Sofia Batth is a Germany-based pastry chef who discovered her love for baking as a teenager. Today, she runs her cafe, House Adell, where she offers divine baked goods that will delight you. ” Happiness is knowing there is cake in the oven,” she says. She shares her beauty secrets here, including face oils that make her skin glow and a game-changing hair care tip.
When did you first start baking?
I started baking as a teenager with my aunt, at that time I didn’t even know that I enjoyed baking/cooking and I will work with food in future. I had fun blending ingredients together and making something delicious out of it.
What are your favourite things to bake?
Anything including cinnamon and coconut! I prefer coffee cakes with a nice compote or cream on the side, add some maple and tonka and it’s ready to serve.
One of my favourites now is a German cheesecake with cranberry-orange blossom compote.
How do you stay up to date on the latest trends in cakes?
Instagram, Pinterest and books, inspiration from family/friends and colleagues.
I am more of a traditional baker and cook/bake according to season, (fruits and veggies) autumn is starting soon, pumpkin pie and carrot cake are on top of my baking list.
I love to use all kinds of spices, nuts, and alternative sweeteners, like coconut sugar, maple syrup, dates, or honey. The global awareness for healthy lifestyle adaptation is rising quickly, which inspires me immensely; hence I want to grow with it.
How did you start House Adell?
I always wanted to have a small coffee shop, it happened at the right time. There was a beautiful location that had an open spot in a building in the middle of the city. It almost felt like it was meant to be, so I grabbed the opportunity. On top of that, the lockdown was somehow very helpful as I had plenty of time to design the café, gather information, work on my menu and prepare myself in the best possible way.
Exquisite Pictures from House Adell
What inspired the name?
My sister and I were in Hamburg sipping coffee one day and the name Adell just popped up in our minds. Locals think it’s my second name, I joke about it and say yes 😉
What is your current skincare routine?
I love all kinds of oils, my skin has always been very easy, which made me use just one product throughout the day. Around 2 years back I added a few more products, which I am obsessed with now. My morning and evening routine look the same (except for sunblock), I clean my face with a drugstore face wash and then I make my skin glow with different oils.
Organic coconut oil, Vitamin E oil, Kora Organics noni glow oil, nuxe oil huile prodigieuse (a combination of oils) are my favourites followed by Grown Alchemist face cream and their toner. The Cream is used when I am in a hurry and need my face to ‘dry’ quickly.
Do you wear makeup?
I enjoy it thoroughly. It’s a hobby. I don’t wear makeup to cover or change my face, I wear it because I love to play with it, almost like a form of art. When I go to work I really enjoy taking these 15 mins in the morning and testing out new makeup products, coloured eyeliner and some glitter. Glitter makes everything better.
What’s your beauty philosophy?
It comes from the inside. Beauty shows how you feel, you glow differently when you are happy.
What small things make you feel beautiful?
I learned to love myself for what I do and who I am. Even a slight touch on my face makes me feel like a wonder woman.
What self-love activities do you do to keep yourself grounded?
I pray, meditate and reflect throughout the day, I practice daily affirmations by always reminding myself what a great person I am, and how loved I feel. It keeps me motivated, loved and happy. I carry a more positive mindset. It’s fun and very fulfilling and only helps in manifesting to give love and cherish life.
How do you care for your hair?
I used to struggle a lot with my hair, it was thin, had no structure, was falling out. Since I started to follow the self-loving concept, I love my hair. It’s strong and beautiful and I can’t believe sometimes how my attitude has changed the condition of my hair so drastically. I wash my hair once or twice a week. My sister told me to rub some aloe vera gel on the ends of my hair before showering. I do this twice a month. I used to apply yogurt earlier to make it grow.
Onion water, rice water, million oils were also parts of various experiments that I did with my hair and nothing really worked. Now I know if you are not healthy on the inside, nothing really works. Your mindset is your superpower.
A beauty product you cannot go without
Do you have any fun hobbies?
My work is my hobby and I feel it is such a blessing. Apart from cooking, baking and eating I love to travel and explore the world, adore photography, follow new fashion and jewellery trends, love to go on shopping sprees and explore all kinds of stores. After designing my café and my own flat I discovered my love for interior design.
Going to the gym, reading books and spreading love relax my mind.
Who is your fashion role model?
There is no one in particular whom I follow. I like cruising through Instagram and checking new fashion trends. One of my favourite bloggers is Danielle Bernstein, I like Hailey Bieber’s style and Freya Killin.
What is your favourite style to wear?
Casual, spontaneous, flirty and sometimes romantic!
How would you describe your style right now?
When it comes to my favourite style, my every look includes, baggy jeans or leggings, an oversized hoodie, an oversized t-shirt, a button-down and if the weather gets colder a blazer on top! I like to pair my outfit with golden accessories., comfy sneakers and a designer handbag. Very much street style. On occasions, I put myself into a dress or wear a nice, flared blouse of falling material. With a fancy hairstyle and a happy mood, I am good to go!
What do you want your style to say on your behalf?
Fashion expresses a lot about your personality and about the attitude you carry. I am more of a relaxed person, like to be in a comfortable environment, clean and no big fuss, easy-going, down to earth but the sparkle should not be missing 😉 It’s really a combination of cozy, casual, cute and fun.
Do you have a favourite book?
A Woman of Egypt by Jehan Sadat!
What makes this book your favourite?
The book pictures the real story of Jehan and Anwar Sadat, gives you an inside of the Islamic culture, its difficulties and duties as a woman during these times. Its shows the charismatic side of Jehan and how beautifully she carries her personality in a country that did not accept the voice of a woman. It is inspiring to read how women contributed and worked with each other to achieve and grow more.
What makes you love a book?
Books make me fall into my own fantasy world. I get to explore my imagination; they are knowledgeable and you become part of the creation of different writers. It’s a relaxing escape to another world.
What are you most passionate about in life?
New experiences. New food, travel, new people.
Do you have a favourite city?
As I love travelling it’s hard to pick one favourite city.
Nevertheless, London is on the top-notch of my favourite travel destinations. The city has my heart! Not only did I study and work in London, but I also had one of the best times over there. It’s a melting pot of many cultures! Multicultural food, the history, the accent, the royals, tea culture, fashion, diversity of music…its the whole package which caught my eye many years ago. As it’s close to Germany, I do enjoy a weekend trip! There is always something happening in the city and you come across the craziest people.
Thank you so much, Sofia xx
P.S.
More Beauty cocktails, including a fashion stylist, an artist and a makeup artist.
This woman sounds like a true boss, keep it up!