Local Ace of Cakes

by: Aditi Mehta

Most of us aren’t gourmet chefs that can whip up a tasty and gorgeous looking treat for a special occasion. And most of us can’t really afford to get Duff Goldman from the Food Network to make us a jaw-dropping-made-to-order cake.

Well, if you’re craving some baked goods and live in the Austin – Houston area, call Rina Gandhi for a delicious-attention-getting cake for your next occasion. As a college student with a passion for desserts, Rina recently set up shop to bake confectioneries for any occasion your heart desires.

BG: What was your inspiration for starting your own cake business?

Rina: It was mostly spur of the moment. I was sitting in class one day where I had to present a fake business to “potential investors,” and I thought, well why not do this for real? Feeding people delicious, feel-good foods is something I take pleasure in, and as a college student, money is always in short supply. The process was easy enough and everything seemed to just fall into place!

BG: How would you best describe your products?

Rina: My products are fully unique as they are all homemade from scratch, in addition to being my personal recipes. They are tasty, rich, and moist, as well as completely personalized and affordable. I do not like simple, boring cakes and flavors, and would rather add fresh, tart raspberries or strawberries to an otherwise plain chocolate cake than deliver the norm.

BG: What occasions do you cater for?

Rina: I make cakes for anyone looking for a cheaper, but better quality alternative to store-bought. I have made cakes for birthdays, occasions such as Halloween and New Years, and am currently working on a wedding cake.

BG: How do you balance school and your cake business?

Rina: School always comes first, after all this is more of a hobby while school determines my future. I do not take orders during finals and take into consideration papers and tests I may have.

BG: Where did you learn to make your cakes?

Rina: I taught myself almost everything and learned by slowly moving from store-bought mixes to fully from scratch. Not to mention, from many upon many horrible mistakes while creating new recipes, and lots of practice with the technical aspects like working with fondant and piping.

Here at Brown Girl, we salute strong, independent women who go out there and try new things (especially women who can make delicious treats). For your next cake need, contact Rina Gandhi. Visit www.rinasspecialtycakes.com or email her at rinascakes@gmail.com.