Posted by admin
- Oct 13, 2019
- 3224
- 1
by Akhileshwari Anand Raj
Dr. Asheena Batra is a dentist by education, but she left behind her clinic to start her baking venture - Cocomom Cakes. She is based out of Chandigarh, and is one of the Top 10 Cake Artists of 2019 in India as per Cake Masters magazine. She also conducts Art of Living workshops for meditation and believes that it is important to keep her going with her now hectic baking job. She has clients from not just Chandigarh, but even neighbouring areas of Punjab, Harayana and Himachal Pradesh. She gives back to the baking community by offering a full-time apprenticeship for 45 - 60 days under her to train those who want to become full-time bakers. We got the chance to speak to her about all things baking!
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. What is your baking speciality?
A Dentist by education, an Art of Living teacher by choice and a Cake Artist by destiny. Always have been fascinated by lovely cakes, huge, sculpted, decorated cakes and sugar art. I started as a part-time baker when I conceived my second child. Since then, I am successfully running “COCOMOM Cakes” to cater to my clients in Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Till date, I have acquired many skills and have been practising them successfully, although cake making and edible art are vast subjects and I still see myself as a seeker and learner. I mostly make wedding cakes and sculpted cakes.
2. What was life like pre-baking and how has baking shaped it to be now?
I used to conduct Art of Living meditation workshops for the youth and had my own dental clinic as well. It was good and life was stable. It was when I had my second child that I got into baking and cake art. Sometimes it’s too many orders and continuous working that is tiring, but when you look at the final product, it is all worth it.
3. Was it difficult when you decided to quit your job as a dentist and turn to cake making full time?
I did not find it difficult at all to quit my previous career. My Mother in Law, husband and the rest of my family all supported my decision.
4. What were the initial difficulties that you faced, and how has it helped you become the baker you are today?
As per my experience, working as a Cake Artist is as challenging as working as a dentist. It is also a full-time job like a doctor or a lawyer, and every order is a new part of the job. Clients also find a way to keep testing you with last-minute orders and challenging designs. For me, the daily practice of Sudarshan Kriya and Meditation helps me keep going. It is all thanks to my Guru, Sri Sri Ravishankar Ji. My mother in law has been of great help for her continuous support, without which it would not be possible to run my business with two naughty children.
5. You're a Top 10 Cake Artist for the year 2019! What do you think were the key factors that helped you gain this acclaim?
My mindset was to accept the acclaim and not expect any further but to also keep growing as an artist. I believe I still have to compete with myself and learn from my mistakes.
6. After becoming a Top 10 Cake Artist, what are some things that changed in your life? Have you had the opportunity to take part in more baking events, or even connect more with your audience?
Nothing much has changed in my life except the motivation I got after the award to do even better than before. I now believe that the sky's the limit.
7. Do you teach baking and cake decorating as well? Why or why not?
I do not get enough time to conduct classes due to continuous orders. I have taught cake-art in the past but I now only take up orders by clients.
8. Do you have any upcoming workshops that our bakers and readers could take part in?
I offer a full-time certificate apprenticeship for 45- 60 days, during which one can learn all the tips and tricks of Cake Art and the business side of things as well. If anyone wishes to take up this business sincerely, you can opt for the program.
9. Where do you think the home baking industry of India is heading? What do you think the future holds?
The Home baking industry is still in its nascent stage. It is going to grow very fast, undoubtedly. It may sound bizarre but people still compare a super moist cake made with high-quality ingredients, on which an artist has spent multiple hours, to a factory-made cheap cake. This is nothing but ignorance about home baking. In the coming days, this is going to subside.
Upcoming cake artists need to understand the importance of learning the skills from skilled artists instead of merely referring to free tutorials. Learning and creativity will be the key to your success.
10. You've also won other awards before, tell us how it feels to be recognized in this industry that has very few award shows, etc?
Awards are my motivation for continuing with good work.
