Chef Pooja Parab Phadke’s Sweet Success
In the vibrant culinary landscape of Goa, one name stands out for its creativity, passion, and dedication: Chef Pooja Parab Phadke. A resident of Marcel, Pooja’s journey from a curious child who loved baking to a successful entrepreneur and professional chef is nothing short of inspiring. Having completed her studies at the prestigious IHM Goa, Pooja began her professional culinary journey in 2016, marking the start of a career filled with exploration, innovation, and a deep love for the culinary arts.
A Passion Ignited Early
Pooja’s fascination with baking began at a young age, fueled by curiosity and a desire to master the art. This early interest was not just a passing phase; it grew into a burning passion that led her to pursue formal studies in the culinary arts. The skills and knowledge she gained at IHM Goa laid the foundation for her future endeavours, shaping her into a chef who would go on to work with numerous international brands, honing her craft and expanding her culinary repertoire.
Culinary Career and Professional Growth
After graduating, Pooja dove headfirst into the world of professional cooking, quickly establishing herself as a talented and dedicated chef. Over the years, she had the opportunity to work with several renowned international brands, each experience adding to her skills and broadening her culinary horizons. This exposure to different cuisines, techniques, and industry standards played a crucial role in shaping Pooja’s approach to cooking and her understanding of the culinary world.
The Entrepreneurial Leap
Despite her success in the professional culinary world, Pooja reached a point in her career where she felt the need to create something of her own. This desire, born out of a deep passion for food and a yearning to build a brand that reflected her values and aspirations, led Pooja to take the bold step of venturing into entrepreneurship. Launching her own start-up, Oh My Cookies, allowed her to explore new avenues in the culinary arts, pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation while staying true to her roots. Pooja also takes a moment to express her deep gratitude to her parents for their endless support and encouragement. Their unwavering appreciation for her work and patience with her demanding hours have been invaluable throughout this journey, giving her the strength and motivation to pursue her dreams.
A Love for Baking
Among the many culinary delights Pooja enjoys creating, baking holds a special place in her heart. Her absolute favourite items to bake are cookies and macaroons, two classics that never fail to impress. For Pooja, these treats offer endless possibilities for creative combinations, allowing her to experiment with flavours and textures in ways that continually surprise and delight those who try them. Whether it’s the rich, sweet flavours of a perfectly baked cookie or the delicate balance of a finely crafted macaroon, Pooja’s baked goods are a testament to her skill and passion.
Overcoming Challenges in Entrepreneurship
Starting her own business was not without its challenges. Transitioning from the structured environment of a large culinary industry to the more intimate setting of a start-up required significant adjustments. One of the biggest challenges Pooja faced was managing limited stock and minimising waste, a task that demanded careful planning and resourcefulness. Additionally, she had to adapt to working with fewer ingredients while still maintaining the high quality that her customers had come to expect.
Engaging with customers through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook also presented a new set of challenges. Pooja had to learn how to create curiosity and keep her audience engaged, a task that required a new approach and a deeper understanding of digital marketing. Despite these hurdles, Pooja managed to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship with the unwavering support of her husband, whose help with finances, business management, and deliveries was instrumental in her success.
Balancing Life and Work
Running a home-based baking business requires more than just culinary skills; it demands a delicate balance between work and personal life. For Pooja, this balance is achieved through careful time management and a commitment to making time for the things that matter most. She often works extra hours to ensure that she can take time off after completing her deliveries, and she and her husband plan their day around their business obligations, especially when they travel.
Inspiration from Travel and Hobbies
Pooja’s creativity in the kitchen is not limited to her professional experiences; it is also fueled by her love for travel and her diverse hobbies. She enjoys exploring new places and sampling different desserts from various regions in Goa, finding inspiration in the unique flavours and techniques she encounters. Travelling at least once a month, Pooja uses these experiences to enrich her culinary creations, infusing her dishes with the essence of the places she visits.
In addition to her love for travel, Pooja has a passion for playing softball, a sport that keeps her active and energised. She also holds a certificate in Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form, which adds another layer of creativity and discipline to her life. These hobbies not only enrich her personal life but also contribute to her overall creativity, allowing her to approach her work with a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose.
Staying Updated and Inspired
In the fast-paced world of culinary arts, staying updated with the latest trends and techniques is essential. For Pooja, social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are invaluable tools for staying inspired and connected to the culinary community. These platforms provide creative ideas and trends that Pooja can incorporate into her own work, allowing her to stay ahead of the curve and continually innovate.
In addition to social media, Pooja also relies on Google for gathering specific information and broadening her knowledge. Whether she’s researching new recipes, exploring different culinary techniques, or seeking inspiration for her next creation, Google serves as a valuable resource that helps her stay informed and inspired.
Memorable Moments and Signature Creations
Throughout her journey as a homemaker and entrepreneur, Pooja has had many memorable experiences, but one that stands out is the joy she feels when seeing the happiness on children’s faces as they enjoy her creations. This simple yet profound joy is a reminder of why she chose to pursue a career in the culinary arts and serves as a source of motivation as she continues to grow her business.
Among her many creations, Pooja’s signature Ginger Chocolate Cake is a standout. This unique cake offers a strong ginger flavour balanced by rich chocolate, creating a delightful surprise for anyone who tries it. Another favourite is her Flourless Chocolate Brownie, a mouthwatering treat that never fails to impress. These signature items, along with her other creations, are a testament to Pooja’s skill and creativity, and they continue to be a hit with her customers.
Advice for Aspiring Home Bakers
For those who are just starting out in the world of home baking, Pooja offers some valuable advice: never give up, even when things don’t go as planned. Baking is a long and sometimes exhausting process, but the results are always worth the effort. It’s important to allow yourself to fail once or twice because those experiences make you stronger and more resilient.
Pooja encourages new bakers to remain patient and calm, trusting that their hard work will lead to great outcomes. She also reminds them that not all customers will be fans of their work, and that’s okay. It’s important to let things flow naturally and to focus on the joy of the process rather than the outcome.
Balancing Business and Personal Life
Running a home-based business requires careful time management and a willingness to make compromises. For Pooja, this means working extra hours to ensure that she can take time off after delivering her products. She and her husband also plan their day around their deliveries, especially when they travel, to ensure that they can balance their business and personal lives.
Despite the challenges of balancing work and life, Pooja makes it a point to carve out quality time with her husband, whether it’s a mini dinner date, a relaxing drive, or spending time with friends and relatives. This balance, although difficult to maintain at times, is crucial to her overall well-being and allows her to continue pursuing her passion for baking without sacrificing her personal life.
A Memorable Project
One of the most memorable projects Pooja has worked on was preparing 100 gift hampers for a customer’s 70th birthday celebration. The order was last-minute, and the location was far from where her business is based, requiring her and her husband to dedicate two full days to baking, packing, and dispatching the hampers. They even included handwritten notes in each hamper to add a personal touch.
Despite the challenges, including her husband’s need to step in and help despite working in a completely different industry, the project was a success. The experience was demanding but incredibly rewarding, highlighting Pooja’s ability to work under pressure and deliver high-quality products on time.
Conclusion
Chef Pooja Parab Phadke’s journey from a curious child who loved baking to a successful entrepreneur and professional chef is a testament to her passion, dedication, and creativity. Through hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of her husband, Pooja has built a brand that reflects her values and aspirations. Her love for baking, combined with her ability to balance work and personal
