Saba Naqshbandi, a school teacher in Nowgam Aribagh, Srinagar and nationally recognized baker reads like a modern-day fairy tale. An M.Com graduate by qualification and a teacher by profession, Saba never imagined that an unexpected baking course in February 2024 would completely transform her life’s trajectory.
The idea of trying something new, which her husband joked about when they were going through a difficult period, turned out to be the basis of the extraordinary story of success. Like many Indian women, Saba had always been the family’s backbone, managing household responsibilities while nurturing her children’s dreams. Yet, not everything works as planned in life. When their extended family moved to a nuclear family, Saba was at a stage where she had to juggle between her teaching profession, keeping household duties, and spending time with her children.
The decision to temporarily step away from teaching wasn’t easy, but it proved to be the turning point that would lead her to discover her hidden passion. Sometimes, we need to pause our current journey to find our true calling, and Saba’s story is a beautiful testament to this truth.
The Leap of Faith, Seven Days That Changed Everything
When Saba’s husband suggested she explore baking, neither of them could have predicted the magnitude of change those seven words would bring. “Aap kyun na baking kar lo” – this simple suggestion became the catalyst for an extraordinary transformation. Saba was reluctant but made up her mind and joined a beginner baking course at Bake Art Academy.
The week was quite magical. Saba came to the academy with little or no idea how to bake, and all she really knew were the homemade bread and pizzas that she would make her children eat. Walking into the academy this way is like walking into a canvas that is about to be painted with new skills and knowledge. Her teacher at the school, Chef Rouf, saw something unique in this motivated Kashmiri mother. Saba fully acknowledged she had no experience in baking when questioned about the said issue.
The way things unfolded thereafter was excellent. Using only the academy’s equipment, practising with dedication, and pouring her heart into every lesson, Saba not only completed the course successfully but also won a prize on the final day’s practical test. Such a surprise was more than an award and a mark that she was a talent in business. The neurotic wife who loaded her suitcases and left her children with their grandparents had now come back as an assertive baker with big dreams and considerable resolve.
The Rise of Chocolate Fusion: The Transition of Teacher to Business Woman
The transition from classroom to kitchen wasn’t just a career change – it was a complete life transformation. Saba’s teaching background proved to be her secret weapon in this new venture. What other ingredients did she need to make a successful recipe? She had accumulated patience during those years of working with children, the multi-tasking capabilities that she had acquired in her many years in the classrooms, and above all, her creativity, which she was by nature born with.
Initially, Saba planned to focus solely on chocolates, naming her venture “Chocolate Fusion.” But as people started talking about her excellent capabilities, people started ordering cakes, pastries and other baked products. Saba, like any good entrepreneur, adjusted to the market needs, developed her product as well and offered her products at the highest quality standards possible.
What makes Saba’s story truly inspiring is how she managed to balance everything.
It was like a time management lesson to her every day as she ensured that her son woke up early and was ready for school, she had quality time with her daughter, and by the end of the day, all the baking orders should be complete, and make everything prepared in time when her son finally went back to school. It was during the evenings that were more supposed to be family time, homework, and household duties. This wasn’t just multi-tasking; it was a carefully orchestrated symphony of love, dedication, and
professional commitment.
The Golden Moment: IHM Competition win
Every success story has that one defining moment, and for Saba, it came in December 2024 at the Institute of Hotel Management’s baking competition. Saba entered a room of established bakers who had come throughout the valley, and the burden of underdog was heavy. These weren’t just competitors; they were seasoned professionals with years of experience under their belts.
The theme was “Winter Carnival,” and Saba knew she had to bring something extraordinary to the table. This was where her artistic inclination and instincts realistically came out. She made all the props with her hands, planned everything down to the last detail, and put her heart into the fondant work. Her creativity wasn’t just about decoration; it was about storytelling through cake.
The moment was just magical when the results were declared, and Saba won the position of the first runner-up. This was a housewife/mother who, barely 1 year prior to this, had begun to bake next to big names in the business. The victory wasn’t just personal; it was a statement that passion, combined with hard work and creativity, can overcome any barrier. That day, Saba didn’t just win a competition – she won her place in the baking community of Kashmir.
The Philosophy of balance: Baking as therapy
For Saba, baking isn’t just a profession – it’s therapy, passion, and self-expression all rolled into one. In a society where homemakers are often undervalued, Saba’s journey represents a powerful counter-narrative. She speaks passionately about how society perceives housewives: “Ek housewife hai, kya hi karti hogi” – but her story proves that every woman has unlimited potential waiting to be unlocked.
Her philosophy of balance and self-belief are the keys to her success. Saba firmly believes that being a wife and mother doesn’t mean sacrificing personal dreams and aspirations. Instead, it’s about finding creative ways to pursue both simultaneously. The tale of her is a guiding light to the hope of many women who feel misunderstood and lost, coming between the demands of society and the desire to achieve something with their lives.
What’s truly remarkable is how Saba has maintained quality relationships with her customers. She has been personally acquainted with every client since the first day, cares about their comments, and always tries to improve. This, together with her refusal to sacrifice quality ingredients, has made a faithful customer base not only come back but also refer others, creating a beautiful circle of trust and pleasure.
Future goals, visions and dreams: The cafes vision
Success hasn’t made Saba complacent; instead, it has fueled bigger dreams. The next thing on her agenda is to get a cafe – that would be a dream that would ideally be a project that would go along with her passion for baking and her dream to open a community place where people can share in her culinary artistry. The vision can be viewed as the organic transition of her experience growing up as a home baker to a prospective restaurant owner.
Her approach to pricing is accessible and high-quality, with the starting point at 450 and 650 of the bento and one-pound cakes, respectively, as well as customization possibilities adjustable to need. The unique aspect of the business that will make her stand a while in the competitive business market is the level of customization that most commercial bakeries do not offer and her strict adherence to the finer ingredients, such as the best whipping creams.
Saba is a religious person, and this drives her as she looks forward to a brighter future. “Tawakkul hai Allah Taala pe,” she says, acknowledging that her success is a blessing and that she trusts in divine guidance for her future endeavours. Such work ethic, faith and humility not only brought her citations of success but it is highly inspirational.
A Message of Hope: Words of Every Dreaming Woman
Saba’s message to other homemakers resonates with profound wisdom and encouragement. “You should be proud of yourself for taking care of your house,” she emphasizes, challenging the narrative that homemaking is somehow less valuable than other professions. The point that she makes is very straightforward but convincing: Never give in to pessimistic narrations, trust yourself, and if you find something that you love, then go ahead and never worry about it.
Her example shows that nothing can restrict us, our age, situation, or expectations of society. Whether it’s cooking, crafting, or any other skill, every talent can be transformed into an opportunity with consistency, self-belief, and family support. Saba’s journey from a hesitant beginner to a nationally recognized baker happened not despite her roles as a wife and mother but because she learned to integrate all aspects of her identity harmoniously.
In the end, Saba Naqshbandi’s story isn’t just about baking success – it’s about the beautiful possibility that exists when we dare to dream, work consistently toward our goals, and never give up on ourselves. Her Kashmiri kitchen has kept on dispensing not only delectable goodies but also ideas to many other women who cannot resist thinking beyond mainstream norms.
Also Read: Mohammad Akbar Khan: From Budgam’s Streets to National Glory
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