I bake to keep Mama’s memory alive: Odisha-based young entrepreneur

Bhubaneswar: Baking cakes was sort of a hobby for her, but taking one step ahead and turning it into a venture was certainly not in her mind.  Meet 22-year-old Sushobhana Roy from Bhubaneswar. A one ‘wo’man army of a home bakery startup in the capital city, Sushobhana has set an example for many women out there.

It was in January, 2019, when she started home bakery business under the banner of ‘Baby’s Sugar Box’ as a mark of tribute to her mother Puspanjali Roy alias Baby, after she died following a heart attack in July 2018.

The young girl, daughter of Sovon Roy, Superintendent Engineer (Electrical), OPTCL, claims that she started the little venture in this highly-competitive market in the memory of her mother but now it has helped her find a way to stay closer to her mother. And somehow, it seems so as her she is receiving overwhelming response from customers in less than a year.

I was in trauma after my mother’s death. I wanted to fight back and do something. Since everyone used to appreciate my baking skills, I just gave it a shot though I had not thought that it will turn out so good in such a short span . I started the venture with my savings , said Sushobhana, who is currently pursuing her Masters in Anthropology at Utkal University.  

Baby’s Sugar Box’ at Brahmeshwarpatna in Tankapani Road here is now an ultimate destination to satisfy your sweet tooth. It offers an array of desserts, including cakes, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, chocolates, hampers and truffles that does not pinch your pocket. It accepts orders online via Instagram and Facebook and even on WhatsApp for birthday, anniversary or any other festive occasion. What is more interesting is that all the desserts are made without eggs.

When asked about challenges, Sushobhana said “Many people are not even aware of my outlet. And since I am new, people mostly prefer bigger brands to buy cakes and other bakery items instead of trying out something new. Even though i have a lot of varieties, people only stick to chocolate and vanilla flavours. There is difference between home baking and bulk manufacturing. Home baking is all about getting it  done tailor-made keeping in mind preference of customers without compromising the quality . But most people don’t get it. ”

On future plans, she said, “Right now, I am only focusing on creating a brand building, given this competitive market scenario. Once I build up a substantial clientele, I would focus on expansion and other experimentation.”

With Christmas bells ringing and New Year round the corner, the young entrepreneur hopes to spread more smiles.