We recently connected with Kanika and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kanika, thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

I often wish I had started building my brand, Kanika’s Kitchen, and establishing my presence on social media much earlier. If I had, more people would have known about me, trusted my work, and felt confident buying from me. Looking back, I wish I had found the courage to put myself and my offerings out there for the world to see. One of my dreams is to launch a cookbook, and if I had begun growing my audience earlier, I could have been at a point where I was ready to launch and share it by now. It’s a lesson in taking the leap and believing in myself.

Kanika, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, I am Kanika, and I’m delighted you’re here.

Leaving a banking career in 2009 to pursue my passion for cooking and joining a

culinary school was a leap of faith that has brought immense fulfillment.

My culinary adventure began in earnest when I married my husband, whose love for meat expanded my vegetarian palate. As we traversed the globe, moving across four countries and five cities, each destination inspired and enriched my cooking with new flavours.

From mastering the hustle of a busy Mediterranean kitchen in Sydney to curating cozy home cooking experiences in Shanghai and Manila, my repertoire and skills have flourished. I’ve also had the joy of connecting with wonderful women through my cooking classes, sharing our love for food.

Embracing motherhood has been my life’s most enriching chapter, teaching me the art of creating wholesome meals that cater to the heart as much as to health. Food, for me, is the thread that weaves together connections, stories, and memories.

Now settled in beautiful Melbourne, I cherish my Indian roots while embracing the Australian way of life. My recipes are a tribute to the vibrant Indian flavours

I grew up with, lovingly passed down by my mother, my culinary mentor.

It’s about the balance of nourishment and indulgence, embodied in my 80-20 rule: living healthily while also savouring the joys of life’s little treats. Whether it’s a heartwarming meal or a walk with friends, a quiet coffee moment, or a slice of pizza, each bite is a celebration of life’s journey.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Over the past 14 years, my journey has taken me across various countries, each move presenting its own unique challenges and opportunities. Starting life anew in a different land every few years was not easy—especially when it came to setting up my work from scratch, time and time again. Each time, I poured my heart into building something meaningful, often leaving just as I started to witness its true growth potential. Despite the constant cycle of proving myself all over again, I never gave up.

Raising children in Asia, for instance, has been a deeply enriching experience, filled with both perks and challenges. These experiences shaped me into the resilient person I am today. I’ve learned to embrace change rather than fear it. Each step of the journey has taught me how to adapt, persevere, and approach new beginnings with an open mind.

Now, I welcome change and see it as an opportunity for growth, both personally and professionally.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe staying authentic and never compromising on the quality of my product has been the cornerstone of building my reputation. Keeping the originality of my creations intact has always been a priority. In many ways, I am my own target market—what I cook and sell reflects the standards I uphold for my own family. This trust translates to my clientele, who feel confident serving my food to their own loved ones. If my kids are enjoying it, they know it’s something they can rely on too. That trust and connection have been essential to my journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www,kanikaskitchen.com.au
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/kanikas__kitchen?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=