Bio

I am the founder of Afghan Bristol Cuisine, a food business dedicated to serving authentic Afghan dishes. With a background in business administration and a passion for cooking, I aim to share the rich flavours of Afghan cuisine while growing my business in Bristol.

Nationality: Afghan

Q&A with Khanjar

Why did you apply for UP Collective?

I applied for the UP Collective program because I wanted to gain professional guidance and mentorship to help me grow Afghan Bristol Cuisine. As a newcomer entrepreneur, I was looking for opportunities to enhance my business skills, connect with experienced mentors, and reach a wider audience for my authentic Afghan food.

What was the best part of the programme for you?

The best part of the UP Collective program was the mentorship and support from experienced professionals. Their insights and guidance gave me practical strategies to develop Afghan Bristol Cuisine, and the opportunity to showcase my food at events helped me build confidence and connect with new customers.

Which were the biggest learning moments or challenges?

The biggest challenges were pricing my dishes fairly and marketing Afghan Bristol Cuisine to a wider audience. UP Collective helped me find the right balance and gave me practical tips on how to promote my business more effectively.

How did your confidence or identity as an entrepreneur change?

The UP Collective program boosted my confidence as an entrepreneur by helping me see the value of my skills and my unique Afghan cuisine. I learned to present my business more confidently and felt more empowered to share my story and food with the community. I also realized that every day is a school day, as there’s always something new to learn on this journey.

What are you planning to do next and how did the programme help you understand that?

I plan to reach more customers and introduce new dishes at Afghan Bristol Cuisine. The UP Collective program helped me understand the importance of consistent marketing and targeting a wider audience, which motivates me to keep growing my business.

How would you describe your experience to someone thinking about applying for UP Collective?

I would tell them that the UP Collective program is an invaluable opportunity to grow as an entrepreneur. It offers practical support, mentorship, and the chance to learn from others. The program helped me gain confidence, improve my business skills, and make valuable connections, all of which have been key to the success of Afghan Bristol Cuisine.

What did you find unique about UP Collective?

What I found unique about UP Collective is the personalized mentorship and the focus on supporting each business individually. The program really takes the time to understand your specific needs and challenges, offering advice and resources that have a lasting impact on your growth as an entrepreneur.