Just Bakes is a one-woman business operated by Kian Braganza, out of her home, focusing on quality over quantity
ADITHI SHARMA | NT BUZZ
Just Bakes, founded and run by Kian Braganza, began not as a mapped business venture, but as a gesture in the family kitchen.
“It all started two years ago when I made a creamy New York-style cheesecake for my parents’ anniversary,” recalls Braganza. “The dessert was well received by our guests, many of whom asked about placing orders. I responded with enthusiasm, and that was the beginning of Just Bakes.”
Encouraged by the positive feedback, she began experimenting with recipes, testing and refining them in her home kitchen. Yet, she soon realised that there was only so much self-learning through platforms like YouTube, one could achieve.
Determined to elevate her skills, she enrolled in a professional baking course. “That gave me the skills and confidence to transform my passion into a professional journey,” she says.
Goa’s home-baking industry has grown significantly in recent years, with social media providing an easy route to reach customers. But Braganza knew that standing out required a clear philosophy. For her, that meant an uncompromising focus on product quality. Every creation is prepared exclusively on an order-by-order basis, allowing her to tailor flavours and designs to each customer’s preferences. Freshness is paramount, and no items are stored or pre-made.
Her menu reflects both versatility and restraint. While she enjoys trying new ideas, the core offerings are rooted in timeless favourites. These include orange cake made with fresh juice and zest, mawa cake, chocolate cake, the flourless Italian dessert ‘Torta Caprese’, and tea cakes flavoured with carrot and banana. “For designs, I usually keep things simple and classic, focusing on the flavour,” she says, adding that Pinterest serves as a rich source of inspiration when she wants to experiment. The platform also helps her explore creative packaging ideas to give her products a distinctive edge.
Like many small business owners, Braganza’s journey has not been without obstacles. Initially, she relied entirely on word-of-mouth to increase her reach, which helped her establish a loyal local following. Later, she turned to WhatsApp and Instagram to reach a wider audience.
One persistent challenge has been maintaining variety without compromising quality. To keep customers interested, she introduces new desserts and offers weekend specials. “Marketing Just Bakes as a unique, quality-driven brand remains an ongoing effort,” she says.
External factors have also created difficulties. Ingredient costs, particularly chocolate, have fluctuated sharply in recent years. “When chocolate prices spiked by over 100% last year, I had to balance maintaining quality without raising prices significantly,” she explains. That meant absorbing part of the cost increases while continuing to use premium ingredients — a decision that reinforced her commitment to customer satisfaction.
Running Just Bakes is a hands-on endeavour in every sense. Braganza manages all aspects herself, from sourcing ingredients to baking and packaging. “I require a minimum of 24 hours notice for all orders, which allows me to plan effectively,” she notes. Customers collect their desserts directly from her home in Dona Paula, as delivery is not yet part of the service. This arrangement ensures she maintains full control over the process, guaranteeing consistent results.
This solo approach is demanding, but it also means every product reflects her personal standards.
Braganza’s commitment to quality extends beyond taste to ingredient sourcing. She prioritises high-quality products in every recipe and offers a small menu of healthier alternatives, such as granola bars made with natural sweeteners like honey. These have found a niche following, especially among athletes. “They’re especially popular during events like the Goa Ironman and Triathlon,” she says. Where possible, she incorporates local ingredients, not only for freshness but also to support regional producers.
As demand for her products grows, Braganza is already thinking about the next stage for Just Bakes. “Opening a shop or cloud kitchen in Panaji, Mapusa or Margao will probably be my next step,” she says.
