Discovering a Unique Path
In 2010, Umeela Thaseen was introduced to event management, a path that granted her financial independence. However, her passion for culinary entrepreneurship had been ingrained in her since childhood—watching Chef Sanjeev Kapoor every Sunday morning as a 4- or 5-year-old, dreaming of bringing her own culinary vision to life.
A Culinary Dream Takes Root
From a young age, Umeela harbored a deep-seated desire to become a culinary entrepreneur. Her family and close friends often lauded her exceptional ability to transform even the most unpalatable dishes into delightful culinary experiences. This consistent encouragement reinforced her belief that she was destined for the culinary world.
Achieving Childhood Ambitions
Establishing her own restaurant stands as Umeela’s most significant life accomplishment to date. This achievement holds profound meaning for her, symbolizing a tangible realization of her childhood aspirations. Her restaurant proudly showcases her heritage and the cuisine she holds dear, offering patrons a genuine taste of her cultural background.
Blessings and Beginnings in the UAE
In 2014, Umeela relocated to the United Arab Emirates and commenced her professional journey with Dubai Islamic Bank. Reflecting on this period, she expresses gratitude for the significant blessings in her life, acknowledging the presence of supportive individuals who have consistently facilitated her progress. This foundation provided her with the confidence to pursue her culinary ambitions.
Elevating a Brand: Bangalore Memories Restaurant
Umeela is unwavering in her commitment to elevating her brand, aiming to establish Bangalore Memories Restaurant as a household name in the UAE. Her current career objective is to ensure that the restaurant evolves into a legacy she can pass down to future generations. This dedication underscores her passion for sharing the rich culinary traditions of Bangalore with a broader audience.
Inspiration from Maternal Support
The word “Mother” carries immense inspiration for Umeela. Her mother has always been her pillar of strength, never questioning her ambitions or dreams. Instead, she consistently conveyed a message of trust: if you’ve made a decision, pursue it, and success will follow. This unwavering support has been instrumental in Umeela’s journey.
Faith and Family: Pillars of Strength
Prayer serves as Umeela’s driving force. She believes that the deeper her relationship with her creator, the less daunting life’s challenges become. Additionally, her husband stands as her unwavering supporter, always ready to assist and ensuring she remains focused on her career progression.
Embracing Challenges and Learning
While Umeela is grateful not to have faced significant failures, she acknowledges that challenges are an inevitable part of life. One key lesson she’s learned is the importance of surrounding herself with wiser individuals. She emphasizes that one’s environment and the company one keeps play a crucial role in shaping one’s identity.
The Value of Commitment
Commitment is a cornerstone of Umeela’s philosophy. She believes that the words one speaks carry weight, and failing to uphold them diminishes the value of other qualities in business or work. This principle has guided her in building trust and credibility in her professional endeavors.
Creating Opportunities
Rather than waiting for the perfect moment, Umeela advocates for creating one’s own opportunities. This proactive approach has been instrumental in her success over the years and led to the birth of Bangalore Memories Restaurant. For her, success means living life on her own terms and at her own pace, cherishing every moment of it.
Advice to the Younger Generation
Umeela recognizes that younger generations have access to a wealth of information and resources, making them incredibly savvy. Her advice is to embrace traditional methods in business: start from the ground up, thoroughly understand every aspect, and conduct diligent research. This approach ensures that even if setbacks occur, valuable experience is gained along the way.
Vision for Bangalore’s Culinary Scene
Bangalore is already recognized globally for numerous reasons, and Umeela aims to elevate its culinary scene on the world stage. She aspires for the city’s food to leave a lasting impression on everyone who experiences it. She hopes that future generations will honor their heritage by appreciating their values and recognizing the significance of their cuisine and its potential to amaze the world.
Connect with Umeela
For those interested in following Umeela’s journey and gaining insights into her culinary adventures, she maintains an active presence on Instagram under the handle @Banglore.Memories . Through her posts, she shares glimpses of her life, her restaurant, and the passion that drives her to bring the flavors of Bangalore to the UAE.
Conclusion
Umeela Thaseen’s journey from a banking professional to a culinary entrepreneur is a testament to the power of passion, commitment, and the unwavering support of loved ones. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of staying true to one’s dreams and creating opportunities through dedication and hard work.
