Words and images by Melisa Numan

Pink Kiwi cafe in Cathays, Cardiff, greeted its visitors with some extra love this Valentines Day. Taslima Ali, or Tass to her regulars, filled her cafe with 75 heart-shaped helium balloons for customers to take home and share the love.

”The initiative today and every day is to spread love through kind words and food, but today being Valentines day, is a bit more special.”

Customers packed Tass’ cafe on Crwys Road, including a newly wed couple who brought along their two week old daughter. The couple chose to spend Valentines Day at Pink Kiwi to be their first date since the pregnancy.

”Love begins with you and being able to love yourself, rather than having the idea of somebody falling in love with you. Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean it should be celebrated only by people in relationships. Love is love. That’s love for your friends, for your customers, for your neighbours and everyone around you.”

After 12 years working in the Civil Service, Lockdown changed Tass’ perspective on life and made her question what she really wanted. While home working online, she got to practice her passion of baking sweets and treats at home and the idea for Pink Kiwi was born. The cafe allows her to spend more quality time with her 10 year old twin boys and indulge in her passion, making cakes and muffins, fresh toasts, panini and pancakes for the people of Cathays.

Pink Kiwi has gone from strength to strength since its inception and was voted a finalist in the Best Independent business category at the 2023 Cardiff Life Awards.

Follow Pink Kiwi: https://www.facebook.com/pinkkiwicardiff/