Rachi Fernandopulle’s culinary journey began in Sri Lanka under the mentorship of her father, Rohan Fernandopulle, a revered culinary guru. After completing her Advanced Level examinations at St. Bridget’s Convent in Colombo, Rachi joined Hilton Colombo as a kitchen apprentice. Her exceptional skills and dedication quickly earned her the title of the best apprentice in Sri Lanka.
Driven by a passion for gastronomy, Rachi pursued her dreams at the Paul Bocuse Institute in Lyon, France, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in Gastronomy. During her time in France, she gained invaluable experience working in Michelin-star restaurants. Upon completing her degree, Rachi was offered a position at the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney, where she worked as a chef. However, her aspirations extended beyond the kitchen, leading her to explore the fields of food innovation and product development.
Transitioning to the realm of food innovation, Rachi became a key player in the development of retail food products, masterminding creations that graced the shelves of Coles and Woolworths across Australia. Her innovative prowess and ability to understand consumer needs positioned her as a prominent figure in the industry.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, as Rachi’s company implemented cost-cutting measures that reduced her role to part-time. What initially seemed like a setback turned into an opportunity for growth. During this period, Rachi founded FOOD VOYAGEUR, a venture that began as a blog featuring recipes and videos on social media. Her authentic and trusted approach quickly garnered a loyal following, leading her husband to suggest selling her popular Sri Lankan ribbon cake. Despite initial hesitations, Rachi’s cakes became a hit, establishing her brand as a trusted name in celebrations.
Today, Rachi runs a successful online cupcake and custom cake business while also working as a consumer insights and strategy consultant for Coles. Recently, she made the bold decision to resign from her consulting role to fully dedicate herself to her entrepreneurial dream. Her business continues to flourish, with cupcake and cake pop-ups across Australia enhancing her brand’s visibility.
Rachi’s dedication and talent have earned her recognition as a finalist for the 2024 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards. She has also been nominated as the Rising Star and Buttercream Artist for 2024, reflecting her remarkable achievements and contributions to the culinary world.
Future Aspirations
Rachi’s future is bright with ambitious plans to expand her business. Quitting her full-time job allows her to focus entirely on growing FOOD VOYAGEUR. She envisions opening a physical store and further scaling her online presence, continuing to delight customers with her exceptional cakes and innovative culinary creations.
Rachi Fernandopulle’s journey from a kitchen apprentice in Sri Lanka to a celebrated entrepreneur in Australia is a testament to her unwavering passion, resilience, and innovative spirit. As she continues to make waves in the culinary industry, there is no doubt that bigger and better things await her in the future.
