Zahra Khan, a UK-based Pakistani chef, featured amongst the world’s most impactful and game-changing entrepreneurs in the Forbes list, according to a report in The News.

Originally from Lahore, Zahra founded Feya and Dyce cafes near the iconic Harrods and Selfridges retail stores in Central London after graduating from celebrity chef Gordan Ramsay’s culinary academy.

“At the age of 13, I was told to study sciences because I could not achieve a worthy career out of baking,” Zahra said speaking to Geo news. Women are homemakers and they belong to Kitchen, which is what she was often told. 

“I had fallen into a cultural stereotype; in Pakistan where I was born, women historically remain at a disadvantage due to cultural and religious barriers leading to setbacks like gender discrimination, unemployment, and mental health issues,” she said.

She founded Feya café with five staff at the same time when she became a mother. Now, the 30 people who work in her cafe is testimony to the success of her business.

“I have received 100 plus franchise applications from countries like UK, UAE, KSA, Qatar, Kuwait, Canada, and that too without any formal listing,” she said. 

However, in 2021, she plans to expand the footprints of Faye globally. “I am in the process of expanding Feya’s retail network and targeting further 25 sites outside the UK via franchise agreements,” she said, adding it will generate jobs for around 400 people.