If you get carried away with achievements, you won’t be able to reach what God has planned for you. Recognition of skills is only a reminder to do better.
11. What do you think of homebakers.co.in as a platform which brings bakers and customers together? What effect do you think it will have on the industry?
Suppose that you are an amazing baker or a Cake Artist. You bake really well but you don't have any customers, because you are not present in the physical market and you don't know how to showcase your products online. You need proper marketing skills for that. Marketing nowadays is very expensive and requires skill. Home bakers don't have a standing in any market, so they need to get to the customers by other methods. Social media plays an important role but again marketing on social media requires too much money, time, effort and skills. Not everyone has this. At the same time, customers looking for the best quality products are losing out.
Homebakers.co.in is a wonderful effort to bridge this gap between home bakers and clients. Thank you for being there and helping for the cause.
12. We are conducting a Top 100 home bakers and best baking brands awards this month! How do you think this will help the industry and the home bakers?
As I said, Motivation is always required for anybody to raise the standards. The ones topping the chart will be motivated to do even better. The ones who could not get to the top will certainly work hard to get into the list next time. Healthy Competition is always great for motivating people and helping them hone their skills.
India's 100 Top Home Bakers & The Best Baking Brands
It's about time that INDIA'S TOP 100 BAKERS & BAKING SUPPLY BRANDS from North to South, East to West are recognised. 15 industry stalwarts (Top cake artists, cake makers and chefs) from across the country with varying skills and background will find these bakers and brands through a detailed well defined and rigorous evaluation process, as we are certainly looking for nothing but the BEST.
The nomination process is now open and will remain open until 31st October 2019, 11:59 pm. No entries after the last date will be accepted. This is a self-nomination form that needs to be completed by home bakers who wish to be part of the study. The person nominated must be – at least 18 years of age, a resident of India, and a home baker with no commercial bakery store. To apply, go to http://bit.ly/india_top_bakers_brands
That was Dr. Asheena Batra. It's a truly inspiring story for all the home bakers and cake artists. Here are some of her creations.
To keep getting inspired, do not miss out to get the latest updates on our events, blogs and newsletters on https://homebakers.co.in
Post your Comments
Cancel reply
Post your Comments
Recommended Posts
- Jul 7, 2021
- 3575 read
5 Chocolicious Recipes - Powered by Mona Lisa and Dezaan India ...
Read Article- Mar 27, 2021
- 7003 read
The dates for the India Bake Show Virtual Cake Competition has moved...
Read Article- Feb 12, 2021
- 5561 read
Nutty Buddy Cookies by Chef Anip Kumar - Powered by NatureFresh Professional...
Read Article- Jan 16, 2021
- 3662 read
Eggless Double Chocolate Muffins by Chef Shweta Dutta Nath - Powered by...
Read Article- Jan 1, 2021
- 10916 read
For the second consecutive year, HomeBakers.co.in has revealed India’s & City's Top...
Read Article- Dec 23, 2020
- 4852 read
Eggless Cocoa Pista Biscotti by Zulekha Badar - Powered by Van Houten...
Read Article- Dec 16, 2020
- 3790 read
Mississippi Mud Cake by Megha Kwatra - Powered by Van Houten Professional...
Read Article- Dec 2, 2020
- 2804 read
Eggless Apricot Chocolate Cookies by Deepali Sawant - Powered by Van Houten...
Read Article- Nov 27, 2020
- 2339 read
Eggless Christmas Plum Tart by Chef Nidhi Chadha - Powered by Nature...
Read Article- Nov 25, 2020
- 3360 read
Sugar-Free Chocolate Sponge Cake by Anna Gigi Joseph - Powered by Van...
Read Article- Oct 9, 2020
- 2992 read
Chocolate Truffles, Bars, Rocher & Fudge by Chef Sweta Dutta Nath ...
