Today we’d like to introduce you to Sunshine Bhatia.
Hi Sunshine, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always believed that food has the power to connect, heal, and tell stories. Growing up in India, my happiest memories were made in the kitchen — watching flavors come alive through the dance of spices. When I moved to the United States, I often found myself sharing home-cooked Indian meals with friends and colleagues. They didn’t just want the recipes; they wanted to understand why our spices mattered — how they support wellness, boost immunity, and bring balance to life.
During the pandemic, when everything shifted online and human connection felt distant, an idea took root. I decided to blend my two passions — teaching and cooking — to create something experiential and meaningful. That’s how Funday With Sunshine was born.
In January 2022, I came across a quote that changed my mindset: “People will buy an $1,100 phone but won’t invest $1,100 to start a business.” That hit home. I took it as a personal challenge — and an invitation. I invested that same amount into starting my dream: developing recipes, building a website, and designing classes that celebrate the art and science of Indian cooking.
What began as intimate date-night sessions in my kitchen — with breathtaking mountain, valley, and lake views — soon expanded into youth summer camps at the UVU Community Center and corporate team-building workshops across Utah.
Today, Funday With Sunshine is more than a cooking class — it’s a space where cultures meet, couples reconnect, kids discover confidence, and teams come together through the joy of food. Each session is personalized, immersive, and rooted in the ancient wisdom of Indian herbs and spices.
It’s been an incredible journey — one fueled by passion, late nights, and a simple belief that sharing food is one of the purest ways to share love.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth road? Not quite — but absolutely a joyful one. Starting Funday With Sunshine while managing a full-time career in engineering leadership and raising two young children was anything but easy. My days often began at 4 a.m. — testing recipes, photographing dishes, writing content, and refining workshop ideas before heading into my day job.
The biggest challenge was balance — balancing motherhood, my corporate responsibilities, and my growing passion project. There were moments when exhaustion set in, but the vision kept me going.
Running classes from home brought its own set of hurdles — navigating city and health department regulations, passing fire inspections, and earning home-based business approvals. On top of that came the investments: upgrading appliances, purchasing professional cookware, and creating an ambience that felt both premium and personal.
Early marketing was another uphill climb. I started with nothing but a Google Business profile, an Instagram account, and word of mouth. Slowly, one happy review at a time, Funday With Sunshine began to find its audience.
But through every challenge — whether logistical, emotional, or creative — I learned to see obstacles as stepping stones. Each struggle refined my process, strengthened my resolve, and turned this small dream into a thriving experience that continues to bring people together around food and connection.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work is where creativity meets culture. Through Funday With Sunshine, I bring the joy of Indian cooking to people of all ages and backgrounds — whether it’s kids celebrating birthdays, couples enjoying a date night, teams bonding through corporate cooking events, or students learning at UVU.
Each class is designed to be more than just about food — it’s an experience filled with laughter, stories, and connection. I see cooking as an art form, a way to express love and creativity while keeping traditions alive.
Watching people discover the beauty of spices, roll their first naan, or share a meal they created together — those are the moments that fill my heart. My goal is to make every session joyful, memorable, and meaningful — where everyone walks away not just with new recipes, but with a sense of togetherness and inspiration.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
For me, every new beginning has come with a little bit of risk — but that’s also where growth happens. Starting Funday With Sunshine was definitely a leap of faith. Leaving the comfort of structure and stepping into something built from pure passion was both exciting and terrifying.
There’s always uncertainty in creative work — you don’t know how people will respond, if your ideas will resonate, or if your vision will take off. But I’ve learned that when your work comes from the heart, the right people always find you.
Taking risks has taught me to trust my instincts, to keep learning, and to stay open to change. Every class, every new idea, every collaboration feels like a small risk — but also a chance to create something meaningful. And that’s what keeps me going.
Pricing:
- 🎉 Kids Birthday Parties – $200 for up to 10 kids (+$20 per additional child)
- 💑 Date Night – $199 per couple
- 💼 Corporate Team Building – $500 for up to 10 participants (+$50 per additional participant)
- 🍽️ Exotic Indian Cooking Masterclass – $125 per person
- 💍 Bridal Shower – $499 for up to 10 guests
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fundaywithsunshine.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funday_with_sunshine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fundaywithsunshine
