From Toronto to Tech Entrepreneur: Shelley’s Early Story

Growing up in Toronto as the daughter of Indian immigrants, Shelley Gupta always had a natural curiosity for different cultures. Cooking her family’s recipes became her first culinary classroom, and she soon developed a deep appreciation for the traditions that connected her to her heritage. But Shelley didn’t start out in the food industry. With a background in tech, social impact, and the arts, it wasn’t until later in life that she would find her true calling as an entrepreneur.

“I’ve always aspired to start my own business,” Shelley says in an interview with Authority Magazine, reflecting on the early years. “I moved to Chicago to do my MBA to educate myself further in entrepreneurship but did not have a solid concept that I felt confident pursuing. In 2020, I saw a real gap in the market.”

The Birth of BāKIT Box: Inspiration from the Pandemic

The isolation of the pandemic sparked a lightbulb moment for Shelley Gupta. While many were experimenting with sourdough starters or backyard gardens, Shelley was thinking bigger. She noticed a gap in the market: while cooking had evolved with meal delivery kits that simplified home-cooking, the baking industry had stayed largely the same. Plus, she realized that grocery store aisles were filled with the same old flavors—brownies and birthday cakes—with almost no representation of sweets from different cultures.

“While in isolation, cooking and baking up a storm, I realized that the baking industry had not innovated in years. We did not have any services that made baking from scratch easier, unlike cooking,” Shelley explains. “I also recognized that there is no access to culturally diverse baking anywhere.”

That’s how BāKIT Box was born—a baking kit company that brings cultural experiences into people’s homes. Each box comes pre-measured and ready to go, with recipes and ingredients inspired by regions around the world. From churros to ladoos and pasteis de nata, BāKIT Box isn’t just about baking—it’s about connecting families through the joy of culinary exploration.

Overcoming Challenges: The Journey of a Founder

Shelley’s path to success hasn’t been without hurdles. Launching BāKIT Box in 2021 meant navigating the uncertainties of a post-pandemic world. In the early days, virtual baking events helped her company find a foothold, but as life slowly returned to normal, Shelley had to pivot.

“Finding product market fit for any company is a challenge in itself,” she says. “But finding it while the world is going through major shifts is a whole other challenge that we had to face.”

Passion for her business is what keeps her going, even during the most difficult moments. “I am driven by passion. I absolutely love creating this brand and creating unique solutions for families every day. This drives me to continue even when things are hard.”

A Well-Deserved Win at PitcHER™

All of Shelley’s hard work and determination culminated in her winning the 2024 PitcHER™ competition at the annual Grace Hopper Celebration by AnitaB.org. PitcHER™ serves as a launchpad for women and nonbinary entrepreneurs in tech, giving them the platform and funding support for startups.Competing against some of the brightest founders, Shelley’s BāKIT Box stood out with its unique blend of culinary adventure, STEM-inspired activities, and cultural celebration.

Beyond the $50,000 prize, Shelley will also receive a year of mentorship from industry leaders, who will help guide her as she takes BāKIT Box to even greater heights.

Join the Movement Today

This is just the beginning of Shelley’s journey, and it can be the beginning of yours! By joining AnitaB.org Membership you can stay in the know to support initiatives like PitcHER™ and become part of a community that fuels the future of innovation. Members stay connected to groundbreaking programs, gain access to exclusive events, and join a powerful network championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in tech.

Ready to be part of the change? Become a Member today and support the next wave of trailblazing entrepreneurs like Shelley Gupta.