Shivesh Bhatia Didn't Conform To Society-Approved Professions, So He Broke Some Rules

In a society where academic and professional achievements often define one's worth, Shivesh Bhatia's decision to pursue an unconventional career was a significant deviation from his family's expectations. Catch Shivesh Bhatia in conversation with Shaili Chopra on The Rule Breaker Show, as the content creator and food blogger looks back on how he began against the odds.

Shivesh Bhatia On The Rule Breaker Show 

Shivesh's choice to abandon mathematics, a subject considered essential for a ‘successful’ career, was seen as counterproductive and risky. However, Shivesh believed in the importance of recognizing one's strengths and weaknesses, a principle that has guided him throughout his journey.

I come from a family where my grandfather has been a professor, my dad is in finance, and my aunt and uncle are doctors. So, for me, when I decided to drop mathematics after class 10, that was like a big deal for everybody.

Despite the societal pressure and familial expectations, Shivesh pursued his passion for the arts and eventually completed his undergraduate studies in political science. During his college years, he began dabbling in content creation, a decision that seemed baffling to those around him. "I remember at that time, nobody really understood what I wanted to do. Just the fact that I was making money posting things on the internet is something that took them a long time to understand, even for my parents," he explained. Shivesh's determination to follow his heart, even when it meant venturing into the unknown, set him apart as a true rule breaker. 

Culinary Roots and Inspirations

Shivesh's love for baking can be traced back to his childhood memories with his grandmother. "My grandmother used to make the best cakes ever. Every time we visited her, she would always have a vanilla cake and a chocolate cake ready for us," he fondly recalled. It was during a difficult time, when his grandmother was unwell, that Shivesh decided to try his hand at baking. Although his initial attempts were not successful, this experience sparked a passion for creating desserts that he continues to nurture, follow, and honour.

Learning from the Best

While still in college, Shivesh sought out opportunities to gain practical experience in the culinary world. He worked under renowned chefs Pooja Dhingra and Sanjana Patel, which allowed him to explore different aspects of the industry. "I realized that while being in the kitchen is great, I also felt really inclined towards the things she was doing outside the kitchen, like marketing and social media aspects of it," Shivesh said about his time with Pooja Dhingra. These experiences helped him understand his true calling.

Building a Career in Content Creation

Shivesh's journey in content creation began during his college years when he started working with brands and posting about his baking experiments online. "They called me and told me that they wanted to work with me. They would send me ingredients, and I would create and just mention that the ingredients are from Foodhall. Then they asked me what my commercials would look like, and I was so confused for a moment," he recounted. This unexpected opportunity marked the beginning of a successful career as a content creator, where Shivesh found himself at the perfect intersection of culinary arts and digital media.

Overcoming Challenges and Stereotypes

Navigating the world of content creation and the culinary industry was not without its challenges. Shivesh faced negative comments and stereotypes, especially concerning his choice of working in a pastry kitchen, traditionally seen as a female domain.

"People said that a pastry kitchen or a cold kitchen is not for men and to let the girls do it," he shared. Despite the criticism, Shivesh remained focused on his passion and continued to break barriers, proving that one's career choices should not be limited by societal norms.

The Future of Content Creation

Reflecting on his journey, Shivesh acknowledges the uncertainties and pressures that come with an unconventional career path. "I felt that pressure and realized later that nobody was putting it on me except myself," he said.

However, he remains optimistic about the future of the creator economy, which continues to grow and offer new opportunities. Shivesh's story serves as an inspiration for those who aspire to build careers based on their passions, demonstrating that success can be achieved by following one's heart and breaking free from traditional expectations.

By breaking societal rules and family expectations, Shivesh has carved out a unique career that blends creativity, culinary arts, and digital media. His story encourages others to embrace their true selves and pursue careers that bring them joy and fulfilment, regardless of conventional norms.