Pooja, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
To start with I was not a confident person, I was questioning everything I did in my way if I am doing my best. I was passionate about baking since teenage years but never dreamed of becoming a professional. I remember being mesmerized by the magical transformation of ingredients into something delicious. My husband who saw my potential when I first baked something simple just at home, I guess he was amazed and boosted me to do something more out of it. From that day, he has become a backend pillar of our small business and its success. It is always refreshing to see someone believing in you and encouraging you, my family was amazed watching me do all these magical things through my baking skills which they never knew I had! It was a long journey converting self-doubt to being confident and self-esteemed, but once you get there, I feel like it’s a great place to be and it encourages you to move further up. Wedding cakes hold so much significance on a couple’s big day, and being a part of that joyous celebration is incredibly rewarding. The challenge of creating unique designs that reflect the couple’s love story and personality is what truly inspires me.
As we know, confidence and self-esteem take time to develop. Don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go perfectly at first. Keep practicing, and we will see improvement over time.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Thank you for having me! My name is Pooja Naren, and I am a custom cake artist and wedding cake designer based here in Houston – Katy, TX and serving all the suburbs. I’ve been in the professional cake industry for several years now, and I absolutely love what I do.
As a custom cake artist, I specialize in designing and handcrafting varieties of cakes for various occasions such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, corporate events, and other special events.
My signature style is all about blending elegance and whimsy. I love creating custom and wedding cakes that are not only visually stunning but also invoke a sense of wonder and joy. I find beauty in flowers, leaves, and the organic shapes found in the world around us. I also draw inspiration from art, fashion, and architecture, which allows me to infuse unique elements into my cake creations. The art of cake making goes beyond the exterior; it’s about delivering an exceptional experience from the first glance to the last bite.
In terms of the wedding cake, every couple is unique, so my creative process always starts with a consultation. I love sitting down with the soon-to-be-married couple to learn more about their love story, their vision for the wedding, and any particular themes or elements they’d like to incorporate into the cake design. It’s essential to understand their style, colors, and overall aesthetic.
In terms of new developments, I’m excited to announce that I’ll be launching a series of cake decorating workshops in the coming months. These workshops will offer enthusiasts and aspiring bakers the chance to learn various cake decorating techniques, from basic designs to more intricate sugar artistry. It’s my way of sharing the knowledge and passion that has driven my own journey as a custom cake artist.
Furthermore, I’m also expanding my services to include dessert catering for events and parties.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I feel being curious and the urge to learn new things and being on top of things which I was passionate about help me build the quality or the skills that I have today. Growing up I always wanted to do something different and create something magical. I was very passionate about sketching, painting which is of a great help designing my cakes. All those small efforts I made back in the day has played a vital role for developing the skill set I have today.
My advice would be to follow your passion, never stop learning, and be open to new ideas. The cake industry is constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to explore. Take courses, attend workshops, and immerse yourself in the world of design and baking. Building strong communication skills is also crucial as it helps in understanding your clients’ needs and delivering on their expectations.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment and push your creative boundaries. Your unique style and personal touch are what will set you apart as a cake designer. And remember, when you design a wedding cake, each cake you create is a reflection of the couple’s love, so pour your heart into it and enjoy every moment of the process!
One of the most challenging aspects is dealing with unexpected weather conditions, especially here in Houston where the humidity can be quite high. Humidity can affect the stability of the cake, the fondant, and the overall appearance.
To overcome this challenge, I take extra precautions during delivery and set up. I use specialized materials to ensure the cake remains stable and fresh throughout the event. Additionally, I’m always prepared with backup decorations and tools in case any last-minute adjustments are needed. Adapting to the environment and being proactive in problem-solving is essential in this line of work.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
The biggest growth or improvement in past few months I see is in terms of communication and keeping track of things. Checking the process again to evaluate the effectiveness of it. Since couple of years we are using an application which keeps track of all the information you could possibly want including the smallest details of a customer needs (obviously it does track your gross v/s expense) that was a huge difference. This software has made a huge difference.
One of the most exciting and special aspects of being a custom cake artist is the opportunity to create something truly meaningful for my clients. Each cake holds a story and represents a cherished moment in someone’s life. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the joy on my clients’ faces when they see their dream cake come to life. Knowing that my edible art plays a part in making their celebrations memorable is both humbling and fulfilling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://poojas-patisserie.business.site/
- Instagram: poojas.patisserie
Image Credits
Naren R
