Namita Nayyar:
You opened about suffering through autoimmune disorders, share your journey with it? Initial struggles and how do you manage it every day?
Prachi Dhabal Deb:
In 2018, all of a sudden I was diagnosed with an auto immune disorder. Whatever I wad eating I was having a lot of discomfort and my body was displaying allergic reactions. It was difficult eating the normal stuff that I would otherwise enjoy so later on when it got worse, I was diagnosed as intolerant to gluten, dairy, nuts and a lot of other stuff that we consume on a daily basis.
While it was shocking and difficult to understand what to do when things you’ve eaten all your life were giving you such a tough time. So, it was a tough year, but I maintained my focus and started making whatever lifestyle changes that I could. With the support of my family and friends, I was able to finally make a routine where I was sticking to a strict diet and till date, I’m on a restricted diet and I’m still taking medication.
My work is something I really look forward to and it really keeps me positive and it gives me a lot of happiness and my heart is full all the time that I’m working. So, I think having a positive mind and people around you who love you, it helps you to come out of any situation you’re in and motivates one to follow a healthy lifestyle of eating, exercising and sleeping. Having a routine really helps, it’s a lifetime thing for me but I’m really happy that I’m able to manage it.
Namita Nayyar:
Being a women entrepreneur, you have definitely achieved a threshold, what advice would you like to share for upcoming young entrepreneurs?
Prachi Dhabal Deb:
It’s been 11 years since I started my journey as a cake artist and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. I have experimented with working on all sorts of cakes before settling and specialising in royal icing and it’s been a beautiful journey. This journey has taught me so much on a daily basis and I’m really grateful for all the love and support I’ve received from this industry.
For all the new bakers and cake artists and those who are planning a career in this stream and to the young entrepreneurs, it is important to focus on the hard work and on having a strong foundation and on having a routine. You should know your medium inside out and understand it really well. Eventually when you understand your medium really well, you can discover your niche and what you can offer to the market that is different from what’s already there.
Being talented is important but hard work is most important. Consistent hard work will give you results that talent may not be able to, so, it’s a combination of everything above that will take you places in this sector.
Namita Nayyar:
Where do you see yourself in the future? What are your upcoming plans and goals for 2023?
Prachi Dhabal Deb:
As an artist, we always have to listen to our creative soul and what our heart is prompting us to do. I treat my cakes as a canvas and whenever I’m working on any new design or any new creation, it gives me a lot of positivity and I’m completely engrossed in that whole process.
Also, I take each day as it comes, I give value to each and everything that’s coming my way and I give full importance and full value because I believe in the fact that we have to listen to our heart and there has to be a balance between your heart, soul and mind. There has to be a connection, so you listen to it and use your creativity. Take each day as it comes has been my mantra. My future plans are to continue working on royal icing and to keep on exploring this medium because for the past so many years I’ve been working with it and its versatility still surprises me each time. So, I’m still exploring and still learning and working each day and that’s the best part of being an artist.
Namita Nayyar:
Lastly, you have been on Femina Cover, tell us about your experience and how did it feel?
Prachi Dhabal Deb
It’s been a great experience being on the Femina cover and one that I’ll cherish for life. I’m really fortunate and honored that this has happened. As an artist, it’s really great when your art is appreciated outside of your own industry and family and friends. To be on the cover of a women centric magazine like Femina is a dream come true and I’m extremely and eternally grateful.
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This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President of Women Fitness
