We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Samin Sarwar a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Samin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
It all started with a simple idea, one that grew out of my own experiences and frustrations. After spending 10 years in Dubai, I had grown accustomed to the vibrant, flavorful, and authentic Asian food.. I had this deep connection to the food that represented my culture, and I knew I couldn’t find anything like it when I moved back to the US. After landing in Orlando, I went out to try different restaurants, but none of them came even close to offering the kind of food I was looking for. It was a huge gap that I couldn’t ignore.
The thought came to me one day – why not introduce the flavors of home to people here? I could share the authentic tastes of Fusion Pakistani cuisine with a wider audience, and maybe even spark a sense of belonging for others who felt the same way I did. So, I decided to take action.
I started small by creating a social media page to test the waters. It wasn’t much at the time, just a few posts with some early ideas and content. But the response was incredible. People were excited, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. I knew I had tapped into something real.
Desi Dhaba began as a home-based catering service, and while it started as a side gig, I was determined to make it work. I was still working a full-time job in finance, but I treated this venture as a passion project that could grow into something bigger. Setting up a home-based catering business was a different kind of challenge, especially because I wanted to ensure everything was done professionally – licensed, insured, and compliant with all local regulations. It required me to do a lot of research to understand the legalities and logistics of running a business from home, but I was committed to doing it the right way.
But transitioning from a concept to a full-fledged business wasn’t an easy road. I was coming from a corporate finance background, so I was familiar with investment planning, analysis, and strategy – but this was different. This wasn’t just about numbers and profits; it was about passion, culture, and delivering something authentic. The journey required me to shift my mindset from focusing purely on financials to understanding the deeper connection I had with the food, the culture, and the community I wanted to serve. It was a blend of business skills and emotional investment that I had to navigate as I built something truly meaningful.
We officially launched Desi Dhaba on December 14, 2021. Initially, it was a soft launch where I focused on testing recipes, fine-tuning our offerings, and getting feedback from the people who supported us. December 19, 2021, marked our very first order, a significant milestone that felt like the beginning of something special. That first order was a validation that we were on the right track.
The first year was all about growing, experimenting, and adjusting. I spent months perfecting recipes, learning the ins and outs of running a catering business, and ensuring that we could provide a consistent and authentic experience. It wasn’t always easy, especially as I was balancing my full-time finance career alongside running Desi Dhaba, but every challenge I faced only fueled my drive to make it work.
By the time we hit our one-year mark in December 2022, we had become more confident and well-equipped. Our kitchen was better organized, our menu had been refined, and we were delivering the authentic flavors we had set out to share. We had built a loyal following, and the feedback from customers continued to be overwhelmingly positive.
Looking back, I can’t help but feel proud of how far we’ve come. What started as a small idea driven by my love for authentic food has blossomed into a thriving home-based catering business. From that first order in December 2021 to where we are today, it’s been an incredible journey – and I’m excited to continue sharing the rich flavors of Fusion Asian with our community.
But Desi Dhaba isn’t the only venture I’ve been working on. In 2022, I also launched A1 House Help, an eco-friendly commercial cleaning company. We focus on sustainability, using eco-conscious cleaning products and methods to minimize our environmental impact while delivering high-quality cleaning services for businesses. It’s been a rewarding venture, allowing me to blend my passion for the environment with my entrepreneurial spirit.
Beyond business, I have always been committed to social causes. Since 2008, I have served as a board member for a social aid and awareness program in Pakistan, focused on disability and rehabilitation, as well as the advancement of AI technology for disabled persons. In 2024, we took this initiative to Orlando to expand our efforts and create an inclusive environment for people with disabilities. Our goal is to promote inclusive education and develop AI advancements that enhance the lives of disabled individuals, opening new doors for their independence and empowerment.
Additionally, I’ve always been passionate about writing on issues of disability and inclusion. Over the years, I’ve contributed to newspapers in Pakistan, focusing on policymaking and advocating for systemic change. This commitment to the cause has led to the exciting news that I’ll be publishing my first book in 2025, titled Learning Without Barriers: AI and the Future of Inclusive Education. This book will explore how AI can transform education and create opportunities for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the learning process.
And as if that weren’t enough, I’m also working on launching an apparel brand called Ola Z in 2025. The brand will focus on streetwear, combining style with purpose. It’s still in the early stages, but I’m excited about what’s to come and the opportunity to introduce something fresh and meaningful to the fashion world.
