Whether you are an established business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, strong connections can open doors to a world of opportunities. Insiya Kapadia’s inspiring journey from being a physiotherapist to an entrepreneur in the Food and Beverage (F&B) industry perfectly illustrates the power of networking and determination in transforming dreams into reality.
Insiya’s journey began in Mumbai, where she pursued a career in physiotherapy while managing the challenges of an early marriage. After relocating to the UK with her husband, a doctor by profession, she found it difficult to balance a demanding career alongside the responsibilities of motherhood. Her husband’s job opportunity in Dubai gave her a fresh start and she was able to resume her physiotherapy career at NMC Hospital. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the unexpected elimination of her position at the hospital, leaving her at a crossroads, with another child on the way.
Aware of her passion for the F&B industry, it was during these testing times that a friend introduced her to BNI. Her first meeting with a BNI member rekindled her entrepreneurial spirit and she decided to turn her culinary passion into a business. Despite the daunting challenges of launching a new business during her pregnancy, Insiya’s determination and the invaluable support and mentorship she received from fellow BNI members helped her sail through all obstacles.
Today, Insiya Kapadia is the proud owner of Mama’s Momos, a quick-service kiosk renowned for its handcrafted momos and dumplings. Beyond serving walk-in customers, the restaurant also offers its services to various events, including school functions, corporate gatherings, and family celebrations like birthdays, often featuring live dim sum stations to enhance the dining experience of consumers. Insiya has also expanded her business to include B2B partnerships, supplying her specialty momos and dumplings to various restaurants. In addition, Mama’s Momos is available on e-commerce platforms, making their delicious offerings easily accessible to a wider audience.
Ms. Insiya Kapadia attributes a significant part of her success to the invaluable support and opportunities provided by BNI. She highlights how influential members such as Manoj Shewaramani from Shewaramani Plastic Trading L.L.C and Shabana Abdal Razzak from Maison De ARY Jewellery LLC played a crucial role in helping her secure key collaborations and build strong relationships within the network. Even before her official induction into BNI, she secured a two-day catering order, proving the immediate benefits of being a part of this community.
Additionally, her BNI chapter, with its 44 members, consistently provided her with referrals—both big and small—substantially boosting her brand’s visibility. She emphasizes that without the connections and support of BNI, gaining such exposure in the niche ethnic food category would have been extremely challenging. Ms Insiya’s journey from a healthcare professional to a culinary business owner is a testament to the pivotal role that collaboration, determination, and strategic networking play in achieving success. Her inspiring story affirms that with the right connections and support, even the most ambitious dreams can become a reality.
