8th March!!! International Women’s day is one of the days to realise and spread the power and ability of a woman who still is fighting for her rights and position in society. Gender Parity, Female Foeticide, Right to Education, Women Safety and protection are still some of the burning social issues. Those who emerge and excel in various fields are either very strongly supported by their parents or post-adolescence they have their own ‘nerves of steel’ and will power, in creating their own niche in the fiercely competitive world where at times her voice is not either paid heed to, or she disappears in the womb itself, dumped after birth or various other complex factors in the male-dominated patriarchal society.
On the other hand, however, females or womanhood has been celebrated during Navratras in India, that too twice a year, the biggest question lies... does this kind of respect for gender, where she is synonymous with SHAKTI, trickle down in Reality. Do we Practice what we Preach?
Amidst all the debates and chaos, I choose to salute few women in the Food and beverage industry who just believed in their dreams and walked on a track, in an industry which is not only demanding but equally intensely challenging; they deserve applause and a word of recognition.
1. Shilpa Bhatt, the name is creativity personified. Her chocolates are beyond imagination... Ecstatic! To be precise. Shilpa sources all her ingredients from Europe. She is known for her chocolate carvings and the beautiful chocolate bouquets which she creates.
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| Parul Gandhi |
2. Parul Gandhi runs Project Cafe inside the famous Yellow house in Panjrapole. Some of her specialties are made out of cold pressed almond, coconut and olive oil. She has her own in-house small bakery and is known for her health food preparation.
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| Panna Bhalla Tyagi |
3. Panna Bhalla Tyagi: who took the unchartered path, promoting vegan practices and supplying food which is free from animal content, be it dairy, eggs, ghee or foods cooked with cream. A lawyer by profession started giving the city dairy-free alternative recipes. Her passion has made her a popular brand in the city, can you imagine a dairy-free (no milk) curd, cake or a cookie. She can do it!!
4. Esha Kakkar started her journey in 2013, leaving behind her well paid corporate job and daring to be an entrepreneur. She runs her Bakery and cafe under the brand Indulgence with her sister. This hardworking and the dedicated duo is worth all admiration.
5. Dr. Kamal Nagpal an ophthalmologist by profession and restaurateur by passion. She runs two outlets, one is a Cafe Soul Square and the other Sholeh Global Grill. They also make low-calorie gelatos in their own plant under the brand Ice-scapades.
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| Isha Thakkar |
6. Isha Thakkar, a young girl, after tying her nuptial bond has ventured out into another concept cafe in Ahmedabad, Gamysticafe – as the name suggests, it is a Gaming zone cum a cafe. This is a place where you can spot a first and third generation having fun together despite the technology gap. A nice casual place for known for bonding.
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| Chaitali Udeshi |
7. Chaitali Udeshi: Power Personified, she is on the other side of the F & B industry, being a consultant, she lays the foundation for eateries, clubs, and cafes. She is working as a consultant since 2009 and holds credit for commencing brands like @mango, Soulmate, Arvind Uplands etc.
8. Sanjali Nirwani, another young girl after her studies decided to take the gut route. She opened Unlocked!!! The cafe revolves around three concepts, firstly they have a wide variety of board games, all curated well, segregated as per age groups, levels and preferences. The collection of board games comes in from across the globe, the purpose is to get away from the screen and detox yourself!! Second is the Escape room, the only one in Ahmedabad last but the most primary is the gut of course.
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| Bhumi Mehta |
9. Bhumi Mehta: A restaurateur from Mumbai runs Ques Y Cafe where seven cuisines from across the world are served, and this month her cafe completes one successful year in Ahmedabad.
Hence, behind the picture perfect lady, and glamorous looking businesses, I am sure they would have gone through many battles!
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