Meet Neha Mhatre | Social Media Influencer & Home Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Neha Mhatre and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Neha, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m inspired by food and flavors from around the world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Professionally, I work in Project Management in the media industry and have about 13 years of work experience. I started working in India after pursuing my MBA and worked there for about 4 years. After that, I got married and moved to the US. I thought having an MBA would make it easier to get a job in the US. But as I applied to various jobs, I started seeing failure in the form of rejections. What kept me going was the fact that the most rejections were not for my professional qualifications but the fact that I didn’t have a work permit and no company was ready to sponsor my work visa. To working and being financially independent in India, I had suddenly become dependent on my husband for everything. It was a long two and a half years wait to get my work permit. During this time, to overcome boredom, I started cooking and baking as I’m a foodie at heart. That’s how I found my passion in life! And that’s why even after having a professional career in the media industry, when I’m not working, you will always find me in my kitchen.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have a few.
My favorite brunch spot is Republique. Their morning bread with French butter is to die for! Everything they have is delicious, but definitely try their Kimchi fried rice.
If you’re ever in LA, you have to try Roadside Tacos.
I always end up at Midori Sushi on Ventura Blvd for their AYCE sushi!
Lastly, even though this place closed down during the pandemic, it remains one of my favorite spots for the best California Cuisine. It was Ink by Michael Voltaggio. I wish it re-opens!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My strongest support in life comes from my husband, Milind. He has been there for me every step of the way, supporting me in all my choices; be it with starting my own little small baking business or my career. He has tested and tasted a lot of bad batches of food/baked goods. Haha
I also have a strong support system in LA with friends who have become family. We call them The Rumburgs. They have always supported me through their words of encouragement for all my cooking & baking.
My friend Pam who has also tried most, if not all of my baking experiments and given her valuable feedback to help me improve with my flavors.
Lastly, my sister, Nikhita, who lives in Mumbai but she’s the one I talk to when I’m experimenting with cooking or baking. She always encourages me to go ahead and do something new.

Instagram: @notjustanother_neha

Youtube: @notjustanother_neha