Today we’d like to introduce you to Sadaf Shaikh.
Hi Sadaf, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It all started when I was just 14… yes, the age where girls want to go have fun and explore the world. One of my school days, when I got back home from school, my mom had this huge plaster on her right leg, and saw her on a wheelchair.
And in my head, I am thinking what happened in last few hours; mum just dropped us at school this morning. We were in the Middle-east at that time with no help around. So, I started supporting my mom with housework, especially cooking, with detailed instructions. She would be in a wheelchair and guide me to do things; I kind of started enjoying learning cooking traits from her. I would look forward to coming back home and making some food, and this gave me joy; my ears and eyes would await those compliments from my family, especially my DAD – “My princess makes the best food ever,” a confidence booster for this 14-year-old daughter.
I continued with my studies with a bachelor of arts degree. I was also passionate about designing, so I got a certification. After doing some odd jobs around, I knew in my heart this is not what I am happy with. But on the side, I was working to start off my designer venture. I finally opened a boutique with absolutely no support; I reached out to clients one on one and store-to-store. And I named it Threads & Motifs back in 2008. My brand was getting popular; I would design and have the team of tailors bring them to reality. I had a diverse customer base, considering the culture. That worked pretty well until we relocated to the US in 2009.
That is when a little struggle started, I felt lost and had to start everything from zero. All this time, my cooking skills were just getting upgraded by new inventions and experiments.
Every time I hosted parties, people would push me to start my own venture and expressed how they would love to have my food on their table for their guests.
I belong to an entrepreneur family. I always looked up to my dad for inspiration and believed I wanted to be him. At the same time, I saw that nonstop passion from my mom, who was so famous in our entire community for her yum food. So, they both were my role models but in different aspects.
With all the experience I grew up seeing, I realized all it takes to run a small business is to put your heart and soul to your work and that will speak volumes over time.
AND to my surprise found a husband who is a total Foodie now! I have spoiled him so much with my recipes that he hesitates to try a restaurant out, and that itself is a big compliment to me.
I have been a Home Chef / Caterer for about 6 months now, and this makes me happy. I love to experiment; I love to play around with my kitchen armory.
A recipe has no soul, and I bring soul to my recipes. I named my small business as “Saddielicious.” It’s a part of me; it’s my personality associated with my business name.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Two things – Pandemic and being pregnant during peak pandemic.
That changed everything; I worked a lot on myself and my desires. When I felt so depressed watching how the world was struggling, how young kids were not getting the food to eat.
I decided I want to help the community; I offered my skills, I tried to reach out to people if they needed any food help, sometimes even I had a tough time looking for groceries in stores; I couldn’t find them all, I used to open my pantry and refrigerator, and see what I have in my home and come up with a recipe on my own and believe me they would taste way better than following a step-by-step recipe. That’s when and why I say, when u cook, just cook with your heart and soul, and it will enhance the flavors.
Moving last year to Dallas is when I decided I will start my Home Chef/ CATERING BUSINESS soon, and it happened; the first step to my dream has come true. The struggle of a new place and new people always haunted me. But Dallas is very welcoming; people here happily offered me/ my business to others they know, so I didn’t have to spend a lot to advertise; just word of mouth is helping me grow my business.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
For now, I am a one-woman team, right from planning to go grocery shopping, cooking, packing, and cleaning after it is all done solely by myself. Looking forward to getting some team members to distribute the workload and the enthusiasm needed with this venture. I mainly make fusion foods; I offer items which can be altered as per my customer’s taste. Growing up in Dubai helped me get introduced to multiple cuisines. I can cook Indian, Pakistani, Mediterranean, Italian cuisines. All the chopping and dicing I do is soothing to me, it disconnects me from all the other worries in life, and I am 110 % dedicated to my kitchen.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Always believe in the Almighty…!!! Never let anyone take advantage of you. As an entrepreneur, it’s important to also gain profit, so I keep my business separate from my social/personal life.
With inflation hitting us hard, it’s hard to keep up with pricing and consistency; however, I do my research well, I price match stores and make sure I don’t compromise on my quality. Just value what you have; just be appreciative of everything you have around you and in your life. In pandemic, we had the money to buy groceries, but when the products are not available, what are u going to do with that money? be humble and kind; everyone is going through something in their life, we often don’t show it and hide inside.
Offer help with whatever you can. Just be nice in this beautiful world and people in it. Time is too short.
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Image Credits
Sheryl
