What if a pandemic pause became the spark for your biggest glow-up? For one Kuala Lumpur baker, it did and the results are delicious.
Meet Khalisshah Iman, the 30-year-old founder of Poppy Cherry Pop, a home-based bakery that turned lockdown uncertainty into one of Malaysia’s most Instagrammable dessert brands.
From Hotel Kitchens to Home Ovens
Khalisshah’s pastry journey didn’t start on Instagram, it started in a high-pressure luxury hotel kitchen. During her internship at JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur, she fell hard for the craft. She stayed for six intense years, mastering precision, premium ingredients, menu costing, and quality control while supporting five-star names like Ritz-Carlton and The Majestic.
Then 2020 hit.
MCO. Unpaid leave. Family responsibilities.
Instead of waiting for normal to return, Khalisshah created her own.
The Viral Pivot That Changed Everything
While bento cakes were flooding social feeds, Khalisshah went a different route. She introduced
less-cream, beautifully customised tarts, lighter, elegant, and instantly standout. That smart pivot became the birth of Poppy Cherry Pop.
Orders grew. Word spread. Soon came wedding cakes, event desserts, and festive collections for Christmas, Hari Raya, and Chinese New Year complete with cookies, cupcakes, and themed treats made to wow and share.
Fan Favourites That Broke the Internet
First, it was the Lotus Biscoff Tart a perfect hit during Malaysia’s Biscoff obsession. Now? The brand’s signature flower cakes steal the spotlight.
Inspired by Khalisshah’s lifelong love for flowers, these cakes are edible art, soft colours, delicate piping, and flavours that actually deliver. Pretty enough for photos. Good enough for seconds.
Even with rising ingredient costs, quality never slips. Khalisshah’s hotel-trained mindset means constant R&D, smart substitutions, and zero compromise on taste.
Baking With a Bigger Heart 🐱
Poppy Cherry Pop isn’t just about sugar and style, it’s about soul.
Khalisshah is deeply committed to animal welfare, especially stray cats. Every month, part of the business supports neutering and feeding strays. Every cat at home? Rescued. Adopted. Loved.
Her dream is bold and beautiful:
A bakery-café with a florist front, breakfast pastries, and a safe space for rescued cats and dogs. Sweet treats. Fresh flowers. Second chances.
Real Advice for Aspiring Home Bakers
Thinking of starting your own home bakery in Malaysia? Khalisshah keeps it real:
- Post even when engagement is low. Visibility compounds.
- Be confident. People remember consistency.
- Don’t wait for perfection. Start small. Start now.
Her mum said it best:
“Better ten people see your post than no one knowing you exist.”
Why Poppy Cherry Pop Hits Different
From luxury hotel nights to home-kitchen hustle, Khalisshah Iman’s story proves one thing passion, grit, and kindness scale beautifully.
Poppy Cherry Pop isn’t just a bakery. It’s resilience you can taste.
Creativity you can share.
And compassion baked into every box.
Ready to celebrate with desserts that look good and do good?
Follow Poppy Cherry Pop for new menus, festive drops, and their mission to help stray animals.
Sweet moments. Real purpose.
That’s the Poppy Cherry Pop way 🌸🍰🐾
