At Brilliant Read Media, we always strive to bring you meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community of investors, coaches, leaders, management students, entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs. This week we invited yet another passionate entrepreneur Udita Bhattacharya for an exclusive interview with us. She is the Founder & Owner of L’affaire Cakes. Let’s learn more about her inspiring journey, her way forward and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Udita:
We are aware of your contribution to the ecosystem, talk us through your background and your journey as a women entrepreneur, please;
I did my schooling from St. Mary’s Convent in Vikas Nagar, Dehradun and higher studies in Mass Communication from IMS Dehradun. Post that I spent 9 years in the Corporate Sector primarily in Sales and Business Development working in diverse industries like Real Estate, Event Management and Online Coaching.
I took up baking as a hobby when I was very young and one of the best gifts I had received was when my father bought me a small OTG when I was in class 5 (I still have that OTG and use it till date)”
I started self-learning and of course, a lot of burnt cakes came out initially. However, there was no dearth of motivation from my parents which kept me going.
Moving to Delhi in 2009 and getting into the corporate sector meant baking took a back seat for the next 9 years.”
In 2019, the opportunity came when I quit my job and was looking for a new assignment and the idea came of being a Home Baker and follow my passion for baking and taking it up as a profession.
My husband encouraged the idea, and I took professional classes and started L’affaire Cakes. It’s been a 1.5-year-old journey and something that I love doing each day.”
What attracts you towards entrepreneurship instead of a corporate career?
As an entrepreneur, I feel I am basically following my passion. I get to do what I love and there is not a single day which feels like work. Baking is not just about baking a cake but it involves a lot of thinking about new ideas, designs, flavours and also learning newer techniques every day.
As an entrepreneur, whatever I do each day helps me grow as a person professionally and personally.”
I also believe that as an entrepreneur I give back to the society in whatever small way possible and help other small businesses (from small industries who manufacture cake boxes to the delivery boy who helps me deliver the product to the customer).
‘L’affaire Cakes’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving with the help of your startup?
L’affaire is a French term which basically is used to denote a scandal associated with a person or organization.”
In today’s society when everyone is trying to run after diets and ketos L’affaire Cakes is trying to lure them to buy awesome sweet treats! So, there is a small scandal going on! And trust me it’s a sweet scandal. My husband came up with this name and it kind of struck a chord.
As a startup, we don’t believe we are trying to solve any specific problem but in a society that is so full of stress and problems, we are trying to help people take a break and enjoy some sweet moments. One thing we consciously put effort into is ensuring the quality of the raw materials used and the quality of the final product. We ensure no shortcuts or run of the mill ingredients are used in our bakery products so when anyone eats our products they are having only quality stuff.
During this COVID-19 crisis, what are the measures you have undertaken to continue your business without disruption?
As the business is born during COVID, each measure is taken to ensure that the model aligns with challenges of the pandemic.
~ Our business model is primarily online and all discussions with clients and vendors happen online. We do not do or have the need to do any face-to-face discussions
~ We ensure that our baking station and all equipment used is sanitized and the entire place is hygienically maintained
~ We use disposable materials as much as possible ensuring that same utensil are not used for different products
How do you manage yourself and keep on going despite the challenges? What drives you?
Passion keeps me going! I am doing what I always loved to do and that’s what keeps me motivated. Also, baking is such a huge topic, there is so much to learn in terms of new techniques, designs and methods and the eagerness to learn something new gets me up every day and motivates me to move ahead.
There have been challenges especially in a market where there are huge commercial bakeries advertising and selling their products but one thing that I feel has stood me apart is quality. Majority of my current client base is repeat customers or customers who have referred my name to their friends and families
What are the three most important lessons you have learned building your startup?
I’ve learned finally to not compare myself to other successful establishments who seem to have it all together. Invariably, things are not always as they seem, and no one has it all together.
I have also learned how important it is to embrace change because, at any given time, you will need to shift strategies due to circumstances beyond your control.
What are the business mantras you have embraced as you sought to establish your success story?
The biggest mantra is quality. Quality is what will bring repeat customers and build a loyal market. There is no alternative and you cannot compromise on quality.
All raw materials that we use in our baked products are the best quality available in the market. This does come at a cost and hence there have been times when we have got the feedback of being expensive. However, quality comes at a cost and there is no option to compromise on quality
Given the rapid pace at which the world is changing, what are the leadership traits that are necessary for success?
The ability to effectively lead is a crucial factor in the success, or lack thereof, in entrepreneurial ventures.
By understanding and embodying what it takes to lead effectively, entrepreneurs can maximize their chances of success.
Please share with us – what has worked well for you so far?
One thing I would say that helped me and my company grow is the ability to listen to our customers and customize products according to their needs. This has not only helped keep them happy but has also helped me launch new products just by listening to their needs.
A case in point is our healthy baked goods. The idea came when one of my gym buddies mentioned that she’d love to try my cakes but because she was on diet she couldn’t order. A discussion ensued and led to the idea of preparing gluten-free sugar-free cakes made with healthy products. It was an instant hit and has been a part of our menu ever since.
In your opinion – what is more necessary: Idea or a good team for a successful startup?
In my line of work, I think the idea is very important. Learning new methods and designs to keep up to pace with the latest market trends is very important. The team plays a very integral part as well.
However, by the team here I refer to all my partners and vendors who keep my business running, be it the delivery team or the vendor who supplies raw materials and packaging items. I have put in a lot of effort in building and maintaining a relationship with them because they form an integral part of my extended team.
You are always positive and motivated, what keeps you going?
I love my work. Anything you do in life you have to have a passion for and should not feel like work.
I enjoy the challenge of developing new designs, flavours and techniques and come up with unique designs and flavours in the market
We would love to know your advice for all those starting out as an aspiring women entrepreneur?
Take the plunge! There is no right or wrong time to start. Take an educated decision and jump right in. Also, be there for the long run. Entrepreneurship is a long-term game and overnight success is only true in Bollywood movies. So be ready to grind it out.
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.
