What are the products that you presently supply and is it all made only on firm order?
I sell a variety of cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies and desserts. It is only on firm order and reaches the customers fresh from the oven. I also host exhibits at various public events and exhibitions.
Have you also explored the idea of supplying to a local cake shop or café?
I don’t sell to shops since I strictly don’t use any preservatives, not even chemical flavor enhancers.
How much should one expect to invest while starting a business of the kind?
It will be an investment of approximately 50,000 to a 100,000 in Indian rupees at the initial stage.
Has the baking business changed your life in a significant way?
Yes, of course, one needs a lot of self discipline and tolerance to survive. One needs to keep learning as well. I do attend workshops and love to learn anything new in food. I write food reviews for local restaurants in Chennai through Chennai Food Guide group in Facebook. Though it is not sponsored, I enjoy meeting restaurateurs, chefs and like minded people. I have a food blog too.
Can you describe a typical working day of yours?
I kick start my day by sending my child to school. My day goes in completing my household chores. It’s only in the late evening I plan and work on my orders. Sometimes I need to bake throughout the night nonstop. The décor and packing I do in the mornings. I give priority to only two things in my life, my peace and my family. I don’t accept any business deal if there is no one to take care of the home.
Has your food blog made a positive difference to your business? What is your take on the role of social networking sites and the internet in promoting home-based businesses like yours?
I don’t use my blog or any social networking service in marketing my products.
If you are not baking then what do you do?
I love music, travel and photography, it’s the best way to unwind when all the three happens in that order…
What will you say to our readers who want to start a home-based baking business?
Be positive and do what you love to do. Everything will fall in to the place perfectly. All the best.
On behalf of IndusLadies, Priya, we wish you all the best.
