Introducing Monika Lal, Owner, Just Beat It Six Bakery (desserts and confections)
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Monika is owner and the creative genius behind Just Beat It Six. She is a marketer by day, a movie buff by night and her mission as an avid baker is to share in the sweeter things. We caught up with Monika recently and sat down to learn more. |
Tell us what you do? and how you came about your side hustle(s)?
I have been doing my ‘side hustle’ longer than my full-time job. I started this hobby when I was in grad school as an outlet. I studied PR and Communications, and this has been that perfect activity to bring balance into my life.
I started baking to help with the stress of having been diagnosed with Crohn’s almost 20 years ago. At that time, I had channeled the stressful energy into an activity that seemed fun (and tasted delicious), and lowered my stress levels. I don’t really think of myself as a creative individual, but it’s very encouraging to see how far I have come with baking- maybe I do have some creativity in me.
Of course, with anyone who has passion; self drive is one thing but having family and friends who support you really takes you a long way in perusing your passion. Something that started as a mechanism to minimize stress ended up brining balance in a ‘sweet’ way.
I started baking to help with the stress of having been diagnosed with Crohn’s almost 20 years ago. At that time, I had channeled the stressful energy into an activity that seemed fun (and tasted delicious), and lowered my stress levels. I don’t really think of myself as a creative individual, but it’s very encouraging to see how far I have come with baking- maybe I do have some creativity in me.
Of course, with anyone who has passion; self drive is one thing but having family and friends who support you really takes you a long way in perusing your passion. Something that started as a mechanism to minimize stress ended up brining balance in a ‘sweet’ way.
What about your work brings you true joy?
My favourite part of my job is the interaction and the collaboration my role encompasses across our organization, and my favourite part of my ‘side hustle’ is the outcome of what I am creating; the research, the process, the trial and error are all a part of the experience but that final outcome is ‘wowing’ – even to the person who is creating that piece of art. Often, when I create something beautiful I share it over my handle (@justbeatit.six), my network will comment that it’s gorgeous or striking and I have to think to myself – “yes, it is” and I don’t even know how I made that look like that (haha).
I think the common denominator with what brings me joy is that the outcome and the audience that gets to reap the benefits. This makes me very happy!
I think the common denominator with what brings me joy is that the outcome and the audience that gets to reap the benefits. This makes me very happy!
What has been your most valuable learnings?
My most valuable learning has been the power of patience and the gift of time. Before COVID-19 life was busy. You’re working long hours, you’re racing from work to the gym to home to start dinner and juggling social commitments; you are travelling or catching up to things at home or you’re procrastinating because you’re making up excuses about how tired you are - life gets BUSY.
When the lockdown started other than having work as my saviour, I spent a lot of time baking for fun – and practicing things that were outside of my comfort zone. I feel I have grown so much as an artist and as a baker over these last few months.
One of my favourite quotes from Maya Angelou is: You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.
This is so true. The more I tried and experimented, the better I got over time and I hope to continue that in my journey!
When the lockdown started other than having work as my saviour, I spent a lot of time baking for fun – and practicing things that were outside of my comfort zone. I feel I have grown so much as an artist and as a baker over these last few months.
One of my favourite quotes from Maya Angelou is: You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.
This is so true. The more I tried and experimented, the better I got over time and I hope to continue that in my journey!
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Images from @justbeatit.six
If you could learn to do anything, what would that be?
Anything at all? I would learn how to swim. I have tried multiple times; it’s just not happening for me…
If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?
Hmm the fictional character I’d be would be a mix of Rachel and Monica from friends – I already have the name; I love cooking and I have an addiction to buying things I don’t need.
Can you describe an experience/incident that happened that made you a stronger person?
I think getting Crohn’s at such a young age made me a lot stronger mentally, emotionally and physically. It’s hard being a young adult, especially when you are entering the most fun part of your life.
When you are going through something that is life changing (at the time) it’s hard not to see life a different way – you just learn to appreciate what you have. I love more, I appreciate things more, I care more about things I have no control over because I can, and I love giving back to the community in any way I can. You really see people and family come to your rescue and create an even stronger community around yourself – it’s a special feeling.
Everyone has ups and down but it’s all about family and friends at the end of the day. I always enjoy spending time with my amazing parents or sisters; travelling, reading and listening to a variety of books and podcasts – Books which top my list of favorites include, but are not limited to; Ramayana, The Monk who sold his Ferrari (Robin Sharma), and The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho).
If you could give your past self any advice, what would it be?
The only advice to myself would be do what your heart desires and the rest will fall into place. I think often times you worry about others and meeting their expectations (or expectations of loved ones). It is important to be considerate, but if expectations don’t align with your path it’s ok to pursue what you feel is right. Just be yourself and do the damn thing.
My sisters and I are so lucky to have such wonderful parents that always taught us to be true to ourselves and those around us. I hope the same for all the readers out there, internal networks are so important. What’s your passion?