Allegra has demonstrated her designs on ITV’s This Morning and recently held a fund-raising workshop with Resource supporters, showing them how to make the most of their challah-baking skills.
We took the opportunity to ask how she came to make such a significant career switch, and what advice she would give to others seeking to change career ...
How did you come to start Challah Mummy?
I’d been a tax lawyer at Clifford Chance and decided to take a career break in 2014 when I had my son and then my daughter nearly two years later. I got into challah baking when I went to a workshop at my son’s school. One rainy day, playing about with dough with the children, we started creating our own challah designs – and the idea of Challah Mummy was born!
That led to sharing my creations on Instagram where, thanks also to appearances on This Morning and in newspapers, I now have over 4,000 followers. I teach groups at schools and adult workshops.
What were the main challenges you faced when you began?
Trying to take something that belongs to a particular community or culture and showing people that it can be for everyone. Sometimes people are hesitant about trying something new but once they do they may like it.
What career advice would you give to Resource clients who are considering a career change?
Believe in yourself and your strengths and capabilities. Don’t be afraid to give something a try. Even midway in life, or later, it’s not too late to try something new. You might well surprise yourself!
What would you say to encourage someone looking to start a new business?
Do something that you are genuinely interested in and have a passion for. You will enjoy it and people around you will both feel that and buy into it.
What does the future hold for Challah Mummy?
Spreading the word about creative challah baking to people who haven’t tried it before. More workshops to teach people about bread making, healthy eating and cooking as a life skill. I look forward to doing more TV and media work too – and seeing where my journey takes me.