A UK-based Pakistani Chef Zahra Khan made her country proud by featuring in Forbes 30 under 30 Europe List. She challenged the Pakistani culture stereotype and started a career in the UK. She has made it to the Forbes 30 under 30 lists in the retail and e-commerce category.
She disclosed that she has a passion for baking when she was a little girl. At the age of 13, she was instructed to pursue her studies in science because there is no future for her in baking. She said that the only thing which she was told again and again was that the only place where the woman belongs is the kitchen.
Zahra challenged her cultural stereotype and graduated from celebrity chef Gordan Ramsay’s culinary academy. After her graduation, she decided to start her Feya and Dyce cafes near the iconic Harrods and Selfridges retail stores. When she started her career as a chef at the same time she also became a mother.
With her stong determination and her hardwork, she is able to drove her business to the new heights of sucess. Initally, her team size was only 5 but then she increases her team to 30. She hire amny female illustrators to design packaging. Furthermore, she donates 10% for the professional guidance of women. Her dream is to empower women.
Zahra disclosed that she is now trying to expand her business to 25 new sites through her agreements with different franchises. She is hoping that by 2025 she will be able to create 400 new jobs for women. Additionally, she also made history as the first Pakistani women to ever attend the prestigious Gordon Ramsay’s Tante Marie Culinary Academy since its opening in 1954.
Throughout her journey, from Pakistani to UK and then launching a new business in the male-dominated society was difficult for her. But she took these challenges positively and became a successful entrepreneur. She is a mother of two and also fulfilling her duties towards society by empowering women.
