From Ledgers to Ladles: Sana T.’s Journey

n the heart of Mumbai lives a story of inspiration, resilience, and passion. Meet Sana T., a 64 former banker turned culinary enthusiast who took us through her diverse experiences, from banking to event management and, most importantly, her unwavering love for cooking. Her story is about pursuing her passion and the resilience and creativity needed to adapt to life's various phases. 

"My first job was with BCCI, and then later with Citibank who I worked with between 1997 and 2005. But my passion was always cooking," Sana recalls, reflecting on her early career. Despite the limited recognition for chefs during her earlier years, she nurtured this passion privately, balancing it with her banking career, marriage, and other life commitments.  A few years in on her banking career, Sana decided to explore the world of event management with her own company 'Samaroh Event Management,' focusing on educational training programs. "It wasn't my area of interest, but I excelled in hosting," she recalls, highlighting her innate talent for hospitality and management. 

However, Sana's true calling in the culinary arts remained. When an opportunity came by through  Zee Entertainment's Living Foods channel , she took a significant step by joining as a home chef for 'Gorb.' "I sent five of my dishes, and four got approved," she proudly recounts. This venture was not just about cooking; it involved managing inventory and finances, which she quickly adapted to with versatility and resilience. Despite certain challenges she faced during her time there, Sana's commitment to her passion was never affected. "It was something I enjoyed," she says

Post her stint at Zee, Sana continued looking for avenues to share her recipes and craft. Her culinary journey took a turn when she found and joined Better Butter in March 2016, a platform that allowed her to share and grow her passion for cooking. "I was an active member with them, But then, I started having a bit of a problem with my shoulder and arms from typing on the phone all the time. That's when they introduced the option to verbally send in recipes over the phone, which made things a lot easier for me.". Embracing new technology made her culinary contributions more accessible and enjoyable. The experience here was more than just about sharing recipes for her; it was about being part of a community that valued culinary creativity and learning.  A highlight of Sana's time with Better Butter was in 2018, when she won a contest that led to a workshop with her idol, Chef Ranveer Brar. "Chef Ranveer Brar is one of my favorite chefs," Sana expresses with admiration. The workshop, organized by Hershey's in Mumbai, was an enriching experience. "We were 10 of us... put through a contest by Chef Brar using Hershey sauces and syrups," she recalls. This opportunity to learn from a renowned chef and replicate his series 'Meethe Bahane' is one she shares that she will never forget. 

With time, the Better Butter platform moved their direction from food to other avenues, which caused her to leave and find new avenues for sharing her culinary expertise. It was once while browsing online, she found the GetSetUp India community; she shares, “I’m always online, searching for communities where I can share my love for cooking. What intrigued me about GetSetUp was the age group of its members and the variety of activities offered," she says. The platform's focus on active aging and lifelong learning resonated with her passion for engaging with like-minded individuals. 

“I loved how GetSetUp was a great avenue to learn and engage with other. I enjoy talking to people, sharing knowledge, and learning from others," she expresses. Her enthusiasm for engaging in live cooking sessions and sharing her culinary tips and recipes continues to grow as she explores various other cooking platforms and participates in cooking quizzes. "I love cooking for my family and participating in live cooking sessions when asked," she says. In the coming future, Sana shares that she plans to revive her YouTube channel and develop it further.

Sana T.'s story highlights the importance of staying curious and open to new experiences, regardless of age. Her journey inspires us all to embrace our passions, adapt to life's changes, and continue learning and growing at every stage of life. Every individual has the potential to make a unique and valuable impact, no matter their age or the path they've traveled.

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