From Home Chef to CEO: Srinagar Woman Launches Successful Cloud Kitchen
M.Com graduate Syed Urnaib transforms her passion for cooking into a successful cloud kitchen venture in Srinagar to empower women.
In the heart of Srinagar, Syed Urnaib is proving that it is never too late to chase a dream. What started as a simple love for preparing meals for loved ones has evolved into a thriving entrepreneurial journey with the launch of her own Srinagar cloud kitchen venture, known as Urnaib's Eatery.
A Journey of Rediscovery
Syed Urnaib's path to entrepreneurship was not linear. An M.Com graduate from the University of Kashmir, Urnaib spent several years living and working at a school in Saudi Arabia. However, it was only after returning permanently to Kashmir that she decided to revisit her lifelong passion for the culinary arts.
For Urnaib, the transition came after a significant hiatus. She shared that while cooking had always been her passion, she wasn't able to explore it fully at the right time. Following a 12-year gap after her marriage, she finally found the opportunity to carve out her own identity in the professional world.
The Turning Point
The business began modestly, with Urnaib preparing meals for friends and family who frequently praised her skills. This word-of-mouth appreciation slowly turned into a steady stream of small orders. The real catalyst for her business growth came when a friend trusted her to cater a large party of approximately 150 people.
As the demand surged, Urnaib realized that her home kitchen was no longer sufficient to handle the volume of orders. This realization led to the official establishment of Urnaib's Eatery as a dedicated cloud kitchen.
Building the Brand: Investment and Grit
Starting a business requires more than just passion; it requires financial discipline. Urnaib initially invested approximately Rs 50,000 of her own savings. To keep the venture growing, she adopted a strategy of aggressive reinvestment, pouring every penny she earned back into the business.
To sustain the growth and scale the operations, Urnaib didn't shy away from hard work. She balanced the business by taking on both part-time and full-time employment and secured loans to ensure her dream of owning a brand became a reality.
A Diverse Menu for Every Palate
Urnaib's Eatery stands out by offering a blend of contemporary favorites and traditional Kashmiri flavors. The kitchen operates on a strict pre-order basis via phone calls and social media to ensure that every dish is served fresh. Their offerings include:
- Main Courses: Chicken biryani, roasted chicken, and shami kebabs.
- Specialties: Curated platters and traditional dishes like harissa and nadru-based preparations.
- Sweet Treats: A variety of bakery products, custom cakes, and desserts.
Empowering Others and Looking Ahead
Beyond the profits, Urnaib is driven by a mission of social empowerment. Her venture currently provides employment to four to five individuals, including a mix of permanent and part-time staff. She views her business as a platform to encourage other women to achieve financial independence and transform their personal skills into sustainable livelihoods.
Looking toward the future, Urnaib envisions expanding her brand across the entirety of Srinagar and eventually venturing into other parts of India.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Reflecting on her journey, Urnaib offers a powerful message to women who wish to start their own ventures in fields like tailoring, baking, art, or calligraphy:
"Take the first step and start working towards it. Success does not come immediately; it takes time. You may fail many times, but never give up."