It began with volunteer Leilah Stewart who came to the Hope Project and trained students in the fine art of baking. A year later, her efforts resulted in the formation of “Bismillah Bakeries”, a group of 5 graduates who decided to bake cakes on order and cook meals for various events. Over the years, Bismillah Bakeries has developed a small but regular clientele. In addition, they cater for the Urs of Hazrat Inayat Khan, Hope Project functions and also for the volunteers living at the Hope Project guest house. They have also sold baked items at various college fairs and Christmas bazaars. Although they use the Hope Project kitchen facilities, they pay the Project a part of the income earned. Apart from this they work independently of the Hope Project and manage clients and deliveries on their own.

This is not a full time livelihood for the members. Most of them are working part time and also doing a BA Pass course side by side. The extra income enables them to make a contribution to their family income or use it for little luxuries that they would not be able to afford otherwise. Some of them, like Zeba, are using their earnings to support them through college.