I am baking for a living – Metsubo Kichu

 

Metsubo Kichu, like many others, was enthralled by the culinary world and has aspired to pursue a career in food ever since. And, as life would have it, he had many setbacks, but his family was always there for him, making it possible for him to realize his dream.

 

Hailing from the picturesque village of Aliba, he studied bread and confectionery in Bangalore before launching his own business.

 

He confesses that his beginnings were humble, as he started his business at home and sold his items in a limited circle. However, on August 31, 2021, he was able to launch his Instagram page abo_patisserie which allowed him to reach out to a wider community.

 

Today, as he completes a year of baking, Mokokchung Times brings you a brief interview with him.

 

 

Metsubo Kichu

 

 

MTimes: Thank you for the opportunity, Abo. So, what really inspired you to go into the world of baking? Do you have any personal inspiration?

MK: Firstly, I have such gratitude to “Mokokchung Times” for this privilege. My parents and my siblings are my greatest inspiration for me. They have been my constant support system and it has been because of their prayers that have lead me this far. My sisters and I, from our mutual obsession over TV shows about food to my family supporting my choice of career and helping me financially for Bakery and Confectionery training and their unwavering belief and faith in me inspired me to do better in life. For me, there’s nothing in particular as ‘personal inspiration’ because it comes in different forms from where I draw inspiration for most of my works.

 

 

MTimes: How do you feel about baking as a career?

MK: It is a great career choice to opt for if you are really passionate about baking for a living. Because just like any other profession, Baking is also a progressive career and it needs consistent learning, improvising ideas and technique which needs tons of time and effort. Also, owning a bakery business can help create job opportunities too which in a great way can financially impact others.

 

 

MTimes: What is it about baking that you find most passionate ?

MK: It is simply the mindfulness I get in the process of baking and decorating the items for my clients. And also to have the opportunity to make good food for people celebrating Life and their achievements, gives me the greatest satisfaction.

 

 

MTimes: Do you have any assistant to help you with when large orders are made?

MK: Since it’s only one year of ‘abo_patisserie’, I still got a long way to go to start employing others for that task. So, it has been nothing but labor of love from family and friends. When I get large orders or when I am assigned to cater an event, then my family and friends are all in, selflessly helping me and my business. For which act of theirs I’m forever thankful.

 

 

 

MTimes: You had undergone bakery and confectionery training in Bangalore. Did you encounter any challenges in training? How would you evaluate that the training was effective?

MK: Everything in life comes with its own share of challenges. So, I did encounter challenges while training, which had only disciplined me professionally.

I was fortunate to work under highly skilled and experienced Chefs from whom I have learnt not just about baking but also about all the disciplinary measures I have to live through to excel in the food business. So, setting up my business without their technical assistance would not have been possible.

 

 

MTimes: How do you deal or fix the problems, if something is not baked properly?

MK: I consider baking as Art and if the very foundation of the item is not baked properly then for me, it can simply go three ways.
-If it’s under-baked then by simply lowering the temperature and baking for some more minutes does the magic.
-If it’s over-baked then I try my best to retain the moisture of the baked item.
-If it’s beyond repair then I’ll have to start the whole process again.

 

 

MTimes: What kind of baking do you enjoy the most?

MK: I enjoy baking both sweet and savory foods. But, occasionally, I get more sweet orders from my clients. So, I mostly bake cakes, dessert and cookies.

 

 

MTimes: If not baking, what else would you be doing?

MK: I am baking for a living and not just baking as a hobby. I have invested my life for this. So, I don’t see myself pursuing any other profession besides this.

 

 

MTimes: What has been the biggest achievement in your life so far?

MK: Hands down! Starting my own home based business ‘abo_patisserie.’

 

 

MTimes: It is often rare to see male bakers in our society. How would you encourage more men to opt for this field?

MK: Yes, there’s that stereotype/gender role that food preparation or any activity that occurs in the home kitchen has usually been considered a “women’s job”. However, as far as I’m concerned, baking really isn’t a gender specific job, it’s an art/craft like any other woodworks. Men have always baked. In fact, most of the famous bakers and pâtissier are men, renowned figures like Maury Guchon, Cédric Glolet, Dominique Ansel, Duff Goldman and many more. It’s time to break our expectations and stereotypes of gender roles.

 

 

MTimes: Kindly leave a message to our readers.

MK: What kept me going is your love and support you have showered me with. I put a lot of hard work and heart into everything I make and my only concern is that you or my clients are happy. Treat with love and keep supporting.

 

 

 

 

Mokokchung Times

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