Sweet of Sap
“No idea is crazy enough – anything goes, as long as I can make it!”
In the heart of Rotterdam Ommoord you will find Sabina, 40 years young and full of energy. Under the name Zoet van Sap she runs her bakery from home—where, in addition to taking care of her three children, she makes cakes that conquer the internet and taste buds. What started as a moment for herself has grown into a thriving business full of sweet creations.
From mindful hobby to booming bakery
“Baking started as a way to clear my head—a kind of mindfulness in the kitchen,” Sabina says. After a break, she couldn’t ignore her passion anymore. Two years ago, she decided to go for it. “Since then, every workday feels like a party!”
She set everything up herself: “From day one I came up with a name, made a logo and built my own website.” With Instagram and Facebook as the engine it grew quickly. “Registration with the Chamber of Commerce was a really proud moment.”
From doubt to cake addiction
At first Sabina thought: I'm not going to make cakes anymore, but she quickly changed her mind. "When everyone asked for it, I changed my mind—and now I love it!"
She now works from home, with a handy storage space on the side. “That way I run everything efficiently and close to my family.”
A full agenda and a big heart
Sabina beams when she talks about her greatest achievement: “In March 2025, my weekends for the rest of the year are almost fully booked!” But her most cherished assignment remains another one. “I was allowed to make a cake for a star child, for her annual birthday. It touched me deeply. This subject is close to my heart.”
A workday full of love (and a little chaos)
With two little ones at home, her days are far from standard. “I work mostly in the evenings, then I sculpt or look for nice prints. Friday is the busiest day: then I start decorating first thing in the morning.”
And she does it with love. “I love working with my oldest daughter, who is 16. She helps me at fairs and markets—the best billboard I have ever made!”
Indispensable: teamwork & technology
What she really can't do without? "My buttercream spreading machine! But my hand finishing also remains important. That machine saves me so much time." Furthermore, working with her daughter is worth gold to Sabina. "Together we always make something fun out of it!"
Inspiration, trends and... Minecraft? No way!
Sabina is happy with Pinterest, reels and even children's series that generate creative ideas. "My brain is actually always on." She likes to experiment. "I try to perfect trends, although I don't always have time for that." However, there are also clear no-go's: "Themes like Minecraft? Really awful! I'd rather not do those anymore."
Learning and growing
Her dream? “To grow further, maybe a larger workspace or a small shop. But always with personal contact with my customers.” Sabina continues to develop: “I really want to learn glazed cookies, and certain chocolate techniques are also on my list.”
Tips from Sap
She has three golden tips for novice bakers:
- “Practice, practice, practice!”
- “Invest in good tools.”
- “Develop your own style. That's what attracts clients.”
She also likes to share an extra trick: “When I bake cookies, I smooth them out with a fondant smoother right after baking. It gives you such a smooth surface—perfect for decorating!”
Making mistakes is allowed
“I took on far too many orders in the beginning. Working all night? That turned out to be really not for me.” She now plans smartly, so that she continues to enjoy it.
Customers who keep coming: the greatest compliment
“A family where I was allowed to make something for everyone—from the wedding to grandma's birthday. That trust really touches me. That is the greatest compliment.”
Gifts wrapped in love
For Sabina, packaging is everything. “It’s the first gift the customer sees. So it really has to feel like a party!”
The most unique request?
“A gothic themed cake with a ‘RIP to my Twentys’ theme. The 20s were buried—so creative! I loved making it.”
Finally...
“Baking is more than just a craft for me—it’s a way to make people happy, to put a little bit of love into every creation, and to discover something new every time. I’m incredibly grateful for every customer who appreciates my work.”
Follow Sabina on Instagram: @zoet_van_sap
Website: www.zoetvansap.nl
Email:zoetvansap@hotmail.com