When Pooja Dhingra opened Le15 Patisserie in Mumbai, macarons were virtually unknown in India. What began as a personal dream soon became a cultural shift—introducing French-style pastry to Indian consumers and redefining what dessert could be.
Today, Pooja Dhingra is widely celebrated as the entrepreneur who brought global patisserie culture into India’s mainstream and built a thriving brand rooted in creativity, passion, and perseverance.
Building a Brand From Scratch
The journey of Pooja Dhingra was far from easy. She entered an entirely new category, faced high expectations, navigated business hurdles, and battled self-doubt and burnout along the way.
Rather than stepping back, she chose to rebuild—both herself and her company—with renewed clarity, confidence, and vision. That resilience became one of the strongest pillars of her success.
Beyond Pastry: A Voice for Entrepreneurs
Over time, Pooja Dhingra evolved beyond being a pastry chef and brand founder. She became a voice for entrepreneurship—openly sharing the realities behind building a business, including failures, emotional challenges, and the importance of healing.
Her honesty has resonated deeply, especially with women who dream of creating something of their own but fear the struggles that come with it.
Changing Dessert Culture in India
Pooja Dhingra didn’t just sell desserts—she created aspiration, aesthetics, and experience. Through Le15, she helped reshape urban café culture, making pastry artistry accessible and aspirational at the same time.
Her influence changed how Indian consumers viewed desserts—from indulgences to expressions of craft and creativity.
The Bottom Line
Pooja Dhingra stands as a symbol of modern Indian entrepreneurship. By blending artistry with business courage, she transformed dessert culture and inspired countless creators to pursue their dreams with honesty and resilience.