At BrilliantRead Media, it is our constant endeavour to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this, we invited Gina Maya Iyer for an exclusive interview with us. She is an Entrepreneur, Baker, Instructor, Consultant and Influencer. Gina is the Founder of Gina’s Kitchen. Let’s learn more about her incredible journey, her background, and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Gina:
We are aware of your contributions to the ecosystem; talk us through your background and your journey, please;
I combined my love for baking with teaching to form a business that I am deeply passionate about.
Well, I have been a home baker for over 10 years. I am now a bake instructor predominantly online.
The reasons for starting a home bakery were mainly due to the fact that I was unhappy with what the market was offering. Most of the products were non-dairy cream-filled and ridiculously coloured (Not Food Safe Colours).
I also wanted to do something on my own that comes right from the heart. I always cherished the moments spent cooking and baking.
And this gave birth to Gina’s Kitchen, a place where ingredients are fresh, food safe and made with love.
How did you discover your passion?
Since I was a child I loved to bake and cook. So I turned it into a business.
However, I found I loved to teach, more than taking orders, that could be because I was a kindergarten teacher before I got married.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
I have faced many challenges in life, whether it meant coming to a new country or battling cancer. Nothing was so big that I couldn’t face it with a smile and determination.
I am fueled by my kid’s support and my students’ appreciation.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
My children have been my biggest source of motivation in my daily life.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
There are a few:
(1) Being Accommodating
(2) Being Charitable and Resourceful
(3) Taking things to the next level by being innovative
(4) I generally make people laugh
You are always positive and motivated, what keeps you going?
My children and students keep me motivated.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
I will say it straight that there are many factors but if you really have to have the key elements then to me these are the ones:
> Persistence
> Good business ethics
> Standing up for myself
> Resourcefulness
> Fair
> Risk-taker
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
(a) Be patient and be ready to invest time and money.
(b) Don’t be afraid to give free samples and ask for reviews.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
