Smita Saidha Arora
Smita Arora is a French pastry chef, culinary educator, and founder of Ooh La La Patisserie and Bake Shop, a boutique home-based bakery in Skillman, New Jersey. A graduate of the prestigious International Culinary Center, where she earned distinction with honors and multiple awards, Smita combines classic French technique with global influences, Ayurvedic principles, and seasonal, high-quality ingredients. Her menu reflects this fusion—offering everything from artisanal pastries and North Indian desserts to savory bites and custom edible gifts, including corporate logo confections. Smita’s philosophy is rooted in the belief 1) there exists a dessert for one and all 2) that food should be both de;icious and nourish both body and soul, with every recipe offering a new adventure to be savored.
Beyond the kitchen, Smita is deeply passionate about culinary education and community connection. Through hands-on workshops, Supper Club Nights, and her signature Summer Baking Camp for kids, she invites students of all ages to explore the joy of cooking. Her classes blend skill-building with mentorship, creativity, and cultural storytelling—empowering the next generation of food lovers and changemakers. With Ooh La La as both a business and a heartfelt mission, Smita continues to spread warmth, joy, and global flavors one lovingly baked creation at a time.
In personal time Smita enjoys playing tennis, squash, swimming, travelling, music, spending time with her twins and adorable golden retriever Boomer Cuddles Arora
• Lady Shri Ram College For Women- B.Com.
• International Culinary Center
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my genuine passion for what I do, to many people and values that continue to inspire me. My teachers at FCI laid the foundation with their guidance. My own passion, hard work, and dedication have carried me forward. The blessings of my parents give me strength, and the amazing support from my community — especially here in Montgomery Township — keeps me grounded. And of course, none of this would be possible without the trust and encouragement of my wonderful clients as a result 100% client retention rate, which reflects the trust, quality, and consistency I bring to every experience.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to under commit and overdeliver — build trust by exceeding expectations rather than just meeting them. And when making decisions, lead with empathy: ask yourself how you’d want to be treated if you were in their shoes, and act accordingly.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
In one statement my advice is Believe in your value, invest in your skills, and never be afraid to take up space — your perspective is your power. ✨ Advice for Young Women Entering My Industry 1. Own Your Seat at the Table-Don’t wait for permission — your voice matters. Speak up with confidence, even if you’re the youngest or newest in the room. 2. Invest in Skills, Not Just Titles - Focus on building expertise and credibility. The right skills will open doors faster than chasing positions. 3.Find Mentors and Allies - Build a circle of mentors (both men and women) who will advocate for you, challenge you, and guide you through tough decisions. 4.Set Boundaries Early - Burnout is real. Protect your time and energy while still showing commitment — balance fuels longevity in a career. 5.Bring Your Whole Self - Your perspective, background, and individuality are not weaknesses — they’re differentiators. Authenticity attracts opportunities
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In French pastry, I see incredible opportunities and challenges. Customers are craving authentic indulgence — but they also want experiences, healthier twists, and flavors that connect cultures. The real opportunity lies in blending tradition with innovation: teaching through workshops, experimenting with fusion flavors, and making pastries both luxurious and approachable. The challenge? Rising ingredient costs, the time-intensive craft, and competition from chains. But that’s where artistry, storytelling, and authenticity shine — because no supermarket croissant can ever match the love and care of one made by hand.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
🌟 Values That Guide My Work & Life Family and growth - guide both my personal life and professional journey—they keep me grounded and continually striving to evolve. Integrity & Authenticity -Staying true to my word and being genuine in my interactions — whether with clients, colleagues, or family. Excellence & Craftsmanship - Giving my best in everything I do, from the precision of pastry work to the quality of relationships I build. Empathy & Respect -Treating others as I’d want to be treated, listening with care, and creating spaces where people feel valued. Continuous Growth & Knowledge Transfer - Always learning and just as importantly, sharing knowledge — mentoring, teaching, and ensuring that what I’ve learned can empower others. Joy & Community - Work should bring joy, and life should be shared — I value creating experiences that connect people and spread happiness.