Shashwat Sharma | Expert's Insights April 25' Magazine Edition

For Shashwat Sharma, the journey really started at 11. His Love for Kitchen, With a handful of ingredients and an overflowing passion for experimentation, his journey into the world of food began not with a business plan, but with a heartfelt curiosity. That spark slowly grew into a full-blown fire—one that would eventually give birth to La Dolce Vita, a name that today resonates with innovation, authenticity, and the kind of warmth you only find in a dessert made with love. From day one, his vision was refreshingly simple: serve top-quality desserts and coffee at a fair price—products he would personally enjoy and proudly stand behind. He didn’t want to just sell food. He wanted to craft experiences. Every cheesecake, every coffee, every curated flavor on his menu was designed to make people feel something real. As the brand grew, this foundational belief only became stronger.

But behind the sweetness, there were bitter lessons too. In the early days, Shashwat faced industry politics and negativity from competitors who tried to tarnish the brand with false reviews and toxic behavior. It was a painful phase—but also a defining one. What pulled him through wasn’t strategy or PR; it was people. His customers became his family. Their loyalty, love, and encouragement became the fuel that pushed him forward.

One of the most profound realizations Shashwat had early in his journey was that the path of entrepreneurship is never smooth. He learned the hard way that not every smiling face around you is rooting for your success. Trust had to be earned—not just given. He also came to value the strength of his own team, especially his mother, whom he proudly calls his "OG business partner." He admits that ignoring her advice during stressful times was one of his biggest early mistakes—something he’s since worked to correct. His resilience comes from two things: relentless self-talk and his father’s unwavering belief in him. Whenever stress hits or doubts creep in, he reminds himself why he started. A conversation with his father always brings him back to center. “Shashwat,” his dad would say, “God is thinking way bigger for you. Just do your best, never wrong anyone, and trust the journey.” 

One of the turning points for La Dolce Vita came through social media. With bold, seasonal innovations like Nutella Strawberry Baked Cheesecake in winter and Mango Biscoff in summer, the brand exploded online.

Instagram and word-of-mouth became powerful allies. Shashwat understood that in today’s market, people don’t just buy desserts—they buy stories, experiences, and visuals. And so, he gave them exactly that. Among the most celebrated innovations was the introduction of LIVE Italian Tiramisu, a first for Jaipur. Customers weren’t just served; they were engaged. From allowing people to customize their coffee using nine different bean varieties to perfecting a rich, eggless baked cheesecake after 18+ recipe trials, everything at La Dolce Vita spoke of thoughtfulness, creativity, and effort. The personal touch was never lost—even today, every product is quality-checked in his own studio kitchen.

For Shashwat, leadership isn’t about delegation—it’s about collaboration. He believes in working alongside his team, guiding them through growth, and celebrating every small win. Discipline and support go hand in hand. Whether it’s acknowledging good work with rewards or correcting mistakes with compassion, his goal is simple: help his team grow as he grows.

When it comes to risk-taking, Shashwat is all for it—but only when it’s calculated. He believes growth demands bold moves, but those moves need to be rooted in awareness and preparation. His productivity habits—like daily planning and consistent exercise—are small practices that bring big results, helping him stay focused and grounded. His keen eye on industry trends keeps La Dolce Vita ahead of the curve. He’s quick to notice the shift toward health-conscious options like vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free desserts. At the same time, he continues to explore international flavor fusions, creating offerings that are not just indulgent but Instagram-worthy. He believes the future of the café and dessert space lies in experience-driven, personalized service—and he’s already building toward that.

At the heart of his entrepreneurial advice is a powerful truth: Don’t chase fame, chase excellence. He wants every budding entrepreneur to know that the highlight reels on social media hide the real story—the sleepless nights, the failures, the doubt. But if your foundation is strong, if your product is good, and if your intention is pure, then success will follow. Slowly, but surely. Family time, mental peace, and breaks are non-negotiables for him. He acknowledges that burnout helps no one, and trust in his team allows him to take the space he needs. His biggest inspiration remains his own dream—the one that started as a child, playing with ingredients in the kitchen, and is now growing into a legacy that’s touching lives.