Nadia Aguiar, a resident of Goa, is a former student of the prominent culinary and hotel management institute, V. M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE). Nadia developed a love for baking from a young age and this led her to study hospitality and culinary arts to make a career in the industry she loved the most.

She currently owns her own business, “Bake My Day,” where she bakes cakes customised to her clients’ demands.

An honest conversation with Nadia sheds light on her three-year journey at VMSIIHE.

Were you always interested in the pastry industry? What made you gravitate towards this path?

Yes, I have always been passionate about the pastry industry. From a young age, I used to bake cakes for all family occasions and for friends. I also used to like watching baking shows and competitions and seeing all the amazing ways they decorated cakes and made other confections, really got me excited to do it myself.

A little background check revealed that you worked with Grand Hyatt Goa. Can you tell us about your experience working there? 

 I had a really good experience at Grand Hyatt Goa. I got to really develop my skills, learn new techniques, and understand how all the aspects of the pastry department work. I also liked being a part of the team and enjoyed working with them through various circumstances.

You also completed an internship in Portugal. What kind of internship was it? What was the experience like?

My internship was totally a hands-on experience for 6 months. I had to work in all the major departments of the hotel – Food Production, Service, Front Office & Housekeeping. It was intriguing to understand how things work in a different country, learn about their culture, and be independent living on my own. I got to learn a lot about the cuisine and got a chance to interact with the guests and it helped me improve my Portuguese too.

When and why did you decide to start your own proprietorship “Bake My Day?

 Thanks to the encouragement of my family and friends who loved my cakes and treats whenever I made them, in 2018, I decided to start taking up orders for brownies, cookies, and cupcakes to spread the happiness I felt to other people too and this was when Bake my Day was born.