“I’ve loved baking since I was a kid. I’d try recipes at home, mostly out of curiosity, and it felt like magic watching simple ingredients turn into something comforting. Back then, it was never about doing it seriously — it was just something I enjoyed.

During the pandemic, when life slowed down and plans felt uncertain, baking became something I held on to. It gave me structure and comfort at a time when everything else felt unstable. I didn’t think of it as a career then, but I kept showing up to it.

Starting a baking business in Hyderabad wasn’t a decision I woke up and made one day. It happened over time. This city is full of food lovers and equally full of competition. There were moments of doubt, but I learned that consistency and quality matter more than trying to stand out loudly. Slowly, people began to trust my work.

I didn’t study baking professionally. I have an MBA, and my background is in business. Everything makes sense only in hindsight — learning through mistakes, fixing what didn’t work, and trying again the next day. I took courses when I could, but most of my learning came from doing the work repeatedly.

Festive seasons, especially Christmas and New Year, are the busiest. Some customers return every year, telling me how my cakes have become part of their celebrations. That’s when I realise this journey has grown beyond me. I also enjoy making custom cakes that carry people’s stories in small, meaningful ways. My family has been my steady support — encouraging me, giving honest feedback, and standing by me when things felt uncertain.

Looking back, I’ve learned that you don’t always need a perfect plan to begin. Sometimes, you just need to stay with what feels right and give it time to grow.”

— Mahima, Baker & Founder of ‘The Baking Life’