In the world of culinary delights, baking is often considered an art form. For Shubhlaxmi S. Shinkre, the founder of SweetVanilla Goa, baking is not just a profession—it’s a passion that started in her childhood and blossomed into a successful home bakery. From simple sponge cakes made for her family to becoming a renowned baker in Goa, Shubhlaxmi’s journey is one of determination, creativity, and a commitment to quality.
The Humble Beginnings: From Childhood Cakes to a Business Venture
Baking has always held a special place in Shubhlaxmi’s heart. “I remember the 10-year-old me, making sponge cakes for my mom and aunts on weekends,” she recalls fondly. The therapeutic joy she found in baking grew with her. After completing her graduation, which coincided with the onset of the pandemic, Shubhlaxmi decided to turn her love for baking into a business.
In 2020, as many people were starting their businesses during the pandemic, Shubhlaxmi decided to venture into the world of cake-making. “A carrot cake was the first cake I sold,” she says. What followed were brownies and dry cakes, each one made with the same dedication and passion. She quickly discovered that this new path not only gave her the opportunity to prove herself but also allowed her to build something of her own—something she could be proud of, regardless of her degree or background.
A Flourishing Bakery: Crafting Special Moments with Every Cake
SweetVanilla Goa quickly gained popularity, and soon Shubhlaxmi’s cakes became the centerpiece of many celebrations. Initially, she began with simple offerings like brownies and cupcakes, gradually expanding to celebration cakes. With every cake she baked, she perfected her skills, learning through practice and online workshops.
“My aim was to offer simple, yet flavorful cakes that people of all ages would enjoy,” she shares. As a result, her cakes became a hit at parties, weddings, and other special events. Shubhlaxmi takes pride in the fact that all her cakes are eggless, catering to a wider audience, including those with dietary preferences. Besides cakes, her menu also includes cheesecakes, cookies, cupcakes, and festive hampers.
For Shubhlaxmi, the true joy lies in creating cakes that are not just tasty, but also visually stunning. “I love trying out new designs, no matter how difficult they may be,” she says. But while she enjoys experimenting with designs, Shubhlaxmi has a soft spot for non-fondant cakes, which allow her to express her creativity in unique ways.
The Craft of Perfection: Signature Recipes and Quality Ingredients
Over the years, Shubhlaxmi has honed her skills, and now she has a repertoire of signature recipes that are loved by her clients. “My vanilla sponges are a hit,” she says with a smile. Yet, it’s the salted caramel cakes that are her personal favorite. “I enjoy the entire process of making them—from baking to decorating,” she adds.
One thing that sets SweetVanilla Goa apart is the quality of ingredients used in every bake. “I always use the best quality ingredients, no matter how expensive they may be,” Shubhlaxmi explains. Her cakes and cookies are made with pure couverture chocolate, a significant choice that reflects her commitment to quality. “I refuse to use compound chocolates,” she says firmly. The raw materials are carefully sourced from Mumbai and Goa, ensuring that each cake is made with the finest ingredients available. At Sweet Vanilla, they are trying their best to bring back the old classic buttercream cakes that we all loved. And so, most of their cakes are buttercream based. For those who love chocolate, our pure chocolate cakes are hot sellers!
Tailored to Your Taste: Customization and Limited Offerings
SweetVanilla Goa isn’t just about off-the-shelf cakes. Shubhlaxmi believes in giving her clients the freedom to choose the flavors and designs of their cakes. “I always let my clients pick what they want, whether it’s the flavor or the design,” she says. This customer-first approach has made SweetVanilla Goa a trusted name for personalized cakes.
While she enjoys working on complex designs, Shubhlaxmi admits that she has a preference for non-fondant cakes. This is one of the reasons why her cakes stand out—each one is unique and made with a personal touch. Additionally, for those seeking healthier options, SweetVanilla Goa offers a limited menu of gluten-free and sugar-free bakes, catering to a diverse clientele.
Managing Time: Balancing Baking and Education
Despite her growing success in the baking world, Shubhlaxmi’s journey has not been without challenges. “I’m a teacher by qualification, so it was difficult for me to juggle both teaching and baking,” she explains. Currently pursuing her master’s degree, she finds it hard to manage her time effectively. As a result, Shubhlaxmi only takes a limited number of orders per day, ensuring she can focus on the quality and perfection of every cake she bakes.
This limited approach to taking orders is a conscious decision. “I prefer to keep things small and manageable, so I can give my full attention to each order,” she says. This philosophy has worked well for SweetVanilla Goa, with customers appreciating the quality and dedication that go into every cake.
The Digital World: Social Media and Quality Over Hype
In today’s world, social media is often seen as a vital tool for business success. However, Shubhlaxmi has a different approach. While she acknowledges the importance of social media, especially platforms like Instagram and Facebook, she believes that the quality of her cakes should be the main selling point. “I don’t believe in jumping on trends or turning into a content creator just to sell my products,” she explains.
Instead, she focuses on posting pictures of her work occasionally, letting the quality speak for itself. “It’s rare for me to post reels, but I do try to show my work on Instagram and Facebook so potential clients can see what I’m capable of,” Shubhlaxmi shares. However, she does cater to customer requests for unique cakes inspired by popular trends or social media content, understanding that flexibility is key to customer satisfaction.
A Sweet Future: Dreams of Growth and Expansion
As for the future, Shubhlaxmi has big dreams for SweetVanilla Goa. “I always tell myself to dream big,” she says. While she enjoys running a small, home-based bakery, she envisions expanding in the coming years. “In five years, I hope to still be in my small kitchen, but with bigger equipment and even bigger cakes,” she adds with enthusiasm.
Her goal is to continue serving her loyal clients while expanding her reach to more people in Goa. She is committed to maintaining the personal touch and quality that her customers love, even as her business grows. For Shubhlaxmi, the essence of SweetVanilla Goa lies in the joy of making people’s occasions special with a beautifully baked cake that is as delicious as it is memorable.
Conclusion: A Passion for Baking That Transcends Trends
Shubhlaxmi S. Shinkre’s journey from a home baker to the owner of SweetVanilla Goa is an inspiring story of passion, hard work, and dedication. With a focus on quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction, she has carved out a niche for herself in the competitive world of baking. Whether it’s a celebration cake, a batch of cookies, or a festive hamper, each product from SweetVanilla Goa reflects Shubhlaxmi’s commitment to excellence. For her, the journey is just beginning, and as she continues to dream big, there’s no doubt that SweetVanilla Goa will remain a beloved part of Goa’s vibrant food scene.