Looking at everything I’m involved in – from Desi Dhaba to A1 House Help, my work with disability programs, my writing, and the future of Ola Z – it’s clear that each venture feeds into the other, all driven by my desire to create positive change. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited for what the future holds as I continue to build and grow in all these areas.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
About Me and My Brand:
I’m an entrepreneur driven by a deep passion for culture, community, and innovation. My journey began with a simple but powerful realization—after living in Dubai for 10 years, I developed a strong connection to the authentic, flavorful Asian food I grew up with. When I moved back to the US and couldn’t find anything that came close to the food I craved, I knew there was a gap in the market that needed to be filled.
This led to the creation of Desi Dhaba, a home-based catering business I launched in December 2021. Our mission is to bring the bold, vibrant, and authentic flavors of Pakistani fusion cuisine to Orlando. What started as a small, side project quickly grew into a thriving business after receiving incredible support and positive feedback from the community. Desi Dhaba isn’t just about food—it’s about sharing a piece of my culture and creating a sense of belonging for those who miss flavors from home, and introducing new customers to a unique culinary experience.
In addition to my work with Desi Dhaba, I launched A1 House Help in 2022, an eco-friendly commercial cleaning company. Sustainability is at the core of A1 House Help, where we use environmentally conscious cleaning products and methods to minimize our environmental impact while delivering high-quality cleaning services for businesses. This venture aligns my entrepreneurial spirit with my commitment to sustainability and providing businesses with a cleaner, greener alternative.
My entrepreneurial journey doesn’t stop with food and cleaning. I have been passionate about social causes for many years. Since 2008, I’ve served as a board member for social aid and awareness program in Pakistan, focusing on rehabilitation and advancing the use of AI technology to support individuals with disabilities. In 2024, I expanded these efforts to Orlando, where we’re working to create a more inclusive environment by promoting AI advancements to help disabled individuals lead more independent lives.
On top of that, I’ve always had a deep interest in writing and advocacy. Over the years, I’ve contributed to newspapers in Pakistan, focusing on disability issues and policy change. In 2025, I will be publishing my first book, Learning Without Barriers: AI and the Future of Inclusive Education. The book explores how AI can transform education for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to learning opportunities.
Lastly, I’m working on launching Ola Z, a streetwear apparel brand set to debut in 2025. This brand will combine style and purpose, blending modern fashion with cultural influences and social impact.
What Sets Me Apart:
What sets me apart from others is my ability to combine my business skills with a genuine passion for culture, sustainability, and social impact. I’m not just focused on profits—I’m invested in creating authentic, high-quality products and experiences that solve real problems. Whether it’s sharing the rich flavors of Fusion Pakistani cuisine through Desi Dhaba, promoting sustainability with A1 House Help, advocating for disabled individuals through AI initiatives, or creating a fashion brand that makes a statement, everything I do is driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to make a positive change in the world.
What I Want People to Know:
To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that every venture I undertake is more than just a business—it’s a passion project. I’m committed to authenticity, quality, and making a meaningful impact wherever you go. Whether it’s through my businesses, social advocacy, or creative projects, my goal is to bring value to my community and inspire others to embrace cultural diversity, sustainability, and inclusivity.
As I continue to grow, I’m excited about the future and the opportunity to further connect with people who share these values. Thank you for being part of this journey with me!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I had to unlearn the idea that “more” equals “better.” Instead, I focused on delivering exceptional quality and staying true to the core values of my business. I stopped overextending myself by trying to cater to every demand. This allowed me to maintain authenticity and focus on what made my business special, authentic flavors, high-quality ingredients, and great customer service. Over time, this shift helped me attract customers who appreciated my uniqueness and were more likely to return.
This lesson taught me the importance of staying true to my vision and quality over quantity. It’s about serving the customers who resonate with what I offer, rather than spreading myself too thin trying to please everyone. That shift in mindset not only improved my business’s quality but also helped me foster stronger relationships with the right clients.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
Desi Dhaba has truly grown into something far beyond what I initially imagined. What started as a side hustle driven by a passion for authentic food has blossomed into a thriving, sustainable business. The blend of authentic cuisine, catering services, and our community-driven initiatives has allowed us to scale in ways I never thought possible. It’s now a business I’m deeply proud of, and it has become a significant part of my life.
Looking back, the key milestones—building a loyal customer base, expanding our catering services, and launching A1House Help—have taught me invaluable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to my values. Through these experiences, I’ve come to realize that business is about much more than profits. It’s about making a positive impact on the community and creating a meaningful experience for everyone we serve.
As I look to the future, my commitment remains rooted in growing the business while continuing to give back. I plan to expand our Social Aid and Awareness Program, bringing more support to those in need, while ensuring the business grows in a sustainable way. The journey is far from over, and I’m excited for what’s to come—both in the world of food and in my investment career, where I continue to seek opportunities to support businesses that create real, positive change.
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