Love & Loaf: How Ira Gupta Bakes with Heart & Soul

Oats and whole wheat choco chip cookies, freshly baked by Love & Loaf. Photo courtesy: Tanya Munshi
Ceramicware: Serene Spaces Décor

Sundays were usually reserved for baking. I would bake a hearty whole wheat walnut chocolate marble cake for the family. Believe it or not, it became a favourite go-to snack for all of us every time we took a tea or coffee break.

Eventually, as work hours grew longer and weekends were parked for checking the kitchen pantry, preparing a meal for the family, or simply resting, and sadly, baking took a backseat. I would often miss my walnut whole wheat cakes.

And then ‘Love & Loaf‘ happened. I spotted this picture posted on a WhatsApp group of delicious homemade whole wheat walnut cake and ordered it. The next day, when it was delivered fresh (it was still warm in the box), I took one bite, and I knew the universe had conspired in my favour to bring my favourite cake to my doorstep. It was also the first time I met the vivacious Ira, who personally delivered the freshly baked cake.

The Lifestyle Portal is super proud to present our latest interview with Ira Gupta, a 42-year-old home baker and the Founder of ‘Love & Loaf’ in Noida. What we really liked about Ira is her humility and open to feedback as in her words, “Feedback is the only way that I can improve, so keep them coming!”

How did it all begin?
“Overall, the decision to become a home baker is driven by a combination of personal passion, creativity, entrepreneurial ambition, and a desire to make a positive impact through the joy of baking,” smiles Ira who launched ‘Love & Loaf’ on 15th September 2023 with just INR 10,000 initial investment for basic infrastructure, equipment and raw materials.

How did you come up with this brand name?
There was a lot of thought behind her brand name, “Love & Loaf.” Her initial thought was to include the word “Loaf” in the brand name as her first SKU launched was a gluten-free loaf, and being a home baker and mother of two, the other mandatory ingredient was “Love.”

“Inspired by her unwavering passion for baking and her commitment to sharing delicious treats, Ira shares some of her driving factors with us:

“Love of Baking: My deep-seated passion for baking stems from childhood memories, family traditions, and a love for creating delightful treats. Baking is not just a hobby, but a source of joy, relaxation, and creative expression.

Nurturing Others: I find immense fulfilment in nurturing others through the food I create. Whether it’s baking cookies for a friend in need, crafting a special birthday cake, or providing comfort with a warm loaf of bread, I take great pride in sharing my creations.

Response to Dietary Needs: With the increasing demand for dietary-friendly options, I was inspired to create recipes that cater to specific dietary needs or preferences. I have personal experience with dietary restrictions in my family and am confident in providing delicious solutions for gluten-free, vegan, and allergen-free baked goods.”

Challenges faced
Ira shares some of the challenges as a home baker she’s had to face:

• Getting the necessary permits and understanding food regulations
• Dealing with limited kitchen space
• Investing in quality equipment and tools
• Finding reliable and affordable ingredient suppliers
• Building a solid brand and effectively marketing products
• Standing out in a competitive market
• Creating appealing and cost-effective packaging
• Providing excellent customer service
• Scaling up production with limited resources

What makes ‘Love & Loaf’ unique?
At Love & Loaf, Ira is all about creating delicious and heartwarming treats that bring joy to your table. Our specialities include custom cakes for your special moments, artisan bread made with love and care, gluten-free or vegan options for dietary needs, beautifully decorated cookies and confections, unique ethnic desserts, healthy treats that still taste amazing, seasonal delights, and personalized dessert experiences.

Future plans
Ira is ready to take ‘Love & Loaf’ forward. We aim to expand operations, strengthen our brand, engage with the community, and innovate our products.

With her head firmly on her shoulders, Ira Gupta is ready to set sail and embark on an exciting journey. We wish Ira and ‘Love & Loaf’, lots of luck and fair winds! We can’t wait to try out the next batch of baked goodies from ‘Love & Loaf’!

You can find Ira Gupta’s Love & Loaf on Instagram: loveloafdilsebakery

Let’s shape your brand story into a narrative that inspires, connects, and builds trust.