Whisking Dreams: Manju Anand's Culinary Journey; Story Of Self-Discovery

The story of Manju Anand, the founder of Cloud Bakery, is one that inspires us to dream big and comprehend that there's never an expiration date or age to conquer new horizons. 

In an interview with SheThePeople, Manju Anand talks about her journey as a baker and entrepreneur, the challenges she faced as a novice in the industry, how her passion keeps her grounded, and why she strives to excel at her skills rather than stressing about competition. 

The Birth of a Dream

Anand shares the origin story of her journey, one that started with a profound love for baking. "Initially, I had been baking cakes for family birthdays, which gradually garnered attention and appreciation," recalls Anand. Her cakes became more than just desserts; they became heartwarming gestures of love and celebration. She began gifting my cakes to friends, family, and relatives on various occasions, and the positive feedback was heartwarming. The cakes she baked were met with high praise from those who enjoyed them.

It was the support of my children that gave me the final push to turn her hobby into a business. Encouraged by their belief in her skills, I decided to take orders for cakes, venturing beyond the realm of family celebrations. My confidence reached new heights when she participated in cooking competitions, including one where I showcased my unique creation, the 'Kanpuriya Paan Cake.' The overwhelming recognition and appreciation I received for this special cake boosted her self-assurance.

In the year 2018, she started her business, embarking on the journey of turning passion into a thriving venture.

To set her bakery apart from the competition, Anand implemented a range of strategies that prioritised quality and customer experience. "First and foremost, I placed an unwavering emphasis on maintaining the highest quality standards. This meant offering cakes that were always fresh and made with premium ingredients, ensuring that every bite was a delightful experience."

Overcoming Challenges with Determination

Like any entrepreneurial journey, Anand's path was not free of its challenges. "Delivery logistics were a concern," she admits, "and in the absence of third-party services, my family pitched in to ensure timely deliveries." At the outset, orders were sparse, prompting her to turn to social media for increased visibility and gradually boosting customer engagement.

To address the lack of orders, she took a proactive approach. "I started offering complimentary cakes during special occasions and local events, allowing people to experience my creations firsthand." This strategy led to positive word-of-mouth referrals and an uptick in orders over time, adds Manju.

The Power of Customer Feedback

Customer feedback plays a pivotal role in shaping the offerings and services of her bakery. "Each piece of feedback is a valuable insight into the preferences, expectations, and areas for improvement that our customers identify."

"By actively listening to their suggestions, the bakery can refine existing products and introduce new offerings that align with their tastes. Feedback guides us in maintaining the quality standards that customers expect. Positive feedback reinforces the aspects they're excelling in, while constructive criticism helps them address any shortcomings."

The Recipe for Promotion

Promoting a bakery business is no cakewalk, but Anand has a recipe for success. "One approach involves gifting cakes on special occasions, generating positive word-of-mouth referrals," she shares. Consistent engagement on social media platforms showcases their cake designs and customer testimonials, building an engaged online following.

They've also organised sample tastings in collaboration with restaurants and cafes, allowing potential customers to experience their delicious flavours firsthand. This initiative has proven effective in converting tastings into actual orders for special occasions.

Lessons from Empowerment and Independence

As an independent woman entrepreneur, this journey has illuminated essential life lessons. It's taught me that embarking on new ventures has no expiration date; age is just a number. Embracing independence has bolstered my confidence, reinforcing that self-reliance is a powerful asset.

Undoubtedly, the unwavering support of Anand's family has been her driving force. Their encouragement underscores the transformative impact of a united foundation. Ultimately, her experiences have highlighted the limitless possibilities when women are empowered to pursue their ambitions independently, supported by the strength of their loved ones.

"The value of hard work has become vividly apparent, emphasising that diligent efforts yield rewarding outcomes. Moreover, this journey shattered the notion that a woman's potential is confined to household roles; women possess the capacity to excel in multifaceted roles."

Thriving Without External Funding

In her journey as an entrepreneur, Anand has sustained and expanded her business without external funding. Despite facing financial constraints, she's remained committed to delivering top-notch customer experiences.

Prioritising product quality, I've sourced raw materials from wholesale suppliers while upholding stringent standards. The bakery's growth has been maintained through reinvestment, in-house customisation, and a balanced approach, ensuring steady order fulfilment and cost management without relying on external financial support.

Future Flavors and Expansions

In terms of reach, her vision extends beyond her current city. "A distinctive approach we're considering is incorporating iconic sweets from various cities into their cake offerings. This way, we can introduce these beloved flavours to new customers while maintaining their commitment to high-quality and innovative creations. By combining our expertise in crafting extraordinary cake flavours with an expanded geographical presence, we aim to bring a taste of our bakery's uniqueness to more people."

Manju Anand's journey from a passionate home baker to the founder of Cloud Bakery is a testament to the power of determination, creativity, and the unwavering support of loved ones. Her story is a reminder that it's never too late to follow your dreams and that a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction can create a thriving business, even without external funding. 

This interview is in partnership with Google.

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