We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nuha Abuduhair. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nuha below.
Hi Nuha, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Growing up in an Arab household meant we hosted and attended many dinner parties. If we were hosting, then it meant I spent the day ( and days leading up to the date!) prepping food, cleaning the house, and generally thinking of every minor detail a guest would need during the dinner party. Bathrooms were cleaned, salads were made, and a delicious buffet of food was cooked. Does a certain guest have dietary restrictions? Boom, we’ve got you covered. Will these friends be bringing their kids? Boom, we’ve got a movie ready to go. The idea was to plan for the “what if” moments. Always think one step ahead by envisioning what the event would look like and anticipate our guests needs.
The same goes with being a guest. How can I be the easiest going and most helpful attendee? What can I do to ensure that my host has a bit of their duties relieved? Dishes are piling up? Here let me help out. Kids are running in the halls? Let me wrangle them up and entice them with a game upstairs. Time for dessert? Let’s make sure the table is set up with all of the desserts guests brought with them and make sure there’s enough silverware and plates for them to use.
These dinner parties were such a huge part of my up-bringing. I think they taught me how to serve others, anticipate future needs of any project, and how to use my time wisely.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hi there! My name is Nuha Abuduhair and I am the owner and head pastry chef at 17 Berkshire, a Memphis based Patisserie. 17 Berkshire was created out of my love for all things pastry, which took me from a career in pediatric nursing to becoming a self-taught pastry chef. I am a lifelong Memphian, wife, and mom of three.
I started 17 Berkshire out of my home kitchen, baking for clients in and around Memphis. I would host frequent pop-ups in local cafes and boutiques. In 2018, we opened our first bakery storefront in historic Overton Square. Here, we serve our house baked desserts like cupcakes, brownies, cookies, tarts, eclairs, macarons, and more. We also serve coffee and tea as well as Afternoon Tea. Our guests also enjoy custom cakes baked especially for them!
We have been in our current Overton Square location for 5 years and look forward to hosting a temporary pop-up this holiday season. We are also hosting our first fall festival on September 9th, right outside of our bakery in Overton Square!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Communication is a big part of any business. Can you take the time to articulate what your expectations are and patiently stand by employees as they learn? Positive reinforcement should be the norm and not a surprise when given. Humility is another important trait. Know when to apologize and learn from your mistakes. This can be something as simple as baking a cake incorrectly or messing up on payroll. Finally, time management is so so important! Time is our biggest currency. Be aware of how you spend it.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I would absolutely love to partner with like-minded brands who love to celebrate the little milestones in life. Local boutiques are always great and I would also love to collaborate with national fashion or make-up brands! Hit me up!
Contact Info:
- Website: 17berkshire.com
- Instagram: @17berkshire
- Facebook: 17berkshire
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nuhaabuduhair/
Image Credits
Photos by Remember Media
