Meet Aakanksha Biswas, the founder of Sweet Al Forno, who transitioned from a conventional career to becoming a full-time home baker. After overcoming challenges, including convincing her family and finding the right training, she now specializes in custom and healthy desserts. Her journey from learning baking basics to thriving in her profession is a testament to her dedication and skill.

Aakanksha Biswas is a homebaker and the founder of Sweet Al Forno, which means 'Fresh from the Oven.' She bakes delectable desserts and customises cakes for her customers. Biswas also offers healthy desserts on demand, including vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free options.

Aakanksha Biswas’s association with RMB (Rotary Means Business) kicked off in July 2024 which further bolstered her confidence, helped her make business connections, and boosted her baking business. She informs that RMB is a platform where one can meet people engaged in different businesses and expand their own business in different areas.

Reflecting on her interest in baking, Aakanksha Biswas shares that as a child, she was often fascinated by cakes and even learned how to prepare the cake base at a young age, though she hadn’t yet mastered the art of icing the cakes. She recalls baking her first cake for a friend during her childhood, and the second for her sister’s husband. However, despite these early experiences, she was still uncertain about pursuing baking as a profession.

Aakanksha Biswas initially followed a conventional path, completing her studies before gaining six years of experience in the job sector. Despite her passion for baking, she prioritized her career first. After getting married, she moved to Bangalore with her husband. When COVID struck, her job came to a halt, and with her husband starting his own startup, they relocated to Udaipur.

In the midst of a challenging job market, where companies were laying off employees and offering reduced salaries, Aakanksha took a job that paid her half of what she used to earn. For the first 7-8 months, things went smoothly, but then her husband had to wind up his business. He later received an offer from a reputed institute in Kota, and the couple decided that Aakanksha would continue her job in Udaipur while her husband relocated to Kota. However, 4-5 months later, her husband faced health issues, prompting Aakanksha to quit her job and move to Kota to be with him.

Thereafter, Biswas started looking for jobs in Kota, but couldn’t find anything of her interest. She struggled with the gaps in her resume and the profile she was getting wasn’t matching with her skillsets. She stopped searching for jobs and started looking at other options. After having a deep conversation with herself, she realised that she was fond of cooking and happened to order an OTG.

Biswas took the first step and started learning baking by watching YouTube videos, and later decided to learn baking professionally. So, she started looking for online baking classes as it would not be possible for her to attend baking schools in person. Unable to find any online courses in baking, Biswas encountered a local home baker in Kota and learned the basics from her.

She found inspiration in this woman's journey—a lady who, relying solely on her art and skill, was earning 1.5 to 2 lakhs per month. Subsequently, Aakanksha Biswas pursued additional courses to further her baking skills and eventually ventured full-time into the profession.

Sharing a glimpse of her struggles, Biswas recounts that starting her journey as a home baker was a significant challenge. Finding the right place to learn professional baking and mastering premium desserts, typically found in five-star and seven-star hotels, was not easy. After months of persistent research, she finally discovered the perfect place to refine her skills. Now, as a full-time baker, she has gained immense confidence and feels comfortable engaging with people, which she views as a major achievement.

Another challenge she faced was convincing her parents and in-laws about her decision to quit her job and pursue baking. Given her educational qualifications, her family expected her to excel in a traditional career. However, her dedication soon paid off, turning their initial criticism into appreciation. She also received support from friends and family, and as people gained confidence in her, she began to excel in her newfound profession.

Reflecting on her early days, Biswas shares that she was born and raised in Banswara, Rajasthan. She fondly recalls attending karate classes as a child, which she still misses, along with other sports sessions she participated in. Aakanksha Biswas completed her BCom, followed by an MBA in Finance and Operations. She has also reached the CS Final stage, with one module remaining. Additionally, Biswas holds an LLB and has completed various diplomas, including a Diploma in Taxation, and has practised as well.

When asked about her role models, Biswas cites her parents as her source of inspiration, having witnessed their hard work as she grew up. She believes that anyone from whom you learn good things can be a role model.

Aakanksha Biswas finds motivation in the quote, 'Do hard work and be grateful.' She believes that one should always embrace hard work and express gratitude to others.

Advising aspiring bakers, Aakanksha Biswas emphasises that baking is both a science and an art. She encourages those who are creative and artistic to pursue baking but stresses the importance of understanding the science behind it. Biswas recommends mastering the basics before advancing to more complex dishes. She also advises home bakers to educate their customers on how their products differ from those in bakeries. Additionally, she recommends that home bakers focus on maintaining high quality and communicate this value to their customers.

Aakanksha Biswas advises the youth to use social media positively, for instance, using it to grow your business or for the development of the nation. Biswas also advises her viewers to go for healthy options and take care of their health.

Aakanksha Biswas, initially uncertain about baking as a profession, eventually turned her passion into a full-time career with Sweet Al Forno. Despite facing numerous challenges, including job market struggles and family scepticism, she successfully established herself as a home baker specialising in both custom and healthy desserts. Biswas’s story highlights her perseverance and the importance of embracing one’s true calling.