Entrepreneurship was never the plan for Shababa Ishmam—it just happened. Today, she is not only a thriving entrepreneur but also a celebrity chef and a reality cooking show judge, making her mark in the culinary world while building successful businesses. A passionate creator from Dhaka, Bangladesh, Shababa has seamlessly blended business with creativity. From baking Bangladesh’s tallest cakes to launching a trendy restaurant and a luxury stationery brand, she has carved a unique space in multiple industries.
In this exclusive interview with TINDS, Shababa Ishmam shares how she did it.
TINDS: Can you tell us about your background and where you grew up?
Shababa: I was born and raised in Dhaka. My father was a businessman, and my mother had a strong creative side. Growing up, I was surrounded by both business and artistry, which shaped my entrepreneurial mindset.
TINDS: What are the businesses you own, and what do they offer?
Shababa: I own three businesses:
- The Red Window – A boutique bakery specializing in gourmet and customized cakes, known for creating Bangladesh’s tallest cakes.
- Bheja Fry – A restaurant offering innovative takes on Bengali street food and Old Dhaka cuisine.
- The Paper Boutique – A bespoke stationery brand that custom-designs wedding invitations, wedding dalas (gift trays), corporate goods, and personalized paper products.
TINDS: What was your first business, and how did you become a partner at Bheja Fry?
Shababa: My first business, The Red Window, started as a small dessert shop in Dhanmondi and quickly gained popularity. This success gave me the confidence to expand into new ventures. I was passionate about food, and when the opportunity arose to be a partner at Bheja Fry, I seized it.
TINDS: What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Shababa: A mix of creativity and the desire to build something meaningful. Seeing my ideas come to life and bringing joy through food and design keeps me motivated.
TINDS: Who has influenced your journey the most?
Shababa: My mother and my strong willpower. Honestly, I faced more demotivation than support—especially from my father. But after launching three businesses against his advice, I’ve learned that if he says ‘Don’t do it,’ I probably should!
My advice? If you believe in something, just go for it—Don’t let anyone hold you back.
TINDS: How did The Paper Boutique come into being?
Shababa: It started when I was designing wedding invitations for friends and family. I realized there was a gap in the market for high-quality, custom stationery and turned my passion into a business.
TINDS: How do you balance multiple businesses and personal life?
Shababa: It’s not easy! Prioritization and delegation are key. I have an incredible team, and my husband is very supportive. When I’m with my family, I make sure to be fully present.
TINDS: What advice would you give to women balancing family and career?
Shababa: You can have it all—just not all at once, and that’s okay! Build a strong support system, set clear priorities, and celebrate small wins along the way.
TINDS: You’re renowned for your amazing cakes. When did your passion for baking start?
Shababa: As a child, watching my mother bake. I was fascinated by how simple ingredients could turn into something magical. Over time, baking became my passion and later, my business.
TINDS: Who are your clients, and what type of cakes do you bake?
Shababa: I create custom-designed celebration cakes, from weddings to themed birthdays. My clients range from families to corporate clients who want something unique.
TINDS: What makes your baking style unique?
Shababa: I focus on three things—flavor, texture, and creativity. I love experimenting with global baking trends and always ensure my cakes taste as amazing as they look.
TINDS: Can you share a memorable experience from your baking journey?
Shababa: A client once challenged me to break my own record for the tallest cake. We created a 7-foot-tall castle cake—our biggest ever! It took a full week of nonstop work, but it was an unforgettable experience.
TINDS: What are your top 3 favorite dishes?
Shababa: Bhaat with Aloo Bhorta and Daal, Kacchi Biriyani and Shahi Tukra.
TINDS: What was one of the biggest challenges you faced as an entrepreneur?
Shababa: Balancing multiple businesses was tough, but being a young female entrepreneur in a male-dominated society was an even bigger challenge. When I started The Red Window at just 22, I had chefs who were 35-40 years old. Instead of following my lead, they would question me—even though I was the boss! Now, after nearly a decade of hustling, I don’t let these things get in my way anymore.
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TINDS: What sets your brands apart from competitors?
Shababa: Innovation and quality. We don’t just follow trends—we create them by listening to customers and offering unique products they can’t find elsewhere.
TINDS: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as an entrepreneur?
Shababa: Resilience is everything. There will be ups and downs, but consistency and adaptability make all the difference. Always trust your instincts!
TINDS: If you had to describe each of your businesses in one word, what would they be?
Shababa:
- The Red Window: Innovative
- Bheja Fry: Bold
- The Paper Boutique: Elegant
TINDS: What’s one secret to a perfectly baked cake?
Shababa: Love. When you bake a cake, you give the same recipe to five people, but the five cakes will taste different. I believe every dessert is baked with love. The more attention and care you put into baking, the better the taste will be.
TINDS: Tell us a funny story from your journey.
Shababa: This was the first bold move of my entrepreneurial journey! At 18, I visited Mezzuna in Kolkata and loved everything about it. I somehow managed a meeting with the owner, Anjan Chatterjee, the man behind Oh! Calcutta and Mainland China. I confidently told him I wanted to bring Mezzuna to Bangladesh and operate it myself. He laughed and said, “You should be in school or modeling—this isn’t for you.”
That rejection fueled me. Inspired by Mezzuna, I started The Red Window with my own twist. Today, it’s one of Bangladesh’s favorite bakeries. Sometimes, a ‘no’ is just the push you need to go after your dreams!
What’s Next for Shababa Ishmam?
Shababa Ishmam’s journey proves that success is about taking risks, learning from challenges, and staying true to your passions. With her businesses thriving and new ideas always brewing, one thing is clear: Shababa is just getting started.
| Find Shababa & Her Ventures:
Instagram: shababaishmam Facebook: Shababa Ishmam The Red Window: Facebook, Instagram |
