Shiksha Anand's Journey with Penplatter: A Tale of Sweet Success and Indian Charity

In the world of baking, inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. For Shiksha Anand, it was a Netflix show, "Zumbo's Just Desserts," that ignited her passion for the culinary arts. Little did she know that this newfound love would eventually pave the way for a remarkable journey of entrepreneurship and philanthropy, with a significant focus on Indian charity.

Before the pandemic struck, Shiksha was just an admirer of the intricacies and creativity displayed by the talented bakers and competitors on the show. But as lockdowns swept across the globe, Shiksha found herself with more free time to delve deeper into her dessert-making excitement. That's when she decided to start Penplatter, a venture that would soon become a symbol of both indulgence and generosity.

In the summer of 2021, Shiksha took a significant step in her Penplatter journey by developing a professional website. As a full-time student, balancing academics with business commitments was no easy task. To streamline her operations, she designed a 'Date Picker' software that allowed customers to book orders on days when she could dedicate her time to crafting delectable treats. This marked a turning point in Penplatter's growth, making it more accessible and organized.

In November 2021, during a Holiday Fair, she made her first charitable donation, channeling the proceeds, amounting to hundreds of dollars, to St. Jude's Children's Cancer Research Center. It was a poignant moment when she realized the power of combining her passion with purpose.

But Shiksha's commitment to charity was just beginning. In the summer of 2023, with the expansion of her business through online sales and participation in local markets and fairs, she turned her gaze towards India. Partnering with Parmarth Sewa Trust, she embarked on a mission to provide meal kits to needy families in India, ultimately donating around 18,000 meals. What set this endeavor apart was her personal involvement - Shiksha went on-site to distribute the meals herself, forging a connection with the beneficiaries and witnessing the impact firsthand.

Shiksha's philosophy with Penplatter goes beyond selling desserts; it's about forming and nurturing connections. She understands that there's a world of difference between merely donating money and actively using your energy and love to provide food to those in need. Her commitment to this cause earned her the prestigious President's Volunteer Service GOLD Award for dedicating over 250 hours of service to her community.

As for the name Penplatter, it's a clever fusion of two elements close to Shiksha's heart. "Pen" represents her love for writing and sharing her thoughts through her website and social media. "Platter" signifies the act of serving, aligning perfectly with her volunteer work and the way she presents her desserts.

Recognizing the lack of support for teenage entrepreneurs from low-income backgrounds, Shiksha founded the Rising Business Consultants (RBC) organization. RBC serves as a guiding light for young entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the intricacies of business and connecting them with resources to achieve success. Shiksha's workshops at nonprofit organizations teach children about business fundamentals and financial literacy, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the tools to pursue their passions.

In recent times, Penplatter has ventured into healthier baking options, including vegan and refined-sugar-free treats. Inspired by her research on the effects of glycemic extremes on cognition in children with type 1 diabetes, Shiksha is determined to offer diabetic-friendly options like Vegan Guilt-Free Brownies. She hopes to raise awareness about this issue and protect children's brains from hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia through her work.

With an online store in Newport Beach and dreams of expanding into a brick-and-mortar establishment and global markets, Shiksha's culinary journey is far from over. She plans to enhance her skills further by attending pastry schools and continuing her quest for knowledge.

Shiksha Anand's achievements, both academically and as an entrepreneur, are nothing short of exceptional. Her dedication to her community, her passion for business, and her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others make her a true inspiration.

As we savor the sweet success of Shiksha's Penplatter, we are reminded that the true essence of entrepreneurship lies not only in creating delicious treats but also in using one's success to give back to those in need. In Shiksha's case, her heartwarming journey is a testament to the power of combining one's passion with philanthropy, with a special focus on Indian charity.