Bhavna Dhawtall Khemraz: How Four Pots and Four Dishes Changed Her Life

In Rivière-du-Rempart, surrounded by the aromas of spices and the steam from stoves, a 31-year-old woman has transformed eight old containers into a flourishing business. Bhavna Sharma Dhawtall Khemraