Sweet Tooth
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Entreprenuer Nidhi Bhojwani on how she made Yummy Tummy such a success
T he lovely owner of the hottest new dessert place in town, Yummy Tummy, is nothing if not passionate about her fantastic venture. With treats that are gluten, flour, egg and sugar free, there is something for everyone at this adorable place. We visit the lady herself at her cosy home and get chatting about everything that makes her tick!
How did you come up with the name Yummy Tummy?
My daughter also loves sweets and one day she came and told me she needs something yummy in her tummy and I realised that was the best name I could think of. We always wanted a name that would cater to all age groups and that would have an element of fun.
Did you always have an entrepreneurial streak or did you develop it recently?
I am a fashion designer by profession and worked in the industry until I got married in Dubai. My husband’s family has been in Dubai for more than 40 years, and they have been one of the leading business houses in the city. It is because my family was and is as supportive as they are that this venture became feasible.
Please tell us a bit about your childhood and college years. Where did you complete your education?
I was born and brought up in Delhi and graduated from NIFT – The National Institute of Fashion Technology.
There are a lot of places that offer desserts and chocolates. What makes Yummy Tummy’s products different?
At Yummy Tummy we create products to suit our clients’ requirements and have a broad range of offerings, right from organic and gluten-free to low-calorie, eggless and sugar free treats!
Our treats suit all age groups and we use the best of ingredients from all over the world to create unique and delicious flavours for
Yummy Tummy.
You place a lot of emphasis on design and the ‘look’ as well. How do you go about deciding these elements?
At Yummy Tummy good taste is everything, right from the flavour and freshness of our goods to the beauty of the presentation. Yummy Tummy’s cakes are traditional, unique and fun and incorporate quirky elements to reflect each our customers’ personality and style. We understand the theme of the party or personality of the client and based on the same, make customised cakes for any type of celebration, no matter the budget.
Do you have a major sweet tooth yourself? How many chocolates and other sinful treats do you have in a day?
I am a huge dessert person and crave something sweet after my main meals, especially. After starting Yummy Tummy, my dessert intake has increased greatly as I have to taste everything we make!
Tell us more about your personal life. Are you married? If yes, how involved is your husband in this venture?
Yes, I am married and my husband is a great source of inspiration in this new venture. He comes from a food-related background and has been helping me source ingredients from the USA and the UK, amongst other countries. It’s always nice to have someone from your family around to help and offer advice and support.
When you travel for your holidays, do you tend to check out the dessert places first? If yes, which countries or cities do you think have the best desserts?
Since I have a major sweet tooth, checking out dessert places are on the top of my priority list and ever since I opened Yummy Tummy, I have been looking at dessert places even more often.
I recently travelled to Paris and Belgium and think that these two places are perfect jaunts for us dessert lovers.
What are your hobbies and how do you make time for them in your life?
I love swimming. During the weekend I make sure to find time to plan something that includes swimming with my family.
What do you like most about Dubai?
Dubai is a cosmopolitan city. It is a shopper’s delight and a city that is packed with excitement. It is already a top tourist destination and continues to expand and astound with its groundbreaking architecture and other fantastic ventures. My favourite hangout in the city is 101 lounge at The One & Only Palm Jumeirah and Zuma at DIFC.