Meet Aqsa Lakdawala, a certified pastry chef and the driving force behind a thriving cloud kitchen in Goa and Belgaum. Her journey began at 21 with basic baking classes, evolving into a diploma in patisserie and conducting certified courses in Goa. Now, as head of the bakery department at KLE University’s Hotel Management College in Belgaum, Aqsa balances her time between teaching and overseeing her beloved kitchen. With monthly visits to Goa to ensure quality and personal touches at events, Aqsa’s passion for baking continues to sweeten lives across borders.
Discovering the Sweet Symphony: A Passion Born in Childhood
Aqsa’s tryst with baking commenced at a tender age, fueled by an insatiable fascination for bakery delights and a tantalising sweet tooth. As a child prohibited from indulging in excessive chocolates and cakes as she was on the healthier side, she found solace and delight in clandestine baking sessions during her mother’s afternoon slumber. This Secret affair with the oven blossomed into an enduring passion, further nurtured during her higher secondary education in a boarding school, where she concocted delectable no-bake chocolate cakes for friends’ birthdays, igniting a spark that would fuel her culinary journey.
Mastering the Craft: A Journey of Continuous Learning
Embarking on her baking Journey at the age of 13, Aqsa’s initial Expedition into baking, a birthday cake for her mother, may not have been flawless, but it ignited a fervour for improvement. Armed with determination and fueled by feedback from friends and family, she honed her skills through relentless practice and experimentation, utilising YouTube tutorials and seeking feedback from eager taste testers. With each creation, she refined her technique, eventually undertaking a diploma course in patisserie to elevate her skills to new heights. Even now, at 29, Aqsa humbly acknowledges that the journey of mastering the art of baking is a endless pursuit, with no ultimate destination but an ever-expanding horizon of possibilities.
A Palette of Flavors: Crafting Culinary Delights
For Aqsa, baking transcends mere culinary creation; it is a symphony of senses, a therapeutic journey that tantalises taste buds and soothes the soul. While she finds solace in crafting an array of baked goods, from breads that exude the aroma of nostalgia to Fancy French pastries adorned with layers of decadence, her true passion lies in the Chemistry of flavours. From the zesty zest of lemon to the subtle sweetness of blueberry, Aqsa’s creations are a testament to her inventive spirit, as she fearlessly experiments with flavours and ingredients, transforming simple ingredients into gastronomic delights.
Triumphs Amidst Trials: A Journey Fueled by Resilience
In the face of adversity, Aqsa’s Unyielding spirit shines brightest. Amidst the Chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, she found herself thrust into the spotlight, as her delectable bombolone captivated taste buds and received praise overnight. Despite the exhausting hours and the absence of a professional kitchen, Aqsa’s determination and unwavering dedication propelled her forward, as she churned out hundreds of bombolone with the help of her steadfast mother. The resounding success of her creations, coupled with heartfelt feedback from satisfied customers, served as a beacon of hope amidst uncertain times, reaffirming her belief in the transformative power of baking.
From Home Baker to Celebrity Confectioner: A Journey of Recognition
Aqsa’s culinary expertise transcends the confines of her kitchen, as she garners recognition from celebrities and experts alike. From crafting bespoke anniversary cakes for Zayed Khan to delighting the palates of Shankar Mahadevan and Farah Khan with her exquisite creations, Aqsa’s journey from humble home baker to celebrated confectioner is a testament to her unparalleled skill and creativity. Each celebrity recommendation serves as a validation of her culinary prowess, fueling her ambition to reach new heights of excellence.
Nurturing Creativity: Drawing Inspiration from the World
For Aqsa, inspiration is omnipresent, lurking in the depths of Instagram feeds and YouTube tutorials, waiting to be unearthed and transformed into culinary masterpieces. The vibrant tapestry of the baking community, brimming with innovation and creativity, serves as a wellspring of ideas, fueling Aqsa’s insatiable appetite for experimentation. From intricate cake designs to innovative flavour combinations, each creation is a testament to her boundless creativity and unwavering dedication to the craft.
Navigating Challenges: Overcoming Obstacles with Grace
While Aqsa’s journey has been peppered with triumphs, it has not been devoid of challenges. From navigating the intricacies of running a cloud kitchen to fending off relentless bargaining from customers, she has faced her fair share of obstacles. Yet, with the unwavering support of her family and the steadfast dedication of her husband, Aqsa has weathered every storm with grace, emerging stronger and more resilient with each challenge overcome.
Signature Creations: A Taste of Aqsa’s Artistry
Amongst Aqsa’s myriad creations, two stand out as quintessential expressions of her culinary artistry: the ethereal bombolone, with its soft, pillowy texture and myriad fillings, and her repertoire of healthy bakes, catering to the discerning palate of health-conscious connoisseurs. Each creation bears the unmistakable imprint of Aqsa’s creativity and dedication, a testament to her unwavering commitment to crafting culinary delights that transcend mere sustenance.
Embracing Innovation: Balancing Tradition with Modernity
In an ever-evolving culinary landscape, Aqsa finds solace in the timeless traditions of baking, yet she remains steadfast in her pursuit of innovation. While she preserves the integrity of traditional recipes, ensuring each creation is imbued with the timeless flavours of yesteryear, she embraces modern techniques and designs to elevate her creations to new heights. By striking a delicate balance between tradition and modernity, Aqsa ensures that her creations remain timeless yet tantalisingly contemporary.
Lessons Learned: Transforming Disaster into Growth
In the annals of Aqsa’s culinary journey lies a poignant lesson in humility and growth. A pivotal moment, marked by overconfidence and oversight, served as a catalyst for introspection and growth. When a rushed order for red velvet cupcakes led to the omission of a crucial ingredient, sugar, Aqsa found herself confronted with the consequences of hubris. Yet, from this moment of failure emerged a valuable lesson in diligence and attention to detail, shaping her approach to baking with an unwavering commitment to precision and excellence.
A Quest for Excellence: Charting the Course Ahead
As Aqsa’s culinary journey continues to unfold, the horizon shimmers with promise and possibility. From her humble beginnings as a home baker in Goa to her current endeavours as a pastry chef and bakery professor in Belgaum, the trajectory of her career is marked by boundless ambition and unwavering dedication. Looking ahead, Aqsa envisions a future adorned with accolades and achievements, from owning a pastry academy to establishing cafes in Goa and Belgaum, each endeavour fueled by a relentless pursuit of excellence.
