hip hop facts with a bunch of interesting personalities chatting it up over (you guessed it…) alcohol.
