Meet Ambreen Naveed: A Female Bakery Owner Defying Odds in Karachi

• Ambreen Naveed, a 42-year-old teacher for 16 years, switched to entrepreneurship, driven by her love for cooking and a need to care for her mother.
• Ambreen’s bakery in Karachi, ‘The Bakefe by Lady Chef,’ offers a diverse menu, from pastries to biryani, emphasizing empowerment through internships and advocating for women in business.
• Her journey from teaching to entrepreneurship showcases the power of passion and resilience. Her story inspires others, urging women to support each other in pursuing their dreams.

Ambreen Naveed, a 42-year-old teacher with a rich experience of 16 years in education, embarked on a remarkable journey that took her from the classroom to the kitchen. Armed with a Master’s degree in Economics and adorned with numerous certificates and diplomas in teaching, Ambreen initially found fulfillment in her role as an educator.

However, the winds of change led her down a different path, one that she envisioned for herself.

Ambreen’s Passionate Journey to Becoming a Successful Enterpreneur

Owning a small bakery now, Ambreen’s story is one of determination and courage. Fueled by her desire to create something of her own, she invested her personal savings into starting a venture that resonated with her passion for culinary arts. Despite being handsomely paid in her teaching career, Ambreen felt disheartened by the treatment meted out to educators in contemporary school settings. Her decision to transition from teaching to entrepreneurship was not only a professional choice but a personal one, driven by the need to care for her ailing mother.

“People don’t understand the hard-work that goes into home-cooking and baking and selling from home. but I am thankful that I have not experienced any form of discrimination even while working in a male-dominated community.”

A Shift Triggered by Family Values

When Ambreen’s mother fell ill and required round-the-clock care, Ambreen faced a pivotal moment in her life. The demanding nature of teaching left her unable to provide the necessary care for her mother, leading to her exit from the teaching profession. Although her mother eventually recovered, Ambreen recognized the need for constant support and decided to venture into a domain that allowed her to balance personal and professional responsibilities.

The Birth of ‘The Bakefe by Lady Chef’

Armed with her determination, Ambreen sought inspiration from Chef Rana, a renowned figure in the culinary world. His encouragement became the catalyst for Ambreen to transform her dreams into reality. The result was ‘The Bakefe by Lady Chef,’ a bakery that not only caters to the sweet tooth but also offers savory delights such as samosas, rolls, chicken patties, and more.

Diversifying the Menu for Success

Beyond the realm of pastries and sweets, Ambreen’s bakery stands out for its diverse menu. Offering a delectable selection of biryani, Chinese dishes, kababs, and rotis, Ambreen has managed to capture the taste buds of her clientele. The response, thus far, has been promising, and she aspires for her business to gain even more popularity over time.

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Ambreen Naveed Offers Internships and Advocates Women Empowerment

Ambreen is not just a business owner; she’s a beacon of empowerment. In addition to her culinary pursuits, she extends a hand to aspiring individuals through internship programs. By providing opportunities for hands-on experience in her business, Ambreen contributes to skill development and mentorship. Moreover, she passionately speaks about women empowerment, embodying the spirit of resilience and self-reliance.

To the naysayers, I only have one message,

“Don’t we have lady doctors, lady dentists, lady police, lady pilots, then why am I questioned for doing what I love just because I have set up shop on the roadside? Women should be more supportive towards one another rather than find faults and judge women like me trying to earn an honest living.”

Ambreen Naveed’s journey from teacher to entrepreneur is a testament to the transformative power of passion, resilience, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. Her bakery, ‘The Bakefe by Lady Chef,’ not only tantalizes taste buds but serves as an inspiration for those seeking to carve their path in the entrepreneurial landscape.