Meet the Baker!

Hi everyone! I’m Khansa — the face and hands behind Essence – Custom Made Cravings!

Back in 2009, as a fresh undergrad student, I found myself craving a creative outlet. At the time, custom desserts were still a novelty in Karachi, Pakistan. I started baking for friends at university — most of whom are still my biggest cheerleaders (alongside my wonderful family!).

Balancing studies at one of the top business schools in the country with my new passion project wasn’t easy — but I had my mom by my side, acting as my biggest support (and unofficial sous-chef!). I still miss having her in the kitchen with me.

Fast forward to August 2024 — eleven years post-graduation — and life happened. A corporate career, marriage, moving across continents, a baby born in the middle of a pandemic, and another big move.

Through all of it, one thing stayed with me: the pull toward creativity. I missed the “ooohs” and “aaahs” when clients received their orders. I missed the joy of experimenting in the kitchen and the satisfaction of making something truly delightful from scratch.

So here we are — welcome to Essence 2.0. I’m so glad I never let my mom sell my baking tools. Deep down, I always knew I’d come back.