Beyond the Diploma: How a B.Tech Graduate Engineered Her Own Success

In today’s world, startups often gain attention for their success, but the hard work and strategies behind them are frequently overlooked. We usually see the results, not the effort and dedication that took place behind closed doors. It’s often said that engineers can do just about anything, and this seems to hold true in the case of Syed Mehtaab Muneer.

Mehtaab, a resident of Hawal in Srinagar, always had a passion for spreading happiness through food. From a young age, she loved baking and found joy in creating delicious treats for family and friends. This passion stayed with her, even as she pursued her studies in engineering.

Mehtaab’s passion for baking began at a young age. As a 10-year-old, she was fascinated by television shows like Cake Boss and Sideserf Cake Studio. She loved the process of making cakes, feeding people, and the joy that came with it. Compliments from those who enjoyed her creations fueled his enthusiasm.

After completing her B.Tech, Mehtaab realized that pursuing further studies wasn't where her true passion lay. She felt a strong pull towards something different, something that had always brought her joy—baking. With her love for art and baking guiding her, she began to consider turning her hobby into a business.

Given her talent and the growing demand for baked goods in Kashmir, she saw an opportunity. Mehtaab knew that starting a business based on her skills would not only fulfill her passion but also allow her to connect with people through her creations.

However, Mehtaab didn’t want to start a business without the proper knowledge and skills. She wanted to offer the best to her customers. In 2019, she traveled to Delhi to pursue comprehensive course in baking. Although she already knew how to bake, she wanted to learn more about turning it into a profession. "The training helped me refine my baking skills and taught me the business side of things," Mehtaab said.

When she returned to Kashmir, the COVID-19 pandemic had just begun. Businesses were shutting down, and people were panicking. It was a challenging time to start a new venture, but Mehtaab's determination and passion kept her moving forward.

"Travel was restricted, and everything was difficult to obtain, from raw materials to equipment, It was hard to find customers amid the COVID restrictions, but I kept going," she said. Mehtaab trusted her skills and believed that if she could provide high-quality products, people would buy from her. The preference for home deliveries during the pandemic played to her advantage.
Mehtaab began her journey alone, but through hard work and dedication, she has grown her business significantly.

Today, she employs 16 people and has partnered with two delivery teams to reach more customers. Her passion for baking and commitment to quality has helped her expand her operations. She first established a manufacturing unit in Hawal, where she started producing her baked goods on a larger scale. As her business continued to grow, Mehtaab opened shops in both Hawal and Hazratbal, bringing her delicious creations closer to even more people in the area.
Mehtaab credits much of her success to the unwavering support of her family. She explains that her mother was her first source of encouragement, always believing in her dream of turning her passion for baking into a business.

Later, after getting married, her husband also became a strong pillar of support, helping her navigate the challenges of running and expanding her business. "Their support was a game changer for me," Mehtaab reflects, acknowledging their vital role in her journey.

Looking back on her journey, Mehtaab encourages young women to explore entrepreneurship. "There are so many business opportunities where girls can be their own boss, work from home, take care of their families, and earn a good income," she says. She hopes more girls in Kashmir will move beyond traditional professions and embrace the vast possibilities of entrepreneurship.

Mehtaab's story shows the power of pursuing your passion, even when the future is unclear. By transforming her love for baking into a successful business, she has found joy and also created jobs for others.