Sugar Rush by Shavi is a result of the delightful vision of a very talented baker, Shavindya Gunaratna. In operation for over four years, Sugar Rush is a solo baking business that offers premium desserts for your special occasions.
The Youth Observer had a chat with Shavindya about her love for her business, what makes her tick and the good, the bad and the ugly of owning a baking business. Here’s what we found out:
Q. Sugar Rush by Shavi has reached popularity over the past few years. Did you expect success and positive feedback when you started?
I started Sugar Rush in 2014, so it’s been around for almost five years now. It has been a wonderful ride and I am so grateful for all the love and support. However when I started off,it was simply a hobby. I didn’t expect it to turn into this scale of business. I couldn’t be more thrilled about the way everything turned out.
Q. What inspired you to start Sugar Rush?
I wish I had a very inspirational story about my beginning. As I mentioned before, I love baking. I used to bake for my friends and family and one day one of my friends said ‘Why not make a business of it?’ So I opened a Facebook page, started baking and never looked back.
Q. We have quite a lot of popular bakers in Colombo, what would you say makes you unique from all the others?
Sugar Rush by Shavi works on a Pre-order and Delivery basis. I don’t have an outlet where I display my cakes, so my focus at the moment is to produce a customised product. I am 100 percent devoted to making my customers satisfied.
Q. What would you say is your recipe for success?
Beside from a humble attitude and a determination to succeed, I believe giving a 120 percent effort to produce a product that makes my customers happy. It is my recipe for success.
Q. Are there days when you want to give it all up? What keeps you going?
I wouldn’t say there are days I want to give everything up but with order after order flowing in there are frustrating days and the only thing that keeps me going in moments like that are the customer feedback. That love and appreciation always encourages me to get back on my feet again.
Q. Do you like yourself as an entrepreneur?
Yes I do, although I know I have a lot to learn. I love the challenges that come with it and testing my strengths.
Q. Do you believe a strong social media presence is important for a successful business?
Yes I do. Social media has helped me bring my business to this level and I am very grateful for it.
Q. And how to do manage to win social media?
I make sure to post every cake I make and I also post a video of the behind the scenes of the baking process every now and then.
However, I believe engaging with my audience is key when it comes to winning social media.