Emb Hashmi
The Asian World caught up with the outstanding business woman, founder of the Asian Woman Achievement Awards and inspirational mentor Pinky Lilani OBE.
Pinky is the also the founder of ‘The Spice Magic’ an experience that offers an original approach to learning and fun.
Pinky is also a celebrated motivational speaker and Indian cookery expert.
Interview Questions
1. Tell us a little about you? Where were you born, are you from a inspirational business family? Did you grow up in a traditional Asian family? Age? Cultural background?
My family background is from Calcutta in India. We had a very traditional upbringing, my grandfather was a Sheriff of Calcutta, and we had a very active and social life in India. My siblings and I had a very nice childhood, very traditional and privileged upbringing. We come from a very large family, a close knit and well educated background. I got married, did not know how to cook, my husband did all the cooking. I started to learn how to cook using variety of cook books and recipe’s passed on by my family. Soon after my marriage, I became a mother, and was a housewife until my eldest turned 10 years of age, where I started working as a consultant. I loved and enjoyed cooking and not long after I wrote and published my very first book called Spice Magic. I had tried various bookstore and book departments in trying to sell my books, nobody had heard of this book. I traveled everywhere and all around the world to market and publicise my book. It was very hard work but worth it at the end. My passion and love for cooking and my entrepreneurial flair makes the difference today.
2. For those people who haven’t heard of the inspirational superwoman Pinky Lliani OBE how would you describe yourself and what you do and have done?
I would describe myself as a very confident, enthusiastic and inspirational women, who has two areas that are very important to me, those are empowerment of women and love of food. I have done various leadership seminars at conferences, universities about how to empower women and make a difference in women’s lives, help to raise awareness of changing roles and values in society.
3. Who or what inspired you to do what you do? Who inspires you today?
My parents, my children are inspiration to me; we are very close knit family. My parents are my mentors.
4. Have you mentored or taken anyone under your wing and they have gone on to achieve amazing success?
I have mentored a lot of people; they are still on their journey to become powerful and successful women of today.
5. Tell us about Spice Magic?
Spice Magic is my company; it has a scheme building program and also has programs of learning to cook
6. When where you awarded your OBE?
New Year’s Honours List 2007
7. Tell us why you founded the Asian Woman of Achievement awards?
Asian Women were not previously recognized for their talent and inspiration, it was a bit of Kudos as Asian Men have been awarded for their achievements and Asian Women were not. Ever since launching these awards, there has been a lot of amazing Asian stories, who have a reservoir of talent and are very aspirational.
8. What charities is Pinky involved in at the moment?
I am a Trustee for the HALO initiative, development in Literacy, patron of Westminster Educational Society. I also do a lot of fundraising for the Red Cross Charity.
9. What business ventures and or projects is Pinky Involved with at the moment?
I am currently involved in Spice Magic which is my business; I am also involved in Women’s Networking groups, ambassador program of Global Schools, inspirational empowerment program.
10. The secret to balancing work/life balance according Pinky is?
The secret is that family comes first; everything else has to balance around that.
11. When will Pinky retire?
At the moment I have no immediate plans of retirement, no plans what so ever, hopefully on my death bed.
12. If so where and what projects has she been and is involved in overseas?
I have given various speeches and seminars at Women’s Business conferences in Dubai. I speak regularly at events in America. I gave a public speech in Marakesh, I combine both speaking and cooking together
13. What advice can you give young woman wanted to be the next Pinky?
Follow your dreams, never give up, be positive and have humility
14. Do you believe anyone can achieve their dreams?
Yes, I believe everyone can achieve their dreams, as long as they work hard and be kind to everyone.
15. Any last words for individuals wanting to reach their goals?
Be Kind to everyone, kindness has the biggest reward, be nice to everyone and finally be memorable to everyone for kindness.
