Miraz Bakery: A sweet success story of entrepreneurship & empowerment (video)

KATHMANDU: Babita Dulal and Yogesh Bastakoti, the founders of Miraz Bakery, are not only life partners but also successful entrepreneurs in the bakery industry.

Based in Bouddha, Kathmandu, they are dedicated to training numerous youths in bakery skills, attracting participants from across Nepal, from east to west, particularly from tourism hotspots.

With an impressive track record, Dulal and Bastakoti have seen over 50 students from the Miraj Institute launch their own bakery businesses.

Initially, the couple ran a café while possessing hospitality training, but their entrepreneurial aspirations led them to officially establish Miraz Bakery in 2016, aiming to meet the market demand in Nepal.

Despite not engaging in commercial advertising, the enthusiastic participation of their students has brought them immense joy.

Dulal, who studied finance, originally intended to work in a bank rather than enter the bakery business. However, influenced by her husband’s vision, she decided to embark on this new venture.

Before starting Miraz Bakery, they had the option of pursuing international careers but chose to remain in Nepal to develop their business.

Sharing the challenges of funding their venture, Dulal recounted how they sold a motorcycle and some of her jewelry to raise the initial investment of Rs 350,000 to start their bakery.

With limited resources, they began production in a small room equipped with an oven, a planner machine, and a table, along with a helper.

Bastakoti emphasized that with a basic understanding of the market, even a small investment, like the cost of a smartphone, could launch a bakery business.

He encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to utilize any kitchen space they have, stating that with dedication, one can expand their business significantly.

Dulal revealed her early interest in baking, which grew over time. After completing a basic course, she pursued a diploma and participated in various workshops to hone her skills. Despite their different backgrounds, the couple’s collaboration has yielded positive results in their bakery venture.

Utilizing online platforms and social media, they have expanded their bakery production and distribution. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought significant financial challenges. Dulal noted the occasional frustration during downturns in business, but they managed to overcome these hurdles with collective support and determination.

Bastakoti highlighted the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs in Nepal, including familial expectations and bureaucratic hurdles. They transformed these challenges into opportunities by establishing the Miraz Vocational School, aimed at facilitating change in Nepalese society through bakery education.

Currently, Miraz Institute offers various courses, including a Level One professional bakery course lasting four months, which prepares students to start their own small bakeries. They also offer a diploma course that lasts a year, with practical training at star hotels, ensuring students are job-ready.

Additionally, they provide short courses in coffee-making and baking, often inviting expert instructors from Nepal and abroad. Miraz Bakery is also involved in various government programs, collaborating with federal and local authorities to drive community initiatives.

Through their unwavering commitment, Babita Dulal and Yogesh Bastakoti have not only created a successful business but have also become role models for aspiring bakers, proving that with passion and perseverance, anyone can achieve their dreams.

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Local Crop Promotion Initiative

Under this initiative, co-founder Bastakoti explained how students can learn to serve local grains from hilly districts in expensive hotels.

He also mentioned that small courses have been designed for schoolchildren, focusing on what snacks can be made and how to enhance the food chain using our indigenous crops that are underutilized.

Future Plans

Co-founder Bastakoti stated that they are preparing to work as a leadership agency in food production within a few years. He noted that many products are currently being imported in the bakery sector. In the near future, they aim to create an export-oriented environment by utilizing Nepal’s indigenous crops and technologies.

He expressed, “We want to see Nepali products and brands recognized internationally. That is our future plan.”

He emphasized that the bakery business would directly and indirectly contribute to creating job opportunities in Nepal. He asserted the need to shift the focus from imports to exports.

“We will produce as sustainably as possible in Nepal, prioritizing local production and resources,” he said.

Bakery Production Garden

Bastakoti mentioned that they have created a garden for practical learning experiences. “Instead of just showing students pictures or photos, if a coffee learner can see a freshly picked red cherry, the learning becomes sustainable and effective,” he explained.

He emphasized teaching students through hands-on experiences in the garden.

Technology in Bakery Production

Co-founder Bastakoti highlighted that the Miraz Institute has numerous machines related to bakery production. He mentioned equipment for dough mixing, flour milling, and various ovens imported from different countries.

He also noted that there are baking rooms and special areas for cake-making.

Advice for Aspiring Bakers

Founders Dulal and Bastakoti encouraged young people interested in the bakery business to address each other’s mistakes and move forward rather than blindly trusting one another. They advised that to gain skills and experience, it is important to travel abroad at least once.

“Travel to explore, travel to learn, but make sure to return to Nepal,” they urged.

They informed aspiring bakers that there are good opportunities for bakery businesses internationally. Co-founder Bastakoti pointed out that while technologies like AI are displacing many jobs, the risk of such displacement in the bakery sector is lower for the time being.

Complaints to the Government

Bastakoti highlighted the absence of an umbrella organization for bakery businesses in Nepal. “While there is an association for bread businesses, smaller enterprises are not included. There is no organized body to address the issues faced by bakery businesses,” he stated.

He noted that some local initiatives are underway but emphasized that a stable government is crucial for the smooth functioning of businesses.

In conclusion, he urged the government to create a conducive working environment for businesses.

(Currently, there is a special offer for students wishing to take bakery and barista training at Miraz Bakery.)

-Tenzing Dolma Tamang