Read Article- Aug 26, 2020
- 6716 read
Most of us love the rainy season. It brings some reprieve from...
Read Article- Aug 26, 2020
- 33805 read
The most commonly asked question in the baking community is about pricing...
Read Article- Aug 25, 2020
- 4218 read
Our masterclasses are all currently being held online, and we have brought...
Read Article- Jun 29, 2020
- 2105 read
Preparation Time - 15 mins BakingTime - 15 mins Number Of Servings...
Read Article- Jun 20, 2020
- 2379 read
Kesar Pista Ice Cream This recipe for brookies is by Chef Shalini...
Read Article- Jun 9, 2020
- 1904 read
By Akhileshwari Anand Raj Preparation Time - 20 mins Baking Time -...
Read Article- Jun 7, 2020
- 2205 read
By Akhileshwari Anand Raj Preparation Time - 10 mins Baking Time -...
Read Article- Jun 7, 2020
- 1682 read
By Akhileshwari Anand Raj Preparation Time - 60 mins Baking Time -...
Read Article- Jun 6, 2020
- 1210 read
Would you like to try making big, thick, chewy, soft cookies loaded...
Read Article- May 25, 2020
- 1829 read
By Akhileshwari Anand Raj Preparation Time - 15 mins Baking Time -...
Read Article- May 20, 2020
- 4817 read
INDIA BAKE SHOW (VIRTUAL) 2020 INDIA BAKE SHOW IS GOING VIRTUAL!!! HomeBakers.co.in...
Read Article- May 18, 2020
- 2143 read
By Akhileshwari Anand Raj Preparation Time - 20 mins Baking Time -...
Read Article- May 18, 2020
- 2436 read
By Akhileshwari Anand Raj Preparation Time - 20 mins Baking Time -...
Read Article- May 12, 2020
- 2407 read
By Akhileshwari Anand Raj Preparation Time - 15 mins Baking Time...
Read Article- May 10, 2020
- 2573 read
By Akhileshwari Anand Raj Preparation Time - 30 mins Baking Time...
Read Article- May 10, 2020
- 2805 read
By Akhileshwari Anand Raj Preparation Time - 20 mins Baking Time...
Read Article- May 5, 2020
- 2571 read
by Akhileshwari Anand Raj Marshmallows are universally liked, right from little...
Read Article- May 5, 2020
- 3789 read
By Akhileshwari Anand Raj As the world has been staying indoors...
Read Article- Apr 30, 2020
- 5395 read
As bakers, whether hobby bakers or professionals, we all like to experiment...
Read Article- Apr 29, 2020
- 3575 read
By Akhileshwari Anand Raj The caking world has grown from simple...
Read Article- Apr 14, 2020
- 1963 read
Looking out for easy appetizer recipes? Try this simple and easy to...
Read Article- Apr 14, 2020
- 4580 read
Homebakers.co.in, in collaboration with Anybody Can Bake, has launched , a 60...
Read Article- Mar 15, 2020
- 4280 read
by Akhileshwari Anand Raj Social media is the ‘new’ medium of...
Read Article- Mar 8, 2020
- 4235 read
by Akhileshwari Anand Raj Holi is a widely celebrated festival in India,...
Read Article- Mar 3, 2020
- 3981 read
Register NowJavascript on your browser is not enabled. THE GREAT DELHI BAKE...
Read Article- Feb 26, 2020
- 3897 read
By Akhileshwari Anand Raj Theme cakes are always in trend, and cupcakes...
Read Article- Feb 26, 2020
- 1747 read
By Akhileshwari Anand Raj Flowers have always been a beautiful way to...
Read Article- Feb 10, 2020
- 2896 read
by Akhileshwari Anand Raj February is the month of love, and you...
Read Article- Feb 9, 2020
- 11166 read
by Akhileshwari Anand Raj is a multi-award winning cake artist who...
Read Article- Feb 4, 2020
- 2136 read
by Akhileshwari Anand Raj The Great Bengaluru Bake Show was held...
