Zarah Henry is a 17-year-old entrepreneur, leader and role model who is using her voice, creativity and business to make a real difference in her community and beyond. As the founder and CEO of Heaven’s Delights, she has built a business that goes far beyond baking, creating something that brings people together, tells stories and creates opportunities for others.
Zarah started Heaven’s Delights with a clear vision: to create personalised, high-quality cakes that truly reflect the people they are made for. In a market where many businesses focus on volume, she focused on meaning. She has built a brand known for its creativity, consistency and inclusivity. From bespoke celebration cakes to corporate events, her work shows a level of professionalism and attention to detail far beyond her years.
What makes Zarah stand out most, however, is not just her business success, but her commitment to helping others. Through her initiative, The Cupcake Brunch, she has created a space where young people can gain real experience, build confidence and feel part of something positive. She recognised that many young people struggle to access meaningful opportunities and develop the skills they need for working life.
Instead of waiting for change, she created it.
Through The Cupcake Brunch Future Workforce Programme, Zarah gives young people the chance to take part in real events, develop skills such as communication and teamwork, and gain hands-on experience that schools often cannot provide. For many of these young people, it is their first opportunity to step into a professional environment, and that experience can be life-changing.
Zarah’s work also brings people together across different backgrounds, helping to build stronger, more connected communities. Her events are not just about cupcakes; they are about creating conversations, confidence and a sense of belonging.
Her journey has already gained recognition. She has pitched in front of Peter Jones and secured investment in a highly competitive market, something that speaks to both her determination and the strength of her vision. She is also the West Midlands winner of the Peter Jones Foundation Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 and serves as Head Girl for 2026 at Swanshurst School.
Alongside this, Zarah regularly speaks in primary schools, encouraging young people to believe in themselves and think beyond what they may see as possible. She represents a new generation of leadership, one that is not defined by age, but by action and impact.
What makes Zarah truly deserving of recognition is not just what she has achieved, but how she has achieved it. She leads with purpose, creates opportunities for others and uses her platform to inspire. At just 17, she has already shown that young people can build successful businesses while also making a meaningful difference.