SHABIHA NUR KHATOON
She rustles up scrumptious cupcakes and delectable brownies, but the frosting on the cake is surely the customised cake she has a penchant for preparing. Pune-based IT consultant Elsi Mathew, who finds immense pleasure in exploring the nitty-gritty of different baking techniques, is keen to open a cake boutique in the near future
Real stories of individuals who have quit high-paying jobs to indulge in their passion are inspiring, but so are stories of successful personalities who know the secret of balancing personal and professional commitments. Elsi Mathew, who successfully juggles between passion and profession, falls in the second category.
Elsi, who works as a consultant in an IT firm in Pune, hails from Aurangabad. She decided to follow a creative path, thanks to the appreciation and motivation she received from her family and friends.
The young IT professional confesses she never took any formal training in preparing customised cakes. So, who was her guru? “I had a natural interest in baking and cooking. I always had the passion to cook something magical, which requires lots of dedication, and learning different tricks, as even a small mistake could ruin an exquisite culinary creation. I began baking at an early age, but was limited to chocolate cakes. The efforts were a way of indulging my sweet tooth. There was a time when I thought I would like to have a bakery of my own; that was years ago. At that time, I was enamoured of every kind of cake, and there was a lot to learn,” she says.
“For me, baking started as a hobby during the free hours. I used to follow different videos on YouTube and practise the methods of baking shown in them. As days passed I came to learn different kinds of techniques of baking a cake, as different confections called for different techniques. In 2014, when I baked a cake for my best friend’s birthday, I found that my baking has shifted into a different gear. The cakes I made got better and better. To my surprise I discovered that it was very easy to bake a perfect cake,” adds Elsi.
The confectioner, flushed with praise for her lavish creations, eventually decided to take up customised cake making as a profession. Online portals and videos introduced her to the fancy world of baking where she picked up the basics and, later on, the intricate decorative designs. With a lot of encouragement coming her way from family and friends, Elsi started taking orders. Her business spread through word-of mouth and today she can be credited with striking a perfect balance between passion and profession. She also puts up a pop up stall in Pune on weekends.
Elsi takes great pleasure in explaining every detail related to baking. She says baking is a science and use of the right tools, ingredients and techniques are essential in achieving success in the endeavour. 
“Enthusiasts like me should be willing to toil hard in order to attain perfection in the art of baking. I have learnt the difference between fold, stir and beat, between mix and cream. And what happens to a cake batter if you under mix, and what happens to brownies if you put too much sugar. All these lessons have helped me to become a better baker,” she says.
Without the support of friends and family members, Elsi’s innovative endeavour would not have seen the light of day. “I wouldn’t have taken baking so seriously without the support of my family and friends. After I received my first order my father wanted to buy an oven for me and I being an amateur in the world of baking bought a microwave with a convection mode,” she giggles.
In every creative field it is the concept that plays a dominant role. So, how does Elsi define her creative concepts?
“As a matter of fact, I don’t decide the concept according to my choice. I enquire about the likes and interests of my customers and try to come up with a product that blends their ideas and mine. The concept of celebration cakes has evolved significantly over the years and the creative boundaries need to be pushed like never before. I play with flavours, textures, edible laces, ruffles, 3D characters that all come together to form a piece of work. One of the best compliments I have received till date is when someone said that I should quit my IT job and open a cafe of my own,” Elsi says.
The IT consultant finds immense happiness in baking a customised cake. “For me, it’s all about the process, getting my hands coated in flour, measuring, stirring and, best of all, sitting back while the intoxicating scent of the cake fills the entire house. It’s a deeply satisfying and unmatched feeling. The feeling of self satisfaction I derive after baking a cake is great. It is a rewarding experience,” Elsi says.
So, what is the next thing in her wishlist? “The cake decorating business is no longer a boat. It has become a luxury cruise liner. There is so much to do – from joining a culinary school to owning a café,” she adds.
