Katherine, Sheetal, and Sophia – Where Training Meets Triumph
At Whitecaps, we don’t just teach pastry, we help shape dreams into reality. And sometimes, those dreams take the form of thriving cafés that reflect the heart, skill, and vision of the people behind them.
Today, we’re proud to share the stories of three remarkable alumni who turned their Whitecaps training into ventures that are as unique as they are inspiring. From a cat café in Bangalore to a French-inspired pâtisserie, these journeys remind us why we do what we do.
Katherine Sylvia – Meows & Muffins: Where Pastry Meets Paws
From Kolkata to a Cat Café
Katherine’s journey into pastry began far from professional kitchens. Born and raised in Kolkata, she moved to Bangalore in 2019 after marriage, carrying with her a quiet curiosity for baking and a growing desire to step away from corporate life.
Whilst exploring pastry courses in Bangalore, Whitecaps appeared on her Instagram feed through a post about Chef Amaury Guichon’s workshop. What started as a casual scroll soon turned into serious consideration. The comprehensive curriculum, hands-on approach, and in-depth training across key pastry techniques convinced her. A visit to the campus sealed the decision.
In March 2022, Katherine joined Whitecaps as a diploma student.
After completing the course, she gained industry experience with a four-month on-the-job training stint at Four Seasons, Bangalore. Though she took a brief break due to health concerns, her vision remained crystal clear. she wanted to build something of her own.
Coming from a family deeply connected to the food and restaurant industry, Katherine had always been intrigued by professional kitchens. Her earlier corporate role in a POS software company kept her closely connected to restaurant owners, further strengthening her dream. Once she stepped away from corporate life for good, baking was no longer a hobby; it became her calling.
That’s when her love for animals blended beautifully with her culinary journey.
Along with her partner, Katherine envisioned a space that combined two things close to her heart: good food and pets. The result was Meows & Muffins, a cat café designed not just for animal lovers, but for people seeking comfort, connection, and meaningful experiences.
What truly sets the café apart is its philosophy. Whilst many pet cafés focus primarily on the animals, Katherine was determined to ensure the food lived up to the experience. At Meows & Muffins, guests are welcomed with thoughtfully prepared bakes, alongside the warmth and joy that only pets can bring.
The first outlet opened in August 2022 and ran successfully for over a year and a half. With bigger dreams in mind, the café temporarily closed to move into a larger, better space, reopening its doors at the new location on 21st November.
“Sometimes, the sweetest paths are the ones you choose with heart.”
Sheetal – From Next Door to a Dream Café
Where Proximity Became Passion
Some journeys begin with a plan. Others begin quietly, right next door.
Sheetal, originally from Coorg, first came across Whitecaps in the most organic way possible. Living next door to the institute, every visit to Namdharis, now known as Krust Café, meant walking past Whitecaps. Over time, curiosity turned into familiarity, and familiarity into connection.
Even after moving out of Koramangala, Sheetal stayed closely connected through social media. Something about Whitecaps resonated deeply, and it felt right.
She went on to become part of the 8th Anniversary batch of the Excellence Diploma Program, a milestone batch that reflected both celebration and commitment to craft.
Before joining Whitecaps, Sheetal was already a passionate home baker. Baking had always been a part of her life, something she shared with her mother from a very young age. Growing up in Coorg, a region known for its rich food culture and natural flair for cooking, experimentation in the kitchen came instinctively to her.
At Whitecaps, that passion found structure, technique, and professional direction.
After completing the programme, Sheetal gained practical exposure by working at a friend’s café for a couple of months. But deep down, she knew this was only a step towards something bigger, something she had been dreaming of for years.
Opening her own café wasn’t a sudden idea. It was a long-held dream, one she often describes as something she may have been unknowingly manifesting all along. What started as a “retirement plan” during her corporate years unfolded far earlier than expected.
For Sheetal, baking was never just about food. It was therapy. It was comfort. It was a constant thread running through different phases of her life. Even when she never imagined becoming a certified pastry chef, she was already living like one, collecting recipes from newspapers, magazines, travels across countries, and even from box tops.
Her café today reflects that journey.
More than just a place for food and coffee, it is built around a complete culinary experience, with in-house artisanal bakes and a warm community table designed for conversations, connections, and shared moments. A space where people come not just to eat, but to belong.
Looking back, Sheetal believes everything came together exactly when it was meant to. The café happened before retirement, but after years of quiet preparation.
“From passion to profession, her journey has truly come full circle.”
Sophia – Where Patience Meets Pâtisserie
A Dream 20 Years in the Making
Some dreams wait patiently, growing stronger with time.
Sophia’s journey with baking didn’t begin in a classroom; it began with instinct. A trained nutritionist by profession, she always understood food beyond recipes. For her, baking was never just a skill; it felt like a calling she couldn’t ignore.
She first came across Whitecaps on Instagram. After carefully reviewing the curriculum, Sophia knew Whitecaps was the right place to take her learning forward.
Before joining Whitecaps, Sophia had already built a strong foundation. She had completed baking courses at Chennai Catering College and MSME, and gained valuable industry experience working at Crowne Plaza. But her aspirations went further. She wanted to master advanced baking techniques, wedding cakes, and refine her craft at a professional level. Whitecaps became the natural next step in that evolution.
She went on to complete her internship at The Leela Palace, Bengaluru, where she further honed her skills in a real-world luxury hospitality environment.
Yet, behind every milestone was a dream that had existed for nearly two decades.
Opening a café had always been on Sophia’s mind, something she had envisioned almost 20 years ago. Life, responsibilities, and family commitments shaped the timeline, but never the intention. Quietly and steadily, she worked towards it, believing that the right moment would come.
When it did, her vision was clear.
Sophia’s café is inspired by the elegance and soul of French pâtisserie, from its concept to its flavours. The French-inspired theme is not just an aesthetic choice; it reflects her love for classic techniques, refined baking, and timeless presentation. It is this very identity that forms the café’s USP, offering guests an experience rooted in finesse and craftsmanship.
Looking back, Sophia’s journey feels beautifully layered: nutrition, baking education, hotel experience, advanced training, and years of perseverance coming together at once.
“Because some dreams don’t fade with time. They rise when you’re ready.”
Three Stories. One Thread.
Katherine, Sheetal, and Sophia each walked a different path, but all three found direction, skill, and confidence at Whitecaps. Their cafés are not just businesses; they are reflections of who they are, what they believe in, and what they’ve worked so hard to build.
At Whitecaps International School of Pastry, we take pride in being part of journeys like these, where skills meet purpose, passion finds direction, and dreams take shape beyond the classroom.
Whitecaps. Where passion becomes profession.
