Today we’d like to introduce you to Asma Rafiq.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am Asma Rafiq, Chef, food entrepreneur & community leader. I was born and raised in the middle east, where I learned to appreciate the diversity and richness of different cuisines. I have a Bachelor’s in Genetics and a Master’s in Environmental Biotechnology, but my passion is cooking and sharing food with others. I moved to Memphis with my husband when I was 21 and we have three boys.
I stayed home to raise them and instill our values and faith in them. When they grew up, I faced a dilemma: pursue a Ph.D. or follow my dream of becoming a food entrepreneur. I chose the latter. The pandemic was a turning point for me. I saw how many people were struggling and suffering, and I wanted to help. I volunteered at soup kitchens and food pantries, and I started a Winter Hygiene and Coat Drive initiative that is still going strong.
I also started blogging and sharing my recipes online, and I learned food styling and photography. I created an Instagram page @SpiceMoghul, where I showcase my dishes and stories. And in 2022, I launched Spice Moghul LLC, a catering and cooking class business that also sells exotic spice blends, teas, chocolates, desserts and treat boxes online. Soon, I will also have a Spice Moghul Chai Cart. But food is not just my business, it is also my way of connecting with people and making a difference.
This year I started another company Nurturing Connections LLC, a home health care program for the elderly, we are estimating the launch to be in January 2024.
I am on the Board of Trustees of Memphis Islamic Center and I also Chair the Women’s committee. I believe that women are the backbone of any community, and we need to support each other and empower each other. We offer programs for women led by women, such as self-defense classes and ELA classes. I also work with Memphis Interfaith, we foster interfaith dialogue and collaboration, by hosting events with other faith groups and doing community work together.
One of the projects I started is the MIC food pantry initiative, which sends pantry-stable items to underserved areas in Memphis. Another cause that is close to my heart is supporting special needs families. I helped to create SABR Memphis, an organization that provides mental health support and counseling for parents, peer pairing neurodivergent kids with neurotypical kids, and raising awareness in the community.
As I move forward, my focus will be to continue to empower women and strengthen the family unit. There is much work to do, but I am not alone. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by extraordinary humans who inspire me to be a better person every day. I am grateful to God for the support of strong and nurturing women who empower me and others. My name is Asma Rafiq, and this is my story. A story of food, faith, family, and community. A story of spice and everything nice.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been relatively smooth so far?
I won’t lie, it’s not easy to juggle raising three boys, taking care of the family, and community, and pursuing a dream, all starting from scratch. I thought I knew food, but I realized there was so much more to learn. I also had no business plan and no investors so I learned on the go and we grew slowly.I know dreams don’t come true in the comfort zone. Real growth happens when we step out of it.
A few months ago, I lost my dad. I struggle with it to this day. It’s hard to get back to life after that, the grief and anxiety are crippling, but time heals and prayers uplift.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Spice Moghul, we take pride in setting new standards in the catering industry by combining culinary expertise, impeccable service, and a commitment to exceeding our client’s expectations.
Here are the key factors that set us apart and make us the preferred choice for unforgettable events.
1). Tailored menu for clients, we understand that each event is unique, and we believe that the menu should reflect that. I work closely with our clients to create personalized menus that suit their specific preferences, dietary needs, and event theme.
2). We firmly believe that exceptional cuisine starts with the finest ingredients we pay attention to every detail to create a visually stunning and immersive dining experience.
3). Attention to detail and impeccable service. We believe that the smallest details can make the biggest impact.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Secrets of Divine Love, I visit this book often. It’s comforting and uplifting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spicemoghul.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/spicemoghul?igshid=ZDc4ODBmNjlmNQ==
