From Caregiver To Entrepreneur: How I Turned My Life Around

When I think about my transition from homemaker to entrepreneur running Shaista's, a booming food service business, it feels nothing short of extraordinary. It's a story of passion, determination, and the desire to live a purposeful life. What began as a personal endeavour to provide healthy meals for my family has grown into a business that nourishes many others. My journey is a tale of lessons learned, challenges conquered and wisdom gained.

Growing up, I was surrounded by strong, hardworking women, including my grandmother, mother, aunts, and cousins, who exemplified resilience and independence. Their stories moulded my values and taught me that financial independence was more than a goal; it was a necessity. This need for liberty feels like it is deeply ingrained in my DNA.

For me, food has always been more than just nutrition; it is a language of connection. Initially, I believed that every youngster simply enjoyed their mother's cuisine. However, the compliments I received from friends and family on my culinary skills made me realize that food was my gateway to building relationships. When my mother became unwell in 2015, I took responsibility for her diet and found a new sense of purpose in caring for people through food. That realization inspired the idea of turning this passion into a business.

From Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship

My corporate career began in 2005 with IBM Daksh and lasted ten years, during which I worked with Microsoft, Dell, Cvent, and Wipro. It was a rollercoaster ride, where I experienced career highs, got married, and had my first child. However, the demands of a nuclear family and health issues led me to leave the corporate sector.

The switch to entrepreneurship was unplanned. It was a choice between letting our children grow up under external care or delving headfirst into entrepreneurship to provide them with a quality upbringing. My husband began his business first, while I took care of the children. A year later, in 2018, I began my journey as a home chef—an overnight decision that allowed me to work from the comfort of my own home.

Challenges and Triumphs

Entrepreneurship presents its own unique set of challenges. I encountered scepticism and criticism from the beginning. Some people criticized me as a glorified home cook, commenting on anything from the thickness of my rotis to the amount of salt in my daal. These judgments didn't bother me as I have also experienced body shaming and societal criticisms since I was a child. This gave me an early understanding of the fact that some people will always comment negatively and one should keep ignoring them and continue to work on your dreams. My parents nurtured me as a queen, instilling in me the confidence to rise above hardships.

I commercially established Shaista's in 2021, with the help and support of my husband. Building a dependable team was one of the most challenging tasks, but with determination, I overcame it. After a brief foray into a casual dine-in, I switched to a multibrand kitchen concept, which has been a game changer. Today, I focus on giving my consumers a variety of options while maintaining the highest standards.

Honesty is my brand's foundation. My guarantee to my customers is simple: if I don't serve it to my children, it won't make it to their plates. Our devotion to quality and authenticity is what distinguishes us in the competitive food sector.

One of the most important decisions I made for Shaista's was to convert from refined to mustard oil. As a diabetic for 12 years, eliminating refined oil from my diet was a game changer. Mustard oil, which contains heart-healthy fatty acids and has a high smoke point, became a staple in my kitchen.  It not only benefited my health but also helped establish Shaista's identity as a wellness-focused business. Prioritizing health before convenience, in my opinion, has the potential to transform lives, and I want to encourage others to follow suit.

Mantra For Success

If there's one mantra that describes my journey, it's this: "Either learning or earning—it's always a win-win." Challenges are inevitable yet they provide invaluable lessons. To those women who aspire to be entrepreneurs, I encourage them to keep learning. Read, research, and don't be afraid to ask for help. If money is scarce, consider loans or partnerships. Never give up, and always have multiple sources of income to assure stability.

To every woman thinking about starting her own business, I say, "Go all out". Don't wait for the "right" time - create it. Struggles will arise, but so will great results. Remember, your vision is valid, and your dreams are worthwhile. As I often say, "Jab tak happy ending nahi hoti, picture abhi baaki hai."

Every day in business brings novel challenges and possibilities for growth. With the constant support of my family, friends, and customers, I'm driven to continue developing Shaista's into a business that not only offers excellent meals but also nourishes the soul. My path has taught me that success is not about perfection, but rather about perseverance, passion, and purpose.

So, to everyone at the crossroads of ambition and doubt, let my story serve as a reminder: the journey may not always be simple, but it is always worthwhile.

This article was written by Shaista Kausar, culinary entrepreneur and founder of Shaista's