Residing in Tongdentsüyong ward, Sentirenla Ozukum of Mongsenyimti village found her inspiration to bake when she accidentally bought a tiny book on cupcake recipes by an Indian baker at the University Book Fair week during her university days in NEHU, Shillong. But little did she know that the possibly cheapest book she bought would play such a remarkable role in her life.
Beginning her journey in 2018, Senti first began baking basic cakes on a ‘trial and error’ basis and then, it was only in the year 2019, did she manage to start selling her products on a small scale.
In 2020, with persuasion and support from her best friend, Lipok and her supportive siblings who encouraged her to handle a business account on Instagram, she established @sen_bakes in June 2020.
“I never imagined that this new leap would change my perspective on truly ‘following own’s passion with a brave heart’, she said.
Upon embarking on her journey, she realized that baking was not just about blending and putting together the ingredients and coalescing them into a final creation. “There is something more special in baking – you dedicate your entire being to the process,” she said.
Currently pursuing her Ph. D in geography at Nagaland University, Lumami, Senti revealed how her life as an amateur baker for almost four years has been an incredible journey with many highs and lows.
“There were times when I failed in fulfilling my clients’ expectations. But, call me lucky because I had honest clients who were ready to guide me with their constructive criticisms,” she said.
“At the same time, I had clients who would narrate their anecdotes during their orders while some wanted it special because they wanted to gift it. There were also moments when friends and families or loved ones reunited through my cakes. Just being part of such wonderful moments motivates me to be a better baker each day,” she added.
Talking about her most challenging baking project, she recalled the year 2019 in January when she received an order to bake 150 cakes for a friend’s wedding.
“I had very less equipment in my hand, less labour and time constraint, I couldn’t imagine that the order would be possible. But I did it with the help of my family members,” she shared.
With time, she has created a few recipes of her own which includes classic black forest cake, butterscotch cake, soft butter cookies, no-bake cheesecakes, fruit&nut, tea cake, caramel cake, and yellow velvet cake, granola bars, honey cake, mozzarella thrill, and many more.
“I started making those on an intense trial and error basis but surprisingly, I received many good reviews on the products and also received more orders. Butter cookies and tea cakes are those which I get orders even from Kohima, Dimapur, Tuensang and Zunheboto. I think at the moment Black forest cake, butterscotch cake, no-bake cheesecakes and butter cookies are the best selling products from my menu hitherto,” she explained.
Talking about the hardest part of being a baker, she said it would be the pressure of receiving themed urgent orders within a limited time.
“I experience a lot of adrenaline rush because I have to bake the cake and work on the decor simultaneously. But gladly, my two siblings are kind enough to help me in those moments with their artistic skills,” she laughed.
“Time management is the key to completing every work on time. But during the festive season, I employ some people to work with me,” she said.
Choosing between cakes and cupcakes on which one she would prefer to decorate, she said it would be the cakes although she loves embellishing both.
Although she considers that her life has been quite a rollercoaster ride with all the baking and academics, she believes that @sen_bakes made her an independent woman, in many aspects.
“Baking has taught me the art of patience, mission, inner joy, integrity, contentment, and most importantly -Love. From the failures and disappointments to the moments of happiness and fulfillment till today – my rollercoaster season as an amateur baker goes on. And I am confident that this is the real ‘Meraki’ in baking. I thank the Almighty God for this gift,” she said.
She then concluded by asking people to keep themselves busy with something productive and to follow their passion.
“Never give up on what makes you happy and be contented. Be brave enough to stand alone and always attempt to compete with yourself -that way, you become a better version of yourself. Happy World Baking Day to all the bakers!!!! Always bake with Love,” she concluded.
