Today we’d like to introduce you to Hiba Tanvir.
Hiba, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I returned to Dallas after 5 years of being on the East Coast, I knew I wanted this phase of life to be about exploring, discovering, and challenging myself. I knew I wanted to do more than just a regular job. With my deep interest in emotional well-being, I started holding workshops, working with people by offering them safe spaces to become aware of their emotional pattern and offering ways to heal.
I am part of our family-owned business, Wisteria Preschool with my mother and sister.
I have been hosting a radio show for the past 7 years on Radio Azad, called Reflections with Hiba where I discuss taboo and uncomfortable social issues relevant to the South Asian diaspora and challenge many social dogmas.
Volunteering is where I derive the most intrinsic satisfaction. I have been teaching refugee women English for the past few years and helped them start their own home-based catering business, Hope Kitchen which has helped many struggling women earn a living with dignity.
I also hold a weekly emotional well-being class at a senior living facility where I have met some amazing, wise human beings.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Knowing you want to make a difference but not knowing where to start. Also, it was frustrating that I was reaching out to many local nonprofits seeking opportunities to help but I was disappointed by the unprofessionalism. Appointments were canceled last minute, no one rescheduled. What I loved about DFW Refugee Outreach Services was the efficiency and fast turnaround of all action items. One Monday I was introduced to Zeenath who is the founder. The next Monday I was in front of 18 women teaching my first English class.
With 2 kids under 10, juggling all these varied interests is challenging. But we only have one life to make a difference. I’m so grateful to my family for offering selfless childcare so I can go out in the world and do the things that fuel my soul and fill my cup.
We’ve been impressed with The Hope Kitchen, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Hope Kitchen is a venture that started about 2 years ago when I started volunteering with DFW Refugee Outreach Services. I am very passionate about gender equality, human rights, and women empowerment. Weekly, I started teaching English to a group of refugee women. But I knew that was not enough to really change their lives. My mother always said the greatest independence is financial independence. I wanted to help these hard-working, talented women earn a living from home since they couldn’t work outside of their homes. After having them complete a skills inventory. I discovered many of them were interested in cooking. That’s where the idea of Hope Kitchen was born. A home-based catering business that makes authentic Afghani, Pakistani and Arab cuisine at very reasonable prices.
Our vision is empowering women, one dish at a time. Also, each order helps these women support their large families and earn a living with dignity.
Their advantage is very reasonable prices, generous serving sizes, and authentic food.
In 2 years, Hope Kitchen has grown to where these ladies enjoy weekly orders, referrals, and sold-out stalls at local mosques.
Hope Kitchen has been featured on Voice of America, featured on Dallas Morning News, and covered by national food bloggers.
What made me the happiest was learning that one of the Hope Kitchen chefs was able to save enough money to send back to her family in Afghanistan. Her family was able to purchase wood to make fire for the bitter cold in the winter.
Please support the Hope Kitchen by ordering from them. Check out their Facebook page @ The Hope Kitchen.
You can find their full menu at https://dfwros.org/kitchens/
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Don’t make excuses! When you are really passionate about doing something, you will find a way. Set a clear intention, be relentless. Ask yourself, if you were to die tomorrow, what contribution have you made to making this world a better, more loving place? How have you actively and consciously raised humanity?
“What moves and inspires you with the most passion is the seed that carries your purpose”…A.Helwa
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dfwros.org/kitchens/
- Instagram: @hibatanvir
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/htanvir
