“Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it”. -Buddha
We first met Pito Kiba, 2 years ago in 2016. He shared with R&L all about the series of phases he went through in his life while discovering his dreams. Being confident and sure about his career and skills as a professional baker has brought him to where he is today. Pito has come a long way since our first chat and doing what he loves only makes him work harder and better. Let’s find out about everything he’s been up to ever since our last meeting.
28-year-old Pito Kiba from Dimapur, Nagaland is a passionate home baker who runs his own baking business under the name, “That Baker Kiba”.
28-year-old Pito Kiba from Dimapur, Nagaland is a passionate home baker who runs his own baking business under the name, “That Baker Kiba”.
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Hi Pito! It’s a pleasure to have you back with us after two good years! Tell us what you have been up to since our last chat.
Hello R&L, thank you for having me back again. Since we last spoke, over the past few years, I have been able to cater for big events such as weddings and birthdays with the help of my dedicated assistants. In the meanwhile, all guns a-go as I am pushing myself to open and run my own bakery and cafe by the end of the year. When I’m not baking, I enjoy helping my local parish by participating in church activities with my best capacity and being a part of the worship team.
Pito, on the far right, with his worship team.
Pito (far right) with his worship group.
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What keeps you inspired to bake everyday?
What keeps me inspired to bake every day, irrespective of missing family events or bad health is most definitely the love I have for what I do and the urge to be consistent and show professionalism in my work. Another reason I would say would be to break stereotypes.
A pastel birthday cake inspired by the famous children’s book “The Little Prince” baked with love by Pito Kiba.
A pastel birthday cake inspired by the famous children’s book “The Little Prince” baked with love by Pito Kiba.
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How have your roots and upbringing influenced your working style?
My mother is a very hard-working woman. She is a retired pastor and she efficiently balanced her duties in the church along with raising me and my older brother. She would never complain about her workload and would do all of it, diligently and with so much love. If there is something from my upbringing that has influenced my work, it’s definitely my mother’s commitment to her work and her professionalism. It’s also my mother who bought me my first oven and fridge so I could start my baking business by selling our two farm pigs on two separate occasions.
Pito and his inspiration, his beautiful mother, looking great together in their Sunday best.
Pito and his inspiration, his beautiful mother, looking great together in their Sunday best.
“My paternal grandfather recognised my interest in cooking and in experimenting with recipes and told my mother, “He will earn a living using his hands one day.” My family has always been a great support system for me.”
A traditional Sumi tribe’s design replicated on a special cake made by Pito for his maternal uncle’s 70th birthday.
A traditional Sumi tribe’s design replicated on a special cake made by Pito for his maternal uncle’s 70th birthday.
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What are some of the biggest challenges that you faced in your journey so far? What have you learned from them?
The biggest challenge that I faced would have to be finding a way to transport these huge wedding cakes on our local roads… Every bump gives me a mini heart attack! Also, sourcing raw-materials was a problem when I first started.
I’ve learned so many things over the past five years, by meeting different people on different occasions. My job requires me to smile and please people, but sometimes it gets a little difficult when people leave a negative impact through their attitudes and behavior. Regardless of all of that, I try to motivate myself and my team to stay focused and do our jobs to the best of our abilities in any given situation.
A fantastic dessert spread set up by Pito’s team for a client’s wedding ceremony.
A fantastic dessert spread set up by Pito’s team for a client’s wedding ceremony.
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What is the best compliment you have received so far?
During a wedding, a famous photographer once said to me, “Man this (dessert table) looks straight out of a painting or a scene from a movie!” Also when people eat my cakes for desserts and go “mmmm sooo good”… It’s these kinds of compliments that really make me happy 🙂
A lovely dessert bar set up by Pito and team at a client’s wedding.
A lovely dessert bar set up by Pito and team at a client’s wedding.
Anniversary Cake by Baker Kiba
Anniversary Cake by Baker Kiba
Baker Kiba Learning how to make Bean Paste Flowers
Baker Kiba Learning how to make Bean Paste Flowers
Birthday Cake by Baker Kiba
Birthday Cake by Baker Kiba
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As a young entrepreneur, what message would you love to give to the younger generation about following their dreams and passions?
I would love for the younger generation to be at their best version every day. We must continue to work extremely hard in what we love to do and keep ourselves updated with the changing trends. It’s so important to learn how to lead and teach our apprentices, teams and staff in the right way. Also, I hope they know the value of working together with them side by side, encouraging one another as they go along. Besides all this, they should give thanks to God for their achievements and for His guidance throughout their journey.
Special rustic themed wedding cake made by Pito for a senior buddy from college.
Special rustic themed wedding cake made by Pito for a senior buddy from college.
Follow Pito Kiba on Instagram and Facebook to track his work and place your order for you next big function!
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