(April 8, 2025) “Sometimes adversity is what you need to face in order to become successful,” commented American author, salesman, and motivational speaker’ Zig’ Ziglar. And if you thought that was a cliche, think again. Case in point, Megha Kwatra Madan, who studied to be a dentist, but a cyst in her brain led her to eventually become a sough-after cake artist. Today, she’s one of India’s most celebrated cake artists, winning awards like Cake Designer of the Year and Master Cake Artist of the Year by SLICCA.
With her creative designs and innovative techniques, she’s not only transformed her own life but has also redefined cake artistry on a global stage, by firmly establishing herself as one of India’s most celebrated and internationally acclaimed cake artists.
Amidst India’s cake revolution, Megha is setting new standards in cake art. She is transforming the industry by moving away from traditional trends and embracing handcrafted, narrative-driven designs that captivate clients around the world. In a field once dominated by European influences – especially when it comes to wedding cakes and intricate sugar art – Madan was determined to bring a unique Indian perspective to the table, one that fused precision with storytelling and tradition with innovation.
“Over time, I have had the honour of showcasing Indian craftsmanship on several global platforms, all while staying true to my roots. From creating culturally inspired cakes like Kashmir Ki Kali and Sanskriti to using native florals and handcrafted textures, I have worked toward building a global identity that reflects both skill and soul. I proudly wear the tag Made in India,” she tells Global Indian.
Dentist-turned-epilepsy survivor — founder of Cake O’ Luv and global cake mentor
Born and raised in Delhi, Madan followed the usual path of academic excellence and chose dentistry as a career. After she completed her degree, she began practising, but life had other plans. “I was diagnosed with a cyst in my brain that eventually led to epilepsy. A moment that turned my world upside down. It was during this phase of forced pause and deep reflection that I found my way to cake artistry. What started as a coping mechanism quickly turned into a passion and eventually a full-time profession. That’s how Cake O’ Luv was born, not out of strategy, but out of survival and soul searching,” she admits.
That pause, though painful, became a blessing in disguise. “I needed a creative outlet during recovery, and baking became my therapy. It gave me purpose and peace and slowly turned into my passion. From baking small cakes at home to building Cake O’ Luv and mentoring students from around the world, the journey has been transformational in ways I never imagined,” she adds.
From home orders to global masterclasses — shaping cake artistry worldwide
Her growth has come from curiosity, hard work, and relentless self-belief. “I started with home orders, slowly moved into larger wedding projects, and eventually into teaching. Over the past years, I’ve conducted numerous hands-on cake masterclasses across India, teaching over 500 students from across the world. I also design each class uniquely, with every student working on real cakes and original designs curated by me, something very few artists offer,” she says.
From national magazine features to international recognition, hers has been a beautiful journey built on authenticity and a refusal to compromise on quality. However, it was not all hunky dory. Her biggest challenge was rebuilding herself after her health diagnosis that disrupted her career and life. “Starting over was daunting, especially in a field that was not mainstream back then. There were financial uncertainties, societal doubts, and self-doubt too. But I leaned into what I loved. I focused on honing my skills, finding my signature style, and building a community that believed in meaningful cake art. The biggest lesson? Adversity can either break you or build you, and I chose the latter,” she says.
Narrative Cakes Ignite India’s Global Rise
As India is amidst a cake revolution, she believes that the industry is moving away from conventional trends and toward thoughtful, handcrafted, and narrative-driven cake art. “Clients are beginning to value the story and craft behind each design. At the same time, a new generation of bakers is investing in technique, originality, and artistic growth. As this industry becomes more recognised and respected, I see India emerging as a global player, especially in wedding cakes, given our country’s deep celebration culture,” she says.
From SLICCA laurels to Cake Masters UK covers, Megha’s cake artistry goes global
She has received several recognitions for her work across continents. These include Master Cake Artist of the Year by SLICCA, Sri Lanka, being nominated as one of the finalists in ‘Best Modern and Innovative Cake Artist’ across the globe by DMA two years in a row and being featured on the global cover of Cake Masters Magazine (UK) — the only Indian artist to be on the global edition cover twice to date. She has also contributed tutorials to top international publications such as American Cake Decorating Magazine and Delicious Magazine (UK).
Megha Kwatra Madan at D’Licious ,ag Awards UK
She was also the finalist in the category ‘Best Magazine Cover’ cake award by CMA, England. She has been invited to teach and judge in countries like Dubai, Oman, Sri Lanka, and England, allowing her to share her expertise and proudly represent India at international cake shows and pastry schools.
Pain into purpose: Megha’s reinvented legacy
From her journey she says that she likes to remind people that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. She believes that creativity has no timeline, and passion has no expiry date. “If life forces you to pivot, take it as an invitation and not an interruption. Whether you are a homemaker, a student, or a professional in another field, if you feel a spark inside you, follow it. Cake artistry is proof that even pain can turn into purpose if you let your hands do the healing,” she avers.
Her biggest inspiration is her daughter, Eevah. “Watching her grow has made me want to be the kind of woman she can look up to as a strong, kind, resilient, and unapologetically herself. My husband Ankush has been my silent strength, encouraging me through every storm,” she says. Naturally, a life lesson she stands by is that the strongest stories come from the toughest times. “Use your pain to paint your masterpiece. And never let your past limit your future,” she says. She is currently working on various challenging projects. “I am also preparing for upcoming national and international workshops and judging opportunities in 2025. Beyond accolades, I want to leave behind a legacy, one that encourages others to dream big and start over, no matter the odds,” she concludes.
- Follow Megha Kwatra Madan on Instagram
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