We are back with a story of one more mom in the series of creative moms. Introducing Charu who is a home baker who is blessed with two daughters and a caring husband. Her baking journey started with her own daughter’s birthday cake and since then there was no looking back. Here’s what she shared about her baking journey with our founder Deepa Gandhi.
What’s your background?
I did my graduation in Bsc Home Science from Govt. Home Science College, Chandigarh. Then took a gap of a year for trial in Civil Services exam. But looks like food was a calling for me. I took up Post Graduation in Nutrition and Dietitics from Govt. College for Women, Ludhiana. Then a job in VLCC Jalandhar as a Nutritionist. And was later transferred to Pune, Mysore post marriage.
How did you start baking business?
Blessed with 2 beautiful girls and a loving, caring husband. I always had a penchant for yummy sweets and a great presentation. For parties at my home, dessert was one of the focus items. Being in Switzerland and the USA for my husband’s job requirements, I was so attracted to the bakery in front of our house and people carrying the beautiful Zopf (Swiss braided bread). I consider my baking journey from thereon!!
I started my baking journey in January 2014 in the USA, with my younger daughter’s 5th birthday cake. It was in the shape of a Barbie Doll ( pic). I loved all the piping work done on that cake. It was intricate work. I got great feedback from friends and they asked me for customized cakes for their events. And then the rest is all history!
Did you go to any baking school for learning?
I am a Certified Wilton Cake Decorating Instructor. I did a short course on Cake Decoration by Wilton where I learnt about various supplies available in the market and of course basic techniques.
What is your hot selling product?
My hot selling products are the customized cakes that I design for my clients. A cute, funny cake from a brother to sister is such an example- brother teasing his sister when she fell down in a pit.
What is your inspiration or where do you get inspiration for all the work you do?
I am in such a field that has no limits to creativity. I get my inspiration from my client’s thoughts and feelings which they want to incorporate in their cake. Also, my family is very
A most important tip for new bakers and for struggling entrepreneurs.
I would just say that if one is passionate about something, they finally succeed in it. The trick is to be consistent, work hard to achieve your goals and be patient. Also, keep learning. Sharing an example from my own story.
I was always interested in baking. This interest got more prominent when we were in Switzerland in 2010. The big oven in my kitchen was very fascinating. I was a novice baker and was not too much into looking online for recipes. So, one of my Swiss friends shared a few recipes and helped me to make muffins. She also helped to make my elder daughter’s Castle Cake. The kids loved them and then there was no stop. I tried a few breads as well. I always wanted to do a baking course there, but language was the main hindrance.
What is your vision? Where do you see your baking business in 5 years?
Well, 5years from now I see myself as adding more feelings and emotions of people to reality by sugar art! I see myself as making “aha moments” for the people.
Do you think working from home helps you to give more time to your family and kids?
I describe myself as “home baker” which has home+baker together. I love to be a home baker as I am able to balance both. That’s why I am able to give enough time to my family along with my work. Social media is a great medium to reach people sitting at home and my facebook page “The Bake Canvas” came into existence in April 2014, wherein I explored the opportunities through social media. Requests starting trickling for customized cakes, mainly eggless cakes.
Charu with her Fmily
What are the challenges you faced in the starting?
I have experience of a fresher in this industry both abroad and in India. The major challenge which I faced at both places is the sourcing of raw material.
A beautiful creation by Charu
Thanks, Charu for sharing your story with us. I am sure you inspired many moms by sharing your thoughts with us. We wish you all the best for your future endeavors.
You can follow Charu on her Facebook page here.
Read about previously featured creative moms here- Monika, Shiva, Soma, Ritika, Sudha, Rina, Shipra, Anuja, Preethi, Surbhi, Debjani , Megha Sushma Shilpi Anupriya and Anupama to get inspired.
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