In our brand new return of Faces Behind the Business at Explore Liverpool, we spoke to Sara Al-Janabi, who owns The Big Boy Bakery.
The Big Boy Bakery is a cookie business selling a whole host of scrumptious options and Sara Al-Janabi has built up the business by herself whilst studying in University.
We spoke to Sara about her journey so far, memorable moments and what the future holds for The Big Boy Bakery.
How long have you been part of The Big Boy Bakery and what is your role within the business?
I started The Big Boy Bakery a few years before university, but I put it on pause for the “uni experience”, but quickly realised I missed the buzz of building something of my own.
I’m in my final year, and I had a bit of a why am I waiting moment, I had a meniscus surgery just before the new year, and that period of recovery really shifted my mindset.
Losing my independence for a while made me realise how much I was holding back, and I promised myself that if there was something I ever wanted to do or try, I’d just go for it.
So, I decided to relaunch The Big Boy Bakery and fully commit to building something that feels like me.
Right now, I am the business from creating new flavours, baking, creating and editing content and trying to organise pop-ups, it definitely can be full on, and I’m learning every day, but that’s really what makes it so rewarding.
What inspired you to work in this industry?
Food is my love language.
I grew up in a Polish and Arab household where everything revolves around food; it’s always been how we connect and celebrate, and so baking is just something that’s always happened in our household.
Baking has always been part of that; my mum is such a natural baker, and there’s never really a time she’s not in the kitchen whipping something up.
With me always having a sweet tooth and a love for creating, especially showing that through videos, it’s kind of evolved into building a brand where I can create and bring people together through food.
What’s a typical day like for you at The Big Boy Bakery?
Honestly, there’s no “typical” day, I feel like one minute I’m baking hundreds of cookies, the next I’m editing content or rushing a Uni assignment (very real).
It’s a constant balance between business, creativity, and deadlines.
The hours are long, but seeing it come together drives me to carry on doing it.
What’s the first thing that puts a smile on your face when working?
I think it’s the support and feedback I’ve had, it genuinely excites me to keep going.
After selling out my first market and seeing the queues, people travelling, standing in the rain, and waiting, that was crazy to me.
But even the messages I get online, of sharing my story about being at Uni, starting a business, and being honest about how it is scary to do, people really cheer me on and want to see me win, that’s what really sticks with me.
It reminds me I’m doing the right thing and brings everything back to why I started, especially on the days when motivation is low.
What makes the Big Boy Bakery a special place to work?
Right now, everything is coming out of my home kitchen, a whisk, a bowl, and my mum’s oven that’s definitely on its last legs.
It’s not perfect, and an upgrade is 100% needed soon, but it’s what I’ve got, and it’s where everything has been built from.
I think that’s what makes it special though, as it’s real, it’s personal, and I think people connect with that journey of me figuring it all out.
What has been your most memorable moment working at the Big Boy Bakery so far?
My first Liverpool pop-up at the Bombed Out Church, without a doubt.
I sold out in under two hours, and the queues were something I’ll never forget, it was honestly emotional for my family and me.
There were lots of late nights, I was trying to finish off my Uni assignment and trying to post about the market on my social media.
A lot of stressful moments were present where things weren’t going right, leading up to baking the cookies and getting everything prepared, like packing.
So, I really was anxious about the day, I started to build a lot of doubt in my mind, but seeing people show up like that felt surreal.
Creating a business that I had been thinking about for months really became real in that moment, and I thought this could seriously be something.
What do you enjoy most about working in Liverpool?
Liverpool seriously just does it best.
The energy of the city and the people, the way everyone shows up to support is unmatched.
The support I’ve had here has been overwhelming in the best way, and it genuinely feels like the city backs its small businesses for sure.
What does the future look like for the Big Boy Bakery?
Right now, I’m focused on building in Liverpool with more pop-ups, creating new flavours and growing a real community around the brand.
I’d love to have a permanent space one day, so people always know where to find us, but I travel a lot myself, so taking The Big Boy Bakery across the UK is definitely something I see happening.
I don’t just want The Big Boy Bakery to be known for cookies, I want it to be known for the experience.
I’m someone with a lot of different interests, from fitness to festivals, going crazy on nights out, but also wholesome activities, and I want the brand to reflect that energy through doing collaborations and events that bring people together.
If someone were visiting the Big Boy Bakery for the first time, what would you recommend they try or experience?
Once you get your stuffed cookie, try it warm (if you can wait). That’s when they really hit.
Quick Fire Liverpool Questions
Favourite place in Liverpool?
Love Lark Lane, especially in the summer!
Favourite Liverpool food or drink spot?
Kazimer gardens for a drink, and Hibiki sushi sticks out, honestly, I have a lot more to explore, but that student budget hasn’t always done me favours the past few years!
One word to describe Liverpool?
Unmatched.
You can follow Sara and The Big Boy Bakery on Instagram here and TikTok here to see those baking skills in action!
You can get your hands on the cookies by ordering here, and be sure to check out any potential pop-up stalls for The Big Boy Bakery.
