Artistry in Dubai: Sreeparvathy Sunil's artisanal donut venture charting pathways on Dubai's culinary map, titled "Aura by Sree."
Sreeparvathy Sunil, a 24-year-old entrepreneur, has established a unique presence in Dubai's congested dessert scene with Aura by Sree, a cozy Karama-based bakery specialized in innovative, globally-inspired donuts. Armed with a culinary degree from the renowned Culinary Institute of America and a business background from the American University of Sharjah, Sree merges creative flair with business acumen to transform her passion for food into a burgeoning brand.
In an exclusive interview, Sree opens up about the courageous leap that initiated her venture, the arduous process of building a brand from the ground up, and her success in captivating Dubai's food enthusiasts.
Genesis of a Dream
Sreeparvathy's journey to launching Aura by Sree started far from the sandy shores of Dubai, at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. There, amongst globalfood enthusiasts, she was introduced to a world of pastries she had never encountered in her hometown. Inspired by this newfound knowledge, the seed of her bakery was planted.
Upon returning to Dubai and completing her education, Sreeparvathy began piecing together her dream. The vision was expansive, likened to an "ocean," teeming with possibilities for flavors and concepts. However, turning this dream into reality required focus and pragmatism.
A Venture of Faith
Starting a bakery in a competitive market like Dubai is no small achievement. Sreeparvathy's initial investment was substantial, with the majority going towards equipment. A single-group coffee machine, for example, can cost upwards of 20,000 AED, with high-end models reaching 50,000 AED. Armed with a pragmatic approach, she relied on her resourcefulness, collaborating with family friends and her parents for set-up, allowing her to invest strategically in quality ingredients and essential equipment without overspending on branding and setup costs.
An Innovative Menu
What sets Aura by Sree apart in Dubai's competitive culinary scene is the vibrant menu, inspired by Sreeparvathy's global experiences. Donuts, the bakery's mainstay, became her focus due to a market gap.
Newly introduced to diverse offerings like Korean-style donuts during her culinary school days, she was intrigued. She also experimented with Italian-inspired bomboloni, adding her unique touches to a traditional donut. These international influences, combined with her willingness to experiment, led to a menu that was both familiar and excitingly new.
One notable experiment, the Black Forest donut, debuted during the 2024 Christmas season. Initially, it struggled to garner interest due to its name. However, customers were won over once they tasted the cherry ganache and white chocolate creation, demonstrating that perception is as crucial as taste in the food industry.
Brand Building in a Crowded Landscape
Located in a bustling culinary hub like Karama, Aura by Sree faces stiff competition. Yet, Sreeparvathy believes a strong brand is crucial to overcoming even the most challenging environments. This philosophy has been validated as customers flock to her bakery, with some even waiting outside before it opens, and international attention, with orders arriving from as far as Germany.
Sustainability and Community
Sreeparvathy's commitment to sustainability sets Aura by Sree apart in an industry often plagued by waste. To minimize waste, she developed a system to order ingredients based on demand, adjusting throughout the day to avoid overproduction. Any unsold donuts are donated to local workers, such as security guards or petrol pump attendants, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Overcoming Challenges as a Young Entrepreneur
As a young woman in a competitive industry, Sreeparvathy faced challenges, particularly with suppliers who initially underestimated her. Recognizing the importance of preparation in countering these challenges, she invested two months in researching the market and negotiating with suppliers, eventually earning their respect and better terms by demonstrating her understanding of the industry.
Sreeparvathy encourages other young entrepreneurs to invest time in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the industry they wish to enter, learn from those already established, and embark on their ventures with caution but determination.
Milestones and Ambitions
Since opening its doors in May 2024, Aura by Sree has achieved impressive milestones, selling 200 donuts a day and peaking at 300. Beyond the numbers, these achievements reflect the creation of a loyal customer base, with a mix of regulars and newcomers driving sales. Looking ahead, Sreeparvathy envisions a future for Aura by Sree, with dreams of expansion, possibly beyond Karama and even across international borders.
Aura by Sree is more than a bakery. It represents passion, perseverance, and a commitment to quality that shine through in every delectable donut. From her early days in culinary school to building a brand amidst Dubai's vibrant food scene, Sreeparvathy's story is a testament to the power of dreams and determination. As she prepares to launch new creations and explore global opportunities, it's clear that this is only the beginning.
- Sreeparvathy Sunil's passion for food was ignited at the Culinary Institute of America, where she encountered a diverse world of pastries.
- Inspired by her global experiences, Sreeparvathy envisioned an expansive dream for a bakery, requiring focus and pragmatism to transform into reality.
- In the competitive Dubai culinary scene, Sreeparvathy's bakery, Aura by Sree, stands out with its innovative, globally-inspired menu.
- Sreeparvathy's initial investment in her bakery was substantial, with strategic spending on quality ingredients and essential equipment.
- The unique Black Forest donut debuted during the 2024 Christmas season, proving that perception can be as important as taste in the food industry.
- Located in Karama, a bustling culinary hub, Aura by Sree faces competition but has gained a strong presence through a focused brand.
- Sreeparvathy's commitment to sustainability is reflected in her efforts to minimize waste and donate unsold donuts to local workers.
- As a young entrepreneur, Sreeparvathy faced challenges, supporting her call to other young entrepreneurs to research, learn, and proceed with caution yet determination.
- Aura by Sree's success since its opening in May 2024 includes impressive sales and a loyal customer base, with dreams of expansion both locally and internationally.
