Subhechcha Ganguly 
Glory is not only a Ph.D. student but also a skilled home baker. She possesses a unique combination of intellectual prowess and culinary innovation. With her vibrant personality, she seamlessly merges the creativity of flavors with the rigor of research. In this interview, let’s delve deeper into her fascinating journey.
Q1) Welcome to interview. We are so glad to have you on Interview Times. Tell us about the starting point of your journey in becoming a baker.
Ans: Thank you for having me on Interview Times. My journey as a baker has been completely unexpected. I never thought that I would pursue baking as a profession, considering my education and job were in a completely different field. Baking started as a hobby for me, and when I took a break after getting married, I found myself enjoying baking during my free time. I used to make designer cakes for my family and friends’ birthdays, and they often suggested to me that I should open a cake shop. However, it seemed impossible for me because I had to take care of my two young children, manage the household, and continue my education, which was already quite challenging. But if you have the courage within you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace new things, you can overcome any challenges. When I was new in the baking world, I used to face a lot of difficulties in the beginning. Many times, my cakes would turn out ruined, but I never stopped learning and continued to practice.
Gradually, I began to understand the science behind baking. It’s not just about decorating the cake, but it should also taste as tempting as it looks. I have tried numerous experiments with my flavors and have crafted unique flavors of my own, which set me apart from other bakers. I have also introduced sugar-free and healthy cakes because many diabetic patients faced problems with consuming sugary cakes. So, I created a separate section for them and offer sugar-free and flour-free cakes for fitness enthusiasts and diabetic patients. My baking journey has been a roller-coaster ride for me, but I really enjoy every bit of it. I want to give credit to my Lord Jesus. Without His strength, none of this would have been possible for me, and special thanks to my loving husband. He has been a great support system for me.
Q2) How do you curate such beautiful designs of cakes? How does the uniqueness and ideas come to your mind?
Ans: Our God is incredibly creative. He has created everything so beautifully, giving each thing a unique touch. And as humans, made in His image, we all inherently possess that creativity within us. We simply need to discover and explore it.
I have always been meticulous about the appearance of my cakes. My goal has always been to make them stand out and be distinctive. I don’t find joy in creating common cake designs. I strive for my cake designs and flavors to be distinct and superior to those of my competitors. It’s not just about designing a cake; it’s crucial to infuse it with my artistic and innovative touch. I also want to express my gratitude to my clients because they grant me the freedom to design cakes using my unique and innovative ideas.
I vividly remember a client from Philadelphia who ordered a cake for her niece’s first birthday. She requested a cake shaped like a pair of sandals. I was thrilled about this order because it was an opportunity to create a truly unique cake. I crafted a 3D cake that perfectly resembled a pair of sandals. That’s why I dedicate ample time to my customers when taking orders and discussing the flavor and design of the cake. Nowadays, everyone wants to make their celebrations special and memorable, and customers often approach me with specific ideas for their cakes. My responsibility is to bring their vision to life through the cake. It’s an incredible feeling for me when customers are astonished by my cake designs. It reassures me that my hard work has paid off when I can surpass their expectations.
Q3) Do you have any social message, that you want to share through your business, also send us the link to your Instagram profile.
Ans: We live in a male-dominated society where it is often expected for women to leave their jobs after getting married and sacrifice their careers to raise their children. This also happened to me. I used to work in the corporate sector but had to leave my job after marriage. However, during this period, I continued my studies and pursued my hobbies of painting and baking in my free time. I want to inspire all those women who feel that they cannot do anything else besides taking care of their homes and children.
Initially, I was also afraid of how I would manage everything. But then I realized that household chores might never end, and if you believe you will never be able to step out, I want to tell you that with hope and courage, no one can stop you from being self-dependent. Every person has a hidden talent, but we often hesitate to professionally utilize it. I say, don’t hold back. I professionally utilized my baking skills, and today I successfully run a small business.
I have often seen many women who are working but have no job satisfaction at all. However, they are forced to work due to circumstances. I want to tell all those sisters to believe in themselves. If you have a small desire inside you, you can turn a spark into a blazing fire. Lastly, I would like to request everyone to support small-scale businesses, especially women entrepreneurs, and promote their work or business within your circle. Please support and follow my Instagram page through the link below:
https://instagram.com/glorythecakefairy?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
Q4) Being a Ph.D student how do you manage to take out time for baking and creating such wonderful cakes ? Who is the inspiration behind your work?
Ans: Managing two different tasks is indeed challenging for me. Being dedicated to both endeavors is crucial. However, I am truly enjoying pursuing my research and baking business simultaneously. I believe life loses its charm if it becomes too simple. Nevertheless, it’s true that both endeavors require a lot of effort, planning, and innovative ideas. Designing a cake, for example, requires preparation at least two days in advance. Juggling multiple jobs would be impossible without the support of my husband, and I am genuinely grateful that God has blessed me with such a wonderful partner. My achievements today are also a result of his sacrifices. Life is all about balance, and as a family, we plan our schedules and prioritize accordingly.
Lastly, I must not forget to mention that my artistic touch comes from my mother, whom I grew up watching painting and cooking. My interest in art stems from her, but above all, I thank the Lord for blessing me with talents and a supportive family. Without God’s strength, I wouldn’t be able to accomplish anything. He is my sustainer, and in everything I do, He sustains me.
Q5) Do you feel social media has acted as a boon, in the life of small business owners?
Ans: Yes, social media has indeed acted as a boon in the lives of small business owners. It has provided them with a powerful platform to promote their products or services, reach a wider audience, and engage with potential customers. Social media platforms offer cost-effective advertising options, allowing small businesses to compete with larger enterprises on a more level playing field. Moreover, it facilitates direct communication with customers, enabling businesses to build relationships, gather feedback, and provide better customer service. Additionally, social media has opened up opportunities for online sales, expanding the market reach for small businesses beyond their local areas. Overall, social media has proven to be a valuable tool for small business owners in enhancing their visibility, brand awareness, and growth prospects.
