Chat with Hima Bindu, Top 10 Cake Artist in India
By HomeBakers Team
– By Akhileshwari Anand Raj
Ms. Hima Bindu is a renowned cake artist from Bangalore, with a niche in working with modelling chocolate. She has been featured in the Top 10 List of Cake Artists in India by the Cake Masters Magazine, UK in 2018. Her years of experience in baking and modelling chocolate has led to various masterpieces, which can be tried out by reaching out to her cake business ‘Cakes n Crumbs’ located in Bangalore. She has been baking for over 15 years and has been specialised decorating for 9 years. We got the chance to interview her and speak to her about some of her takeaways from her baking years and even business advice.
What inspired you to take up baking as a profession?
I always loved eating cakes. During my university days in Australia, I was exposed to a wide variety of cakes and pastries – I saw baked goods everywhere, from local magazines, baking shows on television and even beautiful cake shops. This was different from the kind of exposure in India, and that motivated me to try out baking. I used to bake brownies and cheesecakes for my friends over the weekends, and their feedback was always positive and encouraging. The joy and confidence that I got from their reviews is what truly inspired me to take up baking.
What really pushed me into professional baking was when a friend approached me to bake a fondant cake for her daughter. Once I began baking this way, there was no turning back from this passion of mine.
What are a few tips that you would give to newcomers in the field?
Take your time to learn, and always learn one technique at a time. It is best if you practice it well and get a grip over one technique before going to the next one. The reason why this helps is you will be able to have a solid number of skills to help with your baking rather than just attempting things. Using your learning, after a few years, the experience will teach you and help you learn which medium you enjoy the most. Once you have clarity on what you enjoy the most, pursue it with all your heart. It is always better to be an expert in one medium rather than trying to be a jack of all trades.
What would you describe as the hardest part of becoming a baker?
The hardest part of starting off is to not compare yourself to others. If you like to work with buttercream, then you should focus and do that and be the best at it. There is no point in comparing yourself to a fondant expert. Your creativity will be hindered by stressing out about what you think you are not good at, and you will lose sight of the things that you are good at. Your journey is yours, make it joyful.
What would you consider your biggest achievement during your entire career?
Self-discovery, as knowing what medium and style of work that I really enjoy working with, has taken some years in my journey as a baker.
How important is a solid support system – friends and family- for any baker to take off well?
Support from family and friends is probably the most important thing for home bakers. This is especially true for young mothers. Wherever I have reached or done till today was possible only because of my family and friends’ support.
What would your number one reason not to go to bakery chains and instead order from a home baker?
I don’t like the artificial flavours from large bakery chains. Most of the home bakers bake from scratch, which gives the cakes a fresh flavour. Moreover, they take care of hygiene while baking which is very important.
Have you had any role models or mentors in the baking industry who has helped you get where you are today?
Karen Portaleyo is my role model – I like her style of work. I have been inspired by many artists from India and abroad, there is always something to learn from each and everyone.
How best do you think Homebakers.co.in has helped home bakers, whether it is to find a platform to sell on or for networking?
Homebakers.co.in is one of kind platform for all home bakers – newcomers and experienced alike to get cake orders so they can have a steady flow of income. You have inspired and educated many bakers across cities through events, and have managed to create a wonderful community of teachers and students.
That was Ms Hima Bindu, all uncut for you lovely bakers and fans out there. She is a true inspiration and her ideas and patience make her stand out.
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