The Pioneer travels down memory lane with Euphoria Bakers’ Faisal Tayabali as he makes his mark in Hyderabad. He talks about his attraction to the city through the years
Aarti Sreenath
Faisal Tayabali’s journey from the corporate world to baking entrepreneurship is a remarkable story of transformation and passion. With a 16-year corporate career spanning various sectors, including call centers, banking and project management, his career path took an unexpected turn towards baking, driven by a desire to build something of his own.
He is an agriculture graduate by education, although he initially faced difficulties finding a job in his field. He delved into different corporate roles, gaining diverse experience. Yet he realised that his true calling lay elsewhere. “At home, everybody bakes,” he shares, reflecting on how baking was a common household activity. His initial venture into baking was modest but pivotal. The success of an event, coupled with a side business selling brownies for six months, made him see a significant opportunity in this field.
By April 29, 2016, Faisal had made the bold decision to leave his corporate job and fully commit to baking. At this juncture, he had only 2 lakh in his savings. “I wanted to be my own boss,” he explains. This financial constraint became a driving force for his success. “The day I quit, I had only Rs 2 lakh in my account. I knew I had to make something big happen in the next six months or I’d have to go back to being a corporate slave.” With no substantial financial backing, he had to immerse himself in every aspect of the business. He recalls taking Rs 5,000 to General Bazaar for ingredients, baking everything himself and managing orders and deliveries personally.
Despite the challenges, he found joy in the hard work. “The physical labour of quitting a 14-hour corporate job to work 18 hours a day on your own business is intense, but I was having fun. I was doing something I loved.” Back then, Hyderabad’s market was not as saturated as it is today. “Eight years ago, Hyderabad was not as crazy as it is now,” he reflects. He acknowledges that the city’s food scene has exploded, making it challenging to start a business with just one product today.
His connection to Hyderabad runs deep. Although he was born in Bombay, he has lived in Hyderabad for 47 years. He has witnessed the city’s evolution firsthand. “I’ve been here for 47 years of my life. I think Hyderabad is a brilliant city,” he says. He remembers a time when the city’s limits were confined to areas like Jubilee Hills and Cyber Towers. “Back then, Cyber Towers was on the edge of the city. The limits have expanded to places like Tellapur and it’s been amazing to see this growth,” he notes.
When reflecting on Hyderabad’s present, he acknowledges the challenges, particularly the traffic. “In 2024, traffic will be a natural part of city life,” he states. Despite this, he appreciates how Hyderabad has managed its growth compared to cities like Delhi and Mumbai, where monsoon floods can disrupt life significantly. “The traffic is getting crazier, but it’s still manageable. The city is way better than many others,” he adds.
Among his fond memories of the city are the Ramzan walks he takes with friends. “During Ramzan, my friends and I do a Charminar walk. In the last five days of Ramzan, from Shadaab onwards, when bikes aren’t allowed, we walk the entire Charminar area. We stop at every food stall, order one plate from each and share it among ourselves,” he shares. This tradition allows him to savour the diverse street food offerings of Hyderabad and adds a personal touch to his love for the city.
For him, Hyderabad represents more than just a location. It’s the city where he has achieved his dreams and built a successful business. “Hyderabad is everything to me,” he affirms. He succinctly describes it as “success,” reflecting on how the city has been the foundation of his education, career, and entrepreneurial journey. “If Hyderabad were to be described in one word, it would be ‘Success,’” he concludes, highlighting the significant role the city has played in his life and career.
