Saria’s culinary journey began with a diploma in patisserie from London’s Le Cordon Bleu in 2012. Her subsequent training and work experience proved invaluable, providing her with the confidence and skills to launch her own cake store, The Flourist, in Dhaka, the following year. Her exposure to London’s supper club scene inspired her to incorporate this concept into her own business as well.
Saria seamlessly blends her artistic expression into her culinary creations, drawing parallels between patisserie and painting. She meticulously considers colour, palette, and contrast to create visually stunning cakes. “The skills acquired through each of my crafts are interchangeable, with my painting experience enhancing my ability to create edible art on cakes and my fondant work contributing to my sculpting abilities,” she shares.
At The Flourist, Saria prioritises environmental consciousness by minimising plastic usage, partnering with plastic recycling initiatives, and implementing composting practices. These efforts underscore her commitment to operating a business that aligns with her values and contributes positively to the environment.
She is also the owner of Pat a Pet Cafe, a unique venture launched in 2022 that aims to foster an animal-friendly culture in Bangladesh. The cafe is open to both humans and animals, providing a space for pet parents to let their furry babies socialise. It also has a rooftop dog pool, a welcome addition to Dhaka.
“The cafe’s 9 rescued local breed cats act as ambassadors for animal adoption, encouraging visitors to adopt rather than purchase pets while also promoting the idea that local breeds are just as loving and adorable as their foreign counterparts,” says Saria.
To ensure the comfort of both the cats and visitors, the cafe has several measures in place. “We keep the cat litter and feeding bowls inside an extension of Furryghor, a separate pet boarding facility, to maintain hygiene and prevent unpleasant odours from reaching the cafe area.
This also provides a private and secure space for the cats to eat and relieve themselves without feeling threatened or anxious,” Saria explains.
Housed within glass walls, a partitioned zone provides both entertainment and privacy, ensuring that the pets have a comfortable spot to relax and play. As a fun place for both people and animals, Pat a Pet Cafe also carries delicious treats for their cats and furry guests, including custom cakes.
Additionally, their fully vegetarian menu reflects a commitment to animal welfare. This decision, though challenging from a business standpoint, aligns with their mission of promoting kindness and compassion towards all animals.
Love, Ma, a recently launched holistic clothing and homegoods brand for mothers and babies, co-founded by Saria, is firmly committed to sustainability and local sourcing – principles deeply ingrained in their identity. Despite the perceived compromise in packaging aesthetics, they prioritise eco-friendly alternatives, eliminating single-use plastic packaging.
“Love, Ma recognises the challenge of overcoming consumer mistrust towards local products. To address this, we emphasise the importance of leading by example, demonstrating the benefits of our products and gradually building trust with mothers. We believe that as more mothers witness the positive impact of Love, Ma’s products, they will be more inclined to embrace local solutions,” shares Saria.
Love, Ma’s commitment to mothers goes beyond providing products; they seek to create a nurturing and empowering community that addresses the unique needs of mothers. Recognising the dearth of safe spaces for mothers to seek information and support, Love, Ma intends to be a beacon of guidance and connection for women navigating the journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood.
To foster this sense of community, they plan to curate a comprehensive resource directory, including a list of natural birth-supportive doctors, education researchers, and writers who can provide expert advice and answer questions. Additionally, they will compile a list of local preschools and daycare facilities, empowering mothers to make informed decisions about their children’s care.
Love, Ma also aims to address the prevailing issue of unnecessary medical interventions during childbirth. By encouraging open discussions and sharing personal experiences, they seek to dispel myths surrounding childbirth practices and empower mothers to advocate for themselves and their newborns. Through their commitment to open communication, resource sharing, and community building, Love, Ma strives to become a trusted companion for mothers throughout their parenting journey.
While the demands of her diverse responsibilities are undeniable, Saria never loses sight of her most important role: motherhood. “My daughter is at the top of every list I make. Her needs come first. While I may have to sacrifice creative opportunities, I cherish the time I spend with my child and prioritise her well-being above all else,” she says.
Saria’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to embrace their passions and pursue ventures that resonate with their personal values. She emphasises the importance of incorporating sustainable practices wherever possible and operating businesses that contribute positively to society and the environment.
Photographs: Courtesy of Saria Saguaro