Read Article- Jan 3, 2020
- 4738 read
Register NowJavascript on your browser is not enabled. The Great Pune Bake...
Read Article- Dec 31, 2019
- 4252 read
The Great Bengaluru Bake Show 2020 The Great Bengaluru Bake Show 2020,...
Read Article- Dec 25, 2019
- 3569 read
The first-ever list of India's Top 100 Home Bakers, City's Top 25...
Read Article- Dec 20, 2019
- 6528 read
How to register for the Cake Competition? Read the rules for the...
Read Article- Oct 12, 2019
- 5951 read
by Akhileshwari Anand Raj Diwali is coming soon, and it definitely...
Read Article- Oct 9, 2019
- 3569 read
is the founder of Cook and Bake with Deepali Culinary and Patisserie...
Read Article- Oct 5, 2019
- 3284 read
Meet Shikha Reema Aggarwal, the Director at Magic Colours® India. Magic Colours®,...
Read Article- Oct 4, 2019
- 4777 read
by Akhileshwari Anand Raj is a pastry artist based in Bangalore....
Read Article- Sep 20, 2019
- 5625 read
Meet Sulakshan, the man behind “Ossoro”. Ossoro is a premium food flavour...
Read Article- Sep 2, 2019
- 5559 read
Get FSSAI Registration for Home Bakers easy and quick Advice on FSSAI...
Read Article- Aug 28, 2019
- 3340 read
- By Akhileshwari Anand Raj is a cake artist from Bangalore. She...
Read Article- Aug 28, 2019
- 4645 read
- By Akhileshwari Anand Raj With social media making the world...
Read Article- Aug 22, 2019
- 3211 read
- By Akhileshwari Anand Raj is a homemaker and home baker from...
Read Article- Aug 16, 2019
- 3693 read
-By Akhileshwari Anand Raj is the founder of Choc-O-Lock Culinary Art....
Read Article- Aug 15, 2019
- 4662 read
- By Akhileshwari Anand Raj , a home baker from Hyderabad and...
Read Article- Jul 27, 2019
- 32772 read
Do you enjoy baking? Are you looking forward to becoming a home...
Read Article- Jun 23, 2019
- 32483 read
How to register for the India Bake Show 25 (Hyderabad) Competition? Read...
Read Article- Jun 23, 2019
- 10965 read
Register NowJavascript on your browser is not enabled. The Great India Bake...
Read Article- Jun 20, 2019
- 5748 read
- By Akhileshwari Anand Raj Chef Bhakti Arora Manekar is one who...
Read Article- Jun 19, 2019
- 55128 read
Register NowJavascript on your browser is not enabled. There’s a lot of...
Read Article- May 31, 2019
- 20100 read
- By Akhileshwari Anand Raj The Baking world has been taken over...
Read Article- Mar 14, 2019
- 8790 read
- By Rima Chakraborty With spring just around the corner, all I...
Read Article- Mar 13, 2019
- 6601 read
- By Rima Chakraborty Ms Subhashini Ramsingh is a renowned cake artist,...
Read Article- Feb 3, 2019
- 7053 read
Official press release by - Rima Chakraborty Let me be honest,...
Read Article- Dec 8, 2018
- 7412 read
Kids and Baking! How cute does that combination sound to you? Well,...
Read Article- Nov 23, 2018
- 6805 read
Official Press Release, By Rima Chakraborty, 18 November 2018 HomeBakers.co.in announces its...
Read Article- Nov 19, 2018
- 20402 read
Home Baker Registration: Go to Click on “Register as a Baker”...
Read Article- Sep 21, 2018
- 5966 read
Hi everyone. We keep on celebrating a lot of occasions like mothers’...
Read Article- Sep 21, 2018
- 7150 read
We all enjoy cakes, especially the icing on cake takes our heart....
Read Article
1 comments