“Every journey has its share of ups and downs. The key is not to give up.”
Brief introduction about yourself and tell us something about “The Cake Studio”? My name is Sindhu Ravishankar. I have a mechanical engineering degree and almost 8 years of experience as an Insurance Underwriter. I started The Cake Studio, Bengaluru in 2013 with the intention on making head turning novelty cakes. 2 years into it, I've just managed to scratch the surface.
What ignited the spark in you to convert your passion into a business venture? I hail from a family of artistically inclined people. From mind blowing sketching artists to stained glass artists, we have them all. It was not too surprising that I dove in to this field. That being said, I love the decorating part of my job more than the baking itself. It was not a hard decision to make, within a month of initial brain storming and some investment I could have it up and running.
Something about your journey and future goals. Every journey has its share of ups and downs. The key is not to give up. In the near future I intend to open a studio where my customers can visit me, discuss ideas and help me create more beauties.
What all challenges did you face and what were your strategies to overcome them? Time management has been the biggest challenge by far. With my kids around me all the time, compartmentalization of tasks is very tough. Once the studio is in place, there may be some relief.
What are your views on the thought, that as compared to male counterparts, it’s harder and more struggling for females to make a mark professionally? I don't believe that to be true. At least not in the environment I am in currently. I have a very understanding husband, who holds a job that requires him to travel 20 days in a month. Whenever he is around he never hesitates to share responsibilities. He is always ready to lend me a helping hand. Same applies to all my family members; they have been more than supportive to help me with my business. So when you have this kind of support from family, making a mark professionally becomes a lot easier.
What piece of advice would you like to give to the aspiring youth who wish to pursue their dream of becoming an entrepreneur? Always choose a profession that you enjoy. And never get in to a business just for the money. If you lose interest in the business, the money too will dry out pretty fast as the lack of interest will start showing in your work.
According to you, what are the top three essential skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? Managing your finances, Constant learning, Time Management
How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life? Has the family always been supportive? I couldn't have asked for a more understanding family than mine. Be it my in laws or my parents, without their endless support none of this would have been possible.
What are your views and opinions towards the ambiguous need to promote women entrepreneurship and women empowerment in India? In most parts of India, it is still a belief that once a woman gets married she should bid goodbye to her career to take care of the family and children. I know doctors and double graduates who are at home doing just that. When this comes as the woman's choice, I wouldn't want to comment. But if this is the only option, I always think of the amount of talent wasted. Financial independence is very important in one's life and it does miracles to boost self-confidence. It’s been long that women have taken a back seat. But with so many different entrepreneurial arenas now, it’s time we share the reins.
