JOIN USWilly Wonka comes to town
He had a penchant for cooking. He also nursed a dream of owning a restaurant someday. It was this goal that nurtured Vikas AR’s passion for baking and making exotic chocolates.
“I had an interest in cooking since childhood. I used to get fascinated by all the cookery shows and slowly tried my hand at baking. One thing led to another and I was introduced to chocolate making during my post-graduation. I have been making chocolates since then.”
Currently working with a multinational company Vikas recalls, “Back then, it was a small hobby and I used to make chocolates after college hours in small batches, and share it with my friends. A colleague of mine requested 100 pieces of chocolates and since then, there was no looking back.”
According to him, one needs to ensure that they prioritise their passion. He usually utilises his weekends to make chocolates.
“I am very passionate about this art. There have been times when I stayed up till 2 am making chocolates, and I wouldn’t even realise that time that had flown by. I also bake on and off but chocolate-making is an ocean by itself. There is so much to learn. I concentrate on this so much that nothing else seems interesting,” he says.
Appreciation by family, friends and colleagues today has given wings to his “once a small hobby”.
His own website and a Facebook page has helped him gain more recognition. However, he says “Although I have a website and a Facebook page, my chocolates have become popular by word of mouth.” On asking if he had been part of any exhibition, he enthusiastically nods and says, “Yes, I participated in a couple of exhibitions at events organised at apartments. My biggest achievement was when I displayed my stock of chocolates at ‘Sunday Soul Sante’. The most encouraging part is when people tell me how much they like my chocolates as they are not too sweet. They appreciate my packaging and presentation because they usually order these as gifts.”
Shaping your hobby, being passionate about it and creating an unbreakable bond with it is something that is rare to see. Vikas also had to fight his way to convince his parents to let him continue what he loves doing.
He explains, “Growing up in an orthodox family, I was initially not appreciated for what I did. I had to fight my way so that they would let me do it. I still remember the time I had to convince my entire family to let me buy an oven because my mother never needed one and it was expensive back then.”
“However, when they saw me working hard, my creations and the appreciation that poured in, they recognised my talent and passion. Now, I have my entire family and friends supporting me. My friends introduce me to the others as - ‘Vikas, the chocolate guy’. I would definitely want to take it up professionally someday,” he adds.