Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal

Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal & Dina Weber | Ep 2.8 | SAPA Bakery: German Roots in Indian Soil


Listen Later

In this engaging episode of Magazine St. Kitchen x Thrive presents Speak Greasy, host Gauri Devidayal sits down with Dina Weber, the dynamic founder and chief baker of SAPA Bakery in Mysore. Dina, a German native, shares her unique journey from traveling and backpacking across India to establishing a beloved bakery in the heart of Mysore.

Dina’s passion for food led her to various projects across India, from permaculture farms to school kitchens and cafés. After two years of hopping between projects every few months, Dina decided it was time to start something of her own. She chose Mysore for its slower pace and has now been a resident for seven years.

Starting from a home kitchen, Dina’s journey saw her moving to a small shared space and eventually to a full-fledged café inside a heritage bungalow. She aimed to provide Mysore with a bakery that was missing, one that she herself would be proud to visit. Despite the challenges of navigating Indian bureaucracy, she persisted, driven by her philosophy of quality and community.

Dina’s dedication bore fruit when she opened SAPA Bakery just two weeks before the lockdown. The lockdown period allowed her to build a strong community of loyal customers who appreciated her quality. As restrictions eased, her business flourished, attracting visitors from big cities specifically to Mysore for her bakery’s delights.

Dina emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, inclusive workplace at SAPA, with a team comprising 70% women, including many in leadership roles. She believes in continuous growth and reinvestment in her team, ensuring a supportive and enriching environment.

In this episode, Dina shares invaluable insights into the bakery industry, her journey, and the importance of meticulous accounting from the start. She also discusses her workshops, which have empowered many to start their own brands, contributing to a thriving bakery industry.

Dina’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and community. Whether you’re an aspiring baker or a business enthusiast, this episode offers a wealth of inspiration and practical advice.

Tune in to hear Dina’s inspiring journey, her thoughts on maintaining creativity amidst business growth, and her vision for the future of SAPA Bakery.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Speak Greasy with Gauri DevidayalBy Food Matters Group | Magazine St. Kitchen