Kolkata College Student Declines IIM MBA to Grow Her Bakery Brand
In a world where the allure of a prestigious MBA from the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) can be a dream come true for many, Megha Sarayan, a Kolkata-based entrepreneur, took the road less traveled. In 2021, she declined an admission offer from IIM Kozhikode to focus on her bakery startup, Land Of Cakes. This bold decision has paid off, as her brand has now generated a revenue of ₹2 crore in the last financial year.
Megha’s journey began in 2018 when she started Land Of Cakes from her kitchen. With a passion for baking and a dream to turn her hobby into a business, Megha invested her savings and took the first step towards building her startup. The initial days were challenging, with Megha working tirelessly to perfect her recipes and build a customer base. However, her dedication and perseverance paid off, and soon her bakery started to gain popularity.
In 2021, Megha received an admission offer from IIM Kozhikode, a prestigious business school in India. While many would have jumped at the opportunity, Megha decided to decline the offer to focus on her bakery business. This decision was not taken lightly, as IIMs are highly respected institutions, and an MBA degree from one of them can open doors to a wide range of job opportunities.
However, Megha was committed to her vision of building a successful bakery brand. She believed that pursuing an MBA would mean taking a break from her business and starting from scratch, which would have been a setback for her startup. Instead, she chose to continue growing her business, despite the challenges that came with it.
One of the biggest challenges Megha faced was the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a significant impact on the bakery industry. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, Megha had to think outside the box to keep her business afloat. She started offering home deliveries, online orders, and even started a subscription-based service, which allowed customers to order cakes and other baked goods on a regular basis.
The pandemic also forced Megha to innovate and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. She started experimenting with new recipes and products, such as vegan and gluten-free options, to cater to the growing demand for healthier and more sustainable food choices. This not only helped her business survive but also thrive during a time when many other businesses were struggling to stay afloat.
Megha’s hard work and determination have paid off, and Land Of Cakes is now a successful brand with a revenue of ₹2 crore in the last financial year. The bakery has expanded its operations, and Megha has recently secured ₹72 lakhs in funding to support future growth.
Megha’s journey serves as a reminder that success is not just about achieving a prestigious degree or job. It’s about following your passion and taking calculated risks to achieve your goals. For Megha, declining an IIM MBA admission was a risk worth taking, and it has paid off in a big way.
As Megha looks to the future, she is excited to continue growing her business and exploring new opportunities. She is committed to staying true to her vision and values, and is confident that her bakery brand will continue to thrive and make a positive impact on the community.
In conclusion, Megha Sarayan’s story is an inspiration to entrepreneurs and students alike. Her decision to decline an IIM MBA admission to focus on her bakery startup is a testament to her passion and dedication to her business. With hard work, determination, and a willingness to take risks, Megha has built a successful brand that is now generating significant revenue. Her story serves as a reminder that success is possible when you follow your heart and stay committed to your goals.
