Meet the Googong pharmacist behind our brand new Cheesecake Shop
Saniya Saeed has spent more than five years handing out asthma relief, skin treatments and pain medication to the people of the region – but now she’s swapping medicine for mudcakes, cupcakes and tortes.
The former pharmacist and her husband Muhammad (Faiz) Faisal are the couple behind the new Cheesecake Shop Queanbeyan, which opened in early March to a line of literally hundreds of sweet-toothed locals.
That initial response has been “amazing” Saniya says, and the demand for Black Forest Cake and Belgium Double Choc Mudcake has been consistent ever since the doors opened. It’s a massive change for Saniya, who worked full-time at Googong Pharmacy, and Faiz, a former public servant.
The decision to open a Cheesecake Shop in Queanbeyan was born from a very relatable Saturday afternoon dilemma.
“We found ourselves driving into Canberra just to get our favourite treats,” Saniya says.
“And we realised there was a real need for a local shop right here in Queanbeyan so the community could enjoy fresh, high-quality cakes without the commute.”
While Caramel Glaze Mudcakes and American Baked Cheesecake are flying out the door at the Crawford Street shop, it’s the personal connection they’ve created so quickly that Saniya and Faiz are most proud of.
“We offer highly personalised catering and custom orders,” Saniya says.
“We love sitting down with customers to discuss their specific requirements to ensure their vision comes to life.
“And to go the extra mile, we also offer personal delivery to our local customers to ensure their cakes arrive safely and fresh for their special occasions.”
It’s a busy life balancing the demands of a new family business, but for Saniya and Faiz – who have a seven-year-old son and four-year-old daughter – the reward is in the response.
“The feedback from the community has been so heartening,” Saniya says.
The Cheesecake Shop Queanbeyan is located at 1/124 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan, and open Monday to Saturday 9am—8pm and Sunday 10am—7pm.
About the Author: Briony Winchester
Part bogan, part wannabe plus-size model and part journalist, Bree's the woman behind Q! News. A born storyteller, she's been writing locally, nationally and internationally for more than 30 years.
