Incomplete schooling, early marriage – Nothing stopped Heena from becoming a ‘famous female baker’

Heena Kausar Yasser Raad is a famous female baker from Mumbai. Despite having more than 105k followers on Instagram, this inspiring woman conducts bakery classes for thousands of women who wish to make their career in baking. Due to certain life challenges, she couldn’t complete her schooling, but she didn’t let this stop her from fulfilling her dream.

The Winged Women recently interviewed this young baker, who is a great inspiration to thousand’s others. We are sharing these details here hoping that many women will learn how she overcame obstacles to become successful. Happy reading!

Who is Heena Kausar?

I was born on 5^th January 1994 and I couldn’t complete my education due to some family issues. I got engaged at the age of 12 years, was married by 14 and gave birth to my first child when I was 15 years old. Back then, I lived the life of a housewife who used to do everything for others’ happiness.

During my early childhood days, I stayed with my Nani (maternal grandmother), who was a poor lady. So, my childhood keeps me grounded.

How did you get into baking?

I started my career at the age of 21. So, my mother forwarded me a random cake baking video on WhatsApp as she was craving for it. I tried making it, and it was a blunder. Nevertheless, my mother encouraged me, saying, “Let’s call it a Chocolate Parantha”. My mother wanted me to do a professional baking course. Meanwhile, she took care of my youngest child, who was just four months old at that time.

After some time, people started liking my cakes, and I did an advanced baking course with my mother’s financial support. I didn’t have enough money to buy basic fondant tools, so I sold my jewelry to expand my business.

What was your first workshop like?

I didn’t have the means to conduct a proper workshop. I organized at my Nani’s house with just a mat on the floor and five eager students ready to pay Rs 1500 to learn baking. Today, I take seminar’s that are attended by hundreds of girls. It is because my mother and my husband supported me.

Tell us about some of your best moments as a baker

Initially, when I couldn’t afford an oven, I got an order of 35 cakes. I cooked the entire order on a regular gas stove while managing my one-year-old baby.

I got a chance to participate in Food Festival India for three days. I also participated in a competition hosted by LLB Mumbai, where I was appreciated for my skills.

Today, when I go out for an outing to any place in India, people are eager to meet me, and it feels great to know that people consider me as a famous female baker.

What was your first order and the whole experience?

My first order was a 250-gm cake that I sold for Rs 150. At that time, I used to deliver the cakes myself. I couldn’t afford a delivery boy.

What was the most challenging baking moment for you?

Participating in Food Festival India was quite challenging for me. There were well-known bakers from Taj, Theobroma, La Pastry and more. I was the only home-baker there, and I didn’t even have that much experience. It was only because I worked hard day and night to plan my cake that I could finally make it there.

How did Covid-19 affect your business?

I was quite tensed about my earnings when the first lockdown was imposed. I knew that I, as an individual, could survive, but my employees aren’t so financially strong. So, I had to work harder for them. By the grace of God, I earned almost double my regular income during lockdown by selling a good number of cakes and was able to offer financial assistance to my employees.

How do you manage motherly duties and professional life together?

Well, I don’t take any mental pressure. Whenever there is an issue, I remain patient. I believe patience can solve every problem. My husband is supportive and understanding. He is ten years older than me, and we have been together for 13 years now. He trusts me and encourages me to do better.

How is your bond with your mother and daughter?

My mother and daughters are my only best friends. We keep each other’s secrets. My eldest daughter is 12-years-old, and she helps me with Zoom calls and manages a lot of my work. Her workshop bookings go full even before mine.

What advice will you give to aspiring bakers?

To all aspiring and budding bakers, I will say “believe in yourself”. If you don’t explore yourself and go into self-doubt, you won’t be able to become a famous female baker. Be confident in who you are. For example, I am not too perfect at speaking English, but that doesn’t stop me from conversing in that language. I try. Nothing can stop you!!

I couldn’t complete my studies, but now I feel that if others can’t help me, I can give wings to myself. I pass the same belief to my daughters too.

Today, I teach my daughters at home. Would you believe that a mother who is herself not so educated is teaching her daughter? I think one should always keep learning.

This journey of famous female baker – Heena speaks volumes about what a woman can achieve if she has the will to do hard work. Her passion and dedication towards her work is a great example for every woman who wants to build a career in bakery. Through her bakery classes, she is giving birth to so many ‘wingedwomen’.

You can read the inspiring stories of other well-known influencers or also share your own. If you have a story that can inspire others, feel free to reach us at thewingedwomen@gmail.com