Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
This week, we’re giving the spotlight to Alina Tutkova, Co-founder of Angel Cakes – a chain of organic cafés backed by renowned supermodel, philanthropist and impact investor Natalia Vodianova, dedicated to serving gluten-free and refined sugar-free desserts and breakfast. Established in 2022, Angel Cakes continues its rapid expansion journey as it continues to add locations in the pipeline including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait in 2024.
Here, we speak to Alina on how she pivoted her passion for food photography and having a sweet tooth to launching Angel Cakes along with Dima Tutkov, a Grammy-nominated producer, and how she’s working towards her goal of promoting mindful eating within the culinary landscape.
Scroll through to read the interview below.
Angel Cakes investor Natalia Vodianova and co-founders Alina Tutkova and Dima Tutkov
What was your favourite subject at school?
Contrary to what you might expect from someone with a creative flair, my favorite subjects were physics, geometry, and math. I was so passionate about them that I participated in academic competitions, even winning several prizes.
What was your first job?
My first job was at a modeling agency where I taught acting, fashion history and stage movement.
What eventually brought you to Dubai?
My journey to Dubai was driven by a desire to grow my business in this vibrant, sun-kissed city. I saw an opportunity to introduce my concept of delicious yet health-friendly desserts in a place known for its love of sweets.
What inspired you to enter the F&B space?
My foray into the F&B space was fueled by my love for cooking and innovating new recipes. I wanted to build a community where health-conscious people could connect.
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Talk us through the concept of Angel Cakes.
Founded in 2022 by myself and my husband, Dima Tutkov, Angel Cakes is a chain of cafés committed to offering gluten-free and refined sugar-free desserts and breakfasts. Our mission is to provide wholesome, health-conscious options, so we focus on creating an experience where every sweet moment is also a healthy one.
Promoting healthy eating and wellness is not just a business mission but a societal responsibility. Our choices influence not only individual well-being but also contribute to building a healthier community. We believe that with strength and a healthy attitude, you can make this world a better place!
What are the key elements of your role?
I believe that my main job is to be a role model and an advocate for natural, wholesome foods. I am also a brand chef, and I’m deeply involved in product creation, from recipe development to the aesthetic presentation.
Talk us through your daily routine.
My day begins with a refreshing celery juice or a smoothie, followed by a protein-rich breakfast. After dropping my kids at school, I practice yoga to energize myself for the day. I then spend time at our cafes, collaborating with my team, attending meetings, and creating recipe videos. I pursue my personal interests like singing and improving my English whenever I get the chance. Evenings are dedicated to family time: my three children and lovely husband.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Consistency is key in any venture, whether it’s business or adopting healthier eating habits. It’s equally crucial to stay true to your principles and aspirations, ignoring any stereotypes or distractions that might divert you from your goals.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
The best advice I’ve received is the importance of trusting, respecting, and believing in the people you work with.
And what is the worst?
I was once told that entrepreneurs should ignore client feedback, especially during growth phases. I strongly disagree with this. In today’s era of social media, carefully considering customer feedback is crucial for understanding and addressing their needs.
What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
Expanding into new markets has undoubtedly been my biggest challenge, and the UAE was no exception. The complexity lies not only in adapting to a new business environment but also in understanding and respecting the unique culture and consumer preferences. There’s a delicate balance between maintaining your brand identity and tailoring it to fit the local context. Our journey to establish a foothold in the UAE was filled with learning and adaptation. However, our team’s resilience and dedication turned this challenge into a proud achievement.
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What are your future goals and plans for your career?
My future goal as an entrepreneur is to extend Angel Cakes to more regions, spreading our mission and values. We’ve grown so much since we opened in the UAE — currently, we have four branches across the country including Dubai Mall, Bluewaters, Yas Mall and Dubai Hills Park. We also have plans for expansion into other Middle Eastern countries this year such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait.
As a holistic chef, I aim to continue crafting unique, balanced products that perfectly blend taste, nutrition, and aesthetics.
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Images: Supplied
