Sree’s Sweet Succes
The Story Behind Aura by Sree Chemali
In today’s fast-paced world, where routines dominate our lives, there’s something undeniably comforting about indulging in a sweet treat. Bakeries and pastries offer that perfect touch of sweetness, breaking the monotony of our daily grind. One such haven of sugary delight is Aura by Sree, a cozy doughnut store in Dubai, owned and operated by SreeParvathy Sunil. With a passion for baking and a mission to bring joy through her creations, Parvathy has carved a niche for herself in Dubai’s vibrant food scene. This article delves into her journey, the challenges she faced, and the sweet success she has achieved.
Parvathy’s love for the culinary arts began at a young age, leading her to pursue her dreams at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in New York after completing high school. It was during her time at CIA that the concept of Aura began to take shape.
Surrounded by people from diverse cultures and exposed to a variety of global culinary trends, Parvathy was inspired to introduce something unique to Dubai’s bakery scene. New York, a city known for its bustling food culture, particularly in the realm of baked goods, served as a backdrop for Parvathy’s vision.
It was here that she was introduced to the concept of Korean doughnuts by an acquaintance at the institute. Fascinated by the idea, she decided to specialize in this niche, bringing something new and exciting to Dubai’s pastry lovers.
The Challenges of Starting a Business
Starting a business is never easy, and Aura by Sree was no exception. One of the biggest challenges Parvathy faced was finding the right team to support her vision. As a business owner, she knew the importance of surrounding herself with people who shared her passion and dedication.
However, finding the “ideal” employee is often an elusive goal. Parvathy had to settle for finding individuals who came close to her criteria and then worked on molding them into the team she needed. Perfecting her doughnut recipes was another significant challenge. It took Parvathy two months of rigorous testing and experimentation to develop the flavors that would define Aura by Sree.
She started by brainstorming ideas, creating sample batches, and gathering feedback from about 150 people, thanks to the support of her friends. This extensive process helped her identify the top six flavors that resonated with her customers, setting the foundation for her menu.
Building Community Support and Overcoming Barriers
From the moment she opened her doors, the local community embraced Aura by Sree with open arms. Customers from various nationalities, including Europeans, Filipinos, Indians, Pakistanis, and Arabs, have flocked to her store, applauding her for starting a business at such a young age.
Dubai’s diverse cultural landscape has been instrumental in her success, as her doughnuts appeal to a wide audience, free from cultural or national barriers. Sourcing high-quality ingredients was another challenge that Parvathy faced. In the world of culinary arts, the quality of ingredients can make or break a product.
However, balancing quality with cost is essential for any business to thrive. Parvathy took her time to find suppliers who could provide the best ingredients within her budget, a process that involved personally testing various samples. Her dedication to maintaining the highest standards of quality has paid off, as customers continue to return for the unique flavors that Aura by Sree offers.
The Role of Social Media and Work-Life Balance
Social media has been a game-changer for Aura by Sree. From day one, most of Parvathy’s customers discovered her bakery through Instagram and other social platforms. She credits social media for driving 95% of her sales initially, with word-of-mouth recommendations gradually contributing to her growing customer base. The power of social media in building a brand and reaching a wide audience cannot be underestimated, and Parvathy has leveraged this tool to great effect.
Balancing work and life was a challenge in the early days of her business. Parvathy often found herself working 12-hour days, with little time for anything else. However, as her business grew and her team became more self-sufficient, she was able to step back slightly and regain some personal time. Despite this, her mind is never far from her business, a reality that every entrepreneur must accept.
Sustainability and the Future of Aura by Sree
In an industry where food waste is a significant issue, Parvathy has taken steps to minimize the environmental impact of her business. All of Aura’s doughnuts are made fresh daily, with unsold products not being kept for the next day.
Instead of producing in bulk, she strategically plans her daily output based on trends and customer demand, reducing waste as much as possible. This commitment to sustainability is just one aspect of her thoughtful approach to business.
As for the future of Aura by Sree, Parvathy prefers to keep her plans under wraps for now. However, given her track record of innovation and dedication, it’s clear that exciting things are on the horizon for this young entrepreneur and her beloved doughnut store.
Conclusion
Aura by Sree is more than just a doughnut store; it is a symbol of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. Through her journey, SreeParvathy Sunil has shown that with the right mix of creativity, hard work, and community support, dreams can indeed come true. As she continues to innovate and delight her customers, Aura by Sree is set to become a staple in Dubai’s culinary scene, spreading sweetness and joy to all who walk through its doors.
The following celebrities have also been interviewed by Magnav magazine: Lalisa Manoban Worldwide Phenomenon, and Krystel Chemali The Enchantress of Fashion.
