Today we’d like to introduce you to Sangeeta Kalle.
Hi Sangeeta, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in India watching my mother and grandmother bake cakes and savory treats. I began baking at nine, using stovetop Bundt pans and a small round electric oven with a glass lid. Watching a cake rise filled me with wonder. I kept baking through school and college, and a neighbor with a home-baking business became another mentor, teaching me color mixing, cake decorating, and much more. After moving to the United States with my husband and son, I made a yellow school bus–themed cake for my son’s fourth birthday—my first themed cake. I continued baking for family celebrations, then began making birthday cakes for friends’ children as a hobby. The children loved the cakes and cupcakes, and requests soon grew.
At the time, I was working full-time in IT and raising two growing boys, leaving little time to bake. In May 2019, I decided to pursue baking full-time. My husband fully supported the decision, so I left my job and shared my plans with friends and colleagues. A week later, I received my first order. I suddenly had to gather pans, accessories, and other tools while also setting prices and organizing the business. It felt overwhelming, but with my husband’s help, I became a full-time home baker. My boys helped pack cakes when needed and always encouraged me.
When COVID-19 arrived in 2020, demand for small-batch cakes unexpectedly increased as people celebrated at home, and curbside pickup became the norm. I found great joy in contributing to their special occasions.
I am grateful that my cakes have built their own reputation. Most of my business has come through word of mouth and photos shared on Facebook and Instagram. Being known as the community’s “cake lady” has been a delight. More than seven years after taking the leap into my dream of baking, I continue to explore new techniques and flavors and challenge my creativity every day. I feel blessed to have found my calling.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Since most baking orders are placed for weekends and holidays, I often have to choose between accepting work and making time for my personal life. I have had to miss many concerts, social/family gatherings, and vacations knowing fully this is part of running a home business.
A key challenge is developing specialty recipes, such as eggless and vegan cakes. Achieving the right balance of flavor and texture often takes several attempts.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My specialty is fusion cakes that blend Indian flavors with generous portions of premium ingredients such as saffron, pistachios, and cardamom. My Rasmalai cake is especially popular, and customers value that my cakes are indulgent without being overly sweet.
Nostalgic favorites—including Butterscotch, Black Forest, Mawa, Pineapple upside-down, and Macadamia with white chocolate—remain among my most requested cakes. I also welcome occasional requests for hard-to-find flavor combinations, and add my own creative touch when developing them.
I am proud to deliver the same high standard of quality in every cake.
What matters most to you? Why?
Baking is a passion and is therapeutic for me. It gives me unending joy to put smiles on peoples faces.
I take great pride in not compromising on quality ingredients. In my early years, I had at times discarded and remade cakes from scratch if I wasn’t completely satisfied. I make sure to spend considerable time and effort in understanding each customer’s needs. I place great importance on customer feedback to always improve my own standards.
I’m incredibly grateful to my family, friends, and customers for constantly encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone, challenge myself, and grow. Their unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in me mean more than words can express.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sangeetakalle
