I met the lovely and gracious Priyanka a couple of years ago at Cake Bake and Sweet show when I was teaching a palette knife cake workshop.
Priyanka was so sweet, calm and what I would call ethereal in her demeanor. Such a pleasure to be around as she makes you feel instantly at ease and relaxed being in her presence.
We chatted a little more here and there and Priyanka continued to work on her passion and developed her own style that we just love.
When I did a call out on socials for demonstrators, Priyanka messages straight away asking if she could be considered and it was an instant yes from me and the rest is history!
Please take a moment to get to know this beautiful soul and fall in love with her as I have.
Name: Priyanka Baruah
Location: Melbourne
Business Name: Cocoa Oven
Insta Link: cocoa.oven
Website Link: www.cocoaoven.com.au
Tell us a little about you? Something you’ve never told anyone! I can’t think of anything nobody knows of. But lesser known is my background in architecture (having practised for 15yrs). (Moni - ohhh I head no idea!!) The day I stop being involved in the creative arts completely will be when I start dying. I am a trained salsa dancer. I recently did a free online ADHD test and my score suggests a very high likelihood – it could be the reality behind a lot of my (seemingly) erratic career decisions. (Moni - nothing wrong with ADHD or ADD, which I think might be more you than ADHD, it's what makes us so special in the caking industry!)
Career Journey
How did you first get started in the caking/baking industry? I quit my job as an interior designer early 2019 thinking I would do something on my own (in the design field). One thing led to the other and I ended up doing something on my own but not exactly what I thought I would do in the first place. This is a very short version of the story – the longer version needs a sit-down dinner with a G&T (Moni - G&T is needed!)
When did you begin your adventure in the caking and baking industry? Professionally end of 2019
Are you a buttercream babe or a fondant Floozy? A buttercream babe – butter makes everything better!
If you could start again, what would you change? Not fool myself to believe “there are too many cakers around” and spend 3 years doing things that didn’t really bring me joy and eventually become a cake artist anyways. Other than that, I love all the mistakes I have made and truly relish the journey.
Brand Affiliation
How did you come to be involved with the Moreish brand? I did a class in 2023 that made a big impact in my style of cake decorating and had me converted to a loyal Moreish fan
Do you remember how you came to be an ambassador? Do you have a story to tell? I responded to an EOI email for demos at CBSS Melbourne and Monica was happy to have me on board for that. I did 3 demos representing Moreish products and loved every bit of the experience. I guess that’s what led to this opportunity :)
What is your favorite product from our brand and why? Palette Knives – I pretty much use them for at least 90% of my cakes. My background in design has led to an organic attraction to art inspired designs and the palette knives feel natural as a tool for that. I am always trying to upskill in terms of techniques using them. There is so much I am still learning but that’s the exciting part of it.
If you had to recommend 3 products from our range, which would you tell newbies to buy and why? More Cuppies (cupcakes are such a big part of starting out in caking and the range is like no other), More Blow (coz it’s a sure shot way of upgrading the decorations) and possibly More Liners (I don’t have them but I’ve heard too many good things from others and it would be something any caker would be using)
Can you describe a memorable experience you've had while representing our brand or an opportunity that has come your way because of it? I have been invited to be a guest expert on another professional’s cake program (Rosie Gaul). We were both doing demos for Moreish at CBSS and got along well. She witnessed my demos and that must have given her the confidence. I highly doubt that kind of connection would have happened with just online interaction on social media.
Personal Insights
How do you stay updated with trends and changes in the caking and baking industry? Instagram
What your fav trend to date? I am not a very “trendy” person to be honest but if it can be considered one, then abstract buttercream textures
What trend would you like to see end and why? I don’t get burn cakes. I also saw a gender reveal cake recently that has jiggly belly which you can cut into – even typing this gives me the creeps. I seriously hope it doesn’t become a trend.
Do you cake/Bake/content create full time or have a supplement job elsewhere? Full time business
What is your ultimate goal in this industry? Have my own cake studio primarily for teaching and only do cake orders that are aligned to my style (presumably I have a clear one by then)
Which other cakers/bakers/creators do you look to for inspo? Keeps changing but currently KCake Dessert, Sweet Dakita, Historias del Ciervo (Julian Angel), Caked by Catherine – in general I love it when creators think out of the box. I was very intrigued by Monica’s experiments with Russian marshmallow expecially for covering cakes.
If you could have dinner with your caking hero, who would it be and why? This is super cheesy but you Monica coz there’s never a dull moment and I know there is so much to learn from you as a business owner in this industry. However, that might become slightly easier now 😉 and I am greedy that way, so Alisha Henderson would also be on that list (I really need to understand where she gets her infectious energy from) (Moni - awww honey! Never quiet moment around here!)
What are your goals or aspirations within the caking and baking industry? Aspiration is to simply keep growing as a creator – I would hate to be doing the same kind of work and not see any improvement in myself every year
Final Thoughts
Do you have any advice for aspiring Brand Ambassadors? Isn’t it early for that haha? I guess – believe in the brand first before aspiring for it.
