7 minute read
Little Sugar
In the charming village of Telaulim, Navelim, Goa, resides a talented self taught baker named Janeska Coutinho, who has turned her love for baking into successful home-based bakery known as Little Sugar. Since its inception in 2020, Little Sugar has become a haven for those seeking delicious, personalized cakes for weddings, birthdays, baptisms, and more. Janeska’s journey is not only about creating mouthwatering desserts but also about spreading joy through her baked creations, inspired by her family and supported by their unwavering encouragement.
The Beginning: A Brownie Sparked It All
Janeska’s love for baking was kindled by her first baking experience, which was making brownies under her mother's guidance. The delectable taste of those brownies, coupled with the joy it brought to her younger brother, was the catalyst that propelled her into the world of baking. The smile on her brother's face every time he enjoyed her bakes encouraged Janeska to continue refining her skills and exploring new baking techniques. Over time, this passion grew, eventually leading to the establishment of Little Sugar, where every bake is a testament to her dedication and love for the craft.
The Birth of Little Sugar: Encouragement from a Godmother
While Janeska’s mother introduced her to the art of baking, it was her godmother who played a pivotal role in encouraging her to turn this passion into a profession. With her godmother's support and her family's belief in her abilities, Janeska took the plunge and started Little Sugar in 2020. The bakery quickly gained popularity for its beautifully crafted cakes, each unique in its design and taste, reflecting Janeska’s creative flair and commitment to making each occasion memorable for her clients.
Crafting Memories: A Unique Approach to Baking
Janeska loves creating cakes that are not only visually stunning but also hold sentimental value for her clients. Whether it’s a wedding, a birthday, or a baptism, she ensures that each cake is tailored to the specific event, making it a unique centerpiece. Her creativity knows no bounds as she meticulously designs each cake, paying close attention to detail and ensuring that it aligns with her clients’ visions. This personal touch has made Little Sugar a go-to bakery in the region, where customers return time and again for the delightful experience that Janeska offers.
Managing the Hustle: Family Support and Time Management
Running a home-based bakery like Little Sugar comes with its set of challenges, especially when orders start piling up on a busy day. However, Janeska’s parents have been her pillars of support, always ready to lend a helping hand whenever the workload becomes overwhelming. Her mother and father assist in various tasks, ensuring that everything is done on time, and they constantly motivate her to improve with each passing day. This family collaboration not only helps manage the bakery efficiently but also strengthens their bond as they work together towards a shared goal.
To manage her time effectively, Janeska takes orders 2-3 days in advance. This approach allows her to plan her day efficiently, ensuring that she has enough time to dedicate to each bake while also setting aside some moments for herself. By striking a balance between her professional and personal life, Janeska maintains her passion for baking without feeling overwhelmed by the demands of her growing business.
Beyond Baking: A Multifaceted Talent
While baking is undoubtedly Janeska’s primary passion, she also enjoys indulging in other creative activities. Gardening, painting, and cooking are among her favorite hobbies, which provide her with a refreshing break from the kitchen. These activities not only help her relax but also inspire her baking, as she often draws on her love for nature and art when designing her cakes. This diverse range of interests contributes to her well-rounded personality and adds an extra layer of creativity to her work at Little Sugar.
Staying Updated: The Role of Social Media
In today’s digital age, staying updated with the latest trends and techniques is crucial for any business, and Little Sugar is no exception. Instagram, in particular, has been a valuable resource for Janeska, offering her access to countless reels and trends that keep her informed about the latest baking techniques. She regularly explores new ideas and integrates them into her work, ensuring that Little Sugar remains at the forefront of innovation in the local baking scene.
Janeska’s father also plays a vital role in this aspect of her business. Whenever he comes across new designs or recipes, he eagerly shares them with her, helping her stay on top of industry trends. His quick fixes and creative solutions often come in handy when Janeska encounters challenges in her designs, making him an indispensable part of her baking journey.
Client Favorites: The Chocolate Cake Craze
Although Janeska doesn’t have a specific signature dish, her chocolate cakes have become a massive hit among her clients. The rich, moist, and decadent flavor of her chocolate creations keeps customers coming back for more. These cakes have become so popular that many clients often request variations of the chocolate flavor, eager to experience different takes on their favorite dessert. Janeska’s ability to deliver consistently delicious and innovative chocolate cakes has solidified Little Sugar’s reputation as a bakery that prioritizes quality and customer satisfaction.
Pushing Boundaries: The Importance of Innovation
Janeska believes that growth comes from constantly challenging oneself to try new things. She encourages aspiring bakers to stretch their skills by experimenting with new recipes, techniques, and flavors. For her, staying updated with the latest trends is essential to keeping her business relevant and exciting. This mindset of continuous improvement is evident in the diverse range of cakes and desserts she offers, each one reflecting her commitment to innovation and excellence.
A Moment of Pride: The Recent Cake Table Creation
Among her many achievements, one of Janeska’s recent creations stands out—a beautifully designed cake table for a first birthday party. The process of bringing everything together, from the cake to the accompanying decorations, was a labor of love that paid off beautifully. The client’s positive feedback was the icing on the cake, reaffirming Janeska’s belief in the importance of passion, dedication, and attention to detail in every project she undertakes.
Balancing Passion and Personal Life
Despite the demands of running a bakery, Janeska understands the importance of maintaining a balance between her work and personal life. By planning her orders in advance and setting aside time for her hobbies, she ensures that she doesn’t burn out. This balance not only keeps her motivated but also allows her to bring fresh creativity to her baking, ensuring that Little Sugar continues to thrive.
Conclusion: A Sweet Future Ahead
Janeska Coutinho’s journey with Little Sugar is a testament to the power of passion, family support, and the joy of creating something beautiful. Her story is one of dedication, creativity, and love for the craft of baking, which has resonated with her clients and made Little Sugar a beloved name in Telaulim, Navelim, Goa. As she continues to innovate and push the boundaries of her baking, the future looks incredibly sweet for Janeska and Little Sugar.
With a supportive family by her side and a community that appreciates her unique creations, Janeska is set to achieve even greater success in the coming years. Her advice to other aspiring bakers is simple yet profound: keep challenging yourself, stay updated with trends, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating something that brings joy to others. Little Sugar is not just a bakery; it’s a symbol of love, passion, and the sweet memories that Janeska continues to create, one cake at a time.
