Women have been performing spectacularly in the startup space and we are so inspired. This space is not merely a boy’s arena anymore as it has been conquered by beautiful, talented forces of women who are ready to unleash their talent onto the world and leave a mark.
It isn’t just about cooking in the house kitchen, it is about transitioning that rare talent into a successful business! While the Pakistani society still feeds on gender stereotypes and inequalities, women in the entrepreneurial space find it hard to ward off everyday challenges that are thrown at them, just because they aren’t men. Be it any kind of start-up, the struggle to battle stereotypes is real because not many can achieve what these women have.
Luckily, these women have made it to where they are today because of undying support from families and their unparalleled talent.
Here we have compiled a list of five successful food start-ups founded by super talented female entrepreneurs who are responsible for bringing a shift in the online food industry and paving ways for the rest to follow.
1. Coco Loco- Founded by Hira Ansari
A professional baker, residing in Karachi, Pakistan, Hira Ansari kickstarted CocoLoco six months back, knowing little about the journey and where it would take her.
A talented baker and a sweet soul, Hira charms her customers with her impeccable baking skills, (trust me, her brownies and cookies are chocolate covered chunks from heaven) and excellent customer service- someone who goes out of her way to please a customer.
Here is what sweetheart baker Hira has to say about her business, while talking exclusively to WOW 360, Hira poured her heart out, revealing how passionate she is about her baking; this is not just about business for her, it’s A LOT more.
I’m Hira Ansari and CocoLoco is my baby. It all began from helping my mom in the kitchen while stirring a cake batter to adorn a cake all myself. I practiced baking cakes, cookies, and food for my family and friends, and their appreciation fueled my interest in art.
My family’s support was the most crucial element in me being where I am today. I joined several cooking classes and experimented at home, where my dad and mom were the headmaster chef. Upon their direction and constant appreciation, I stand here.
Visiting bakeries always used to fancy me where I wrap myself in the aroma with piped out sparkly shiny eyes hoping that one day I’ll have something like this of my own.
Completing my BBA degree and pursuing teaching as my career, I decided to let this passion fade away with time. I was scared to start it; thousand of questions arose in my mind every day, and on top was, ‘what if I fail?’ This thought haunted me for ages, and one day I had to put my foot down ( thanks or no thanks to corona that I got an ample amount of time). Luckily I was surrounded by people who have always been a source of motivation and inspiration. I still remember my first order, how my entire family and fiancé (consider him family) were all covered in exuberant energy.
The first and the only rule of my business is to treat customers like family and put in the best possible ingredients (and lots of love) to whatever I bake. The kitchen has always been a learning ground for me. I learned how to be responsible and disciplined, but the most important lesson was how just a small box of sweet could put a beautiful smile on someone’s face.
Her passion for her work speaks volumes, and we know she’ll make it big one day!
2. Burmese Bowls & PJ’s Jars- Co-Founded by Javeria Nakhuda & Rahma Nizami
These two super-talented IBA graduates decided to put their exceptional cooking skills to use and start their own hustle that soon turned into a very successful online business. Taking on the world, one delicious Khowswey bowl at a time, these young ladies are a source of inspiration for so many talented women out there.
Javeria Nakhuda, co-founder of Burmese Bowls & PJ Jars
Burmese Bowls
While talking exclusively to WOW 360, co-founder Javeria had some amazing things to share about her journey with us!
I, from a very young age, was appreciated of my cooking skills and people have enjoyed the food I served them. So when CokeFest 2.0 was happening in 2019, I decided to have a stall of Burmese Khowsweys under the name of Burmese Bowls. It was very well received. We also participated in KarachiEat 2020, with our famous KhowSaMosa Shot, which became very popular. We also cater to orders on a weekly basis.
We have seen during the years that traditional recipes were becoming unpopular and decided to introduce Achaars and Chutneys, under the name of PJ’s Jars, with our grand mother’s recipes. We are trying to stay true to the methods of making these relishes. We are stocked at some of the finest supermarkets in Karachi; Springs, Ebco, Tee Em, Neco’s, Evergreen, Milestones and Fresh Basket.
PJ’s Jars
Homemade relishes at your doorstep!
Our fan favourite are Kashmiri Laal Mirch and Lehsan Chutney, And Gajar Achaar. We aim to make Chutneys and Achaars gourmet, and have introduced Eid Packs, Father’s Day/Mother Day Packs, to make chutneys and achaars cool again. We have done a couple of Collaborations in the past, and have luckily collaborated with amazing women entrepreneurs such as Varah of Firefly and Sabeen of Olive19.
3. Oven Fusion- Founded by Bismah Amin
Over fusion started with a menu offering a range of 6 brownies, they are now offering a range of 10 brownies, a variety of cookies and customised cakes.
It was in 2016 when I started my bachelors at IBA and got ever so busy with the university life. Baking has always been my passion, trying new recipes and taking it for my friends to try out was a routine. On a lucky day, my mom suggested the idea to have an online platform to sell these baked items. I was thrilled by the idea, however it seemed impossible considering the amount of time and effort it needed.
Exactly 1 year later, my mom took up the challenge and dedicated herself to run a small home based bakery through online platforms. It has been nearly 3 years to this amazing journey. The stage where we are now is solely because of my mom’s resilience and strength throughout.
I took charge of the social media platforms, while she manages all operations from baking, deliveries to new product developments. There have been hundreds of challenges that we never saw coming our way, but it only helped us grow better.
4. The Single Plate- Founded by Amna Junaid
A marketeer by profession and a baker by passion, Amna Junaid took the leap of faith and started her own small business after a lot of backing and convincing from friends and family. If you’re looking to satisfy your lotus cake cravings, The Single Plate, is your go-to place!
Here is what Amna had to say about her business and how she started:
My motivation has been my love and passion for food. Moreover, few of my really close friend have been my biggest support and motivation behind starting my food blog and then eventually taking orders. Food industry is probably that most booming industry and honestly people won’t stop eating.. lol. I am a big foodie myself & i love to try new things..probably the biggest reason i got into this. Currently i only have lotus cheesecake on my menu but we are adding a couple of new things really soon!
5. Yum by Amna- Founded by Amna Tauqeer
Run by a super talented baker named Amna Tauqeer, Yum by Amna started out as an online business that grew into her opening three bakeries, the third one in Karachi.
From beautifully customised cakes and desserts to decor and giveaways, YUM specialises in birthdays, baby showers, bridal shower and graduation parties’ dessert spreads and customised cakes.
Read more:
We wish these fantastic women all the best for their businesses and hope they inspire and encourage more females to step up and venture into businesses of their own. Sky’s the limit!
Stay tuned for more interesting articles and updates.