The On the Rise owner Zaina at a local market in her stall holding a cookie with a pair of tongs.

Baking is in my DNA. 

My love for baking began at my mom’s side. Some of my most cherished memories include my mom, her very first KitchenAid Mixer, and a book full of recipes passed down from the generation before hers.

I lived for those moments with her, when she taught me about ingredients – what they do, how they work – while I sifted flour, cracked eggs, and best of all, got to lick the mixing spoon.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, food became a core part of my identity as I grew up. I became known as the one that would bring treats to every gathering, and I loved using new recipes as a channel for my creativity. 

On the Rise owner Zaina at a local market in her stall packaging some cookies.

My appreciation for food took on a different, deeper meaning when I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in my late teens, and it wasn’t a surprise to anyone when I eventually ended up in a food and nutrition program at university. With the knowledge gained throughout my education, I felt called to educate and inspire others to eat with intention. I have my masters in nutrition but, ultimately, we all must be the masters of our own health – and I knew, early on, that I wanted to help empower others to achieve this.

So, I set out to craft delicious snacks that would not only satisfy a sweet tooth, but also nourish the body and fuel daily feats. I went back to the kitchen on the journey to elevate the indulgence experience with a health-conscious twist and create a haven for those seeking truly wholesome, nostalgic treats. 

After years of developing my own recipes, I am excited to share them with you. Each one is thoughtfully curated, using high-quality ingredients to help you rise above the ordinary and embrace a life of wellness without compromising on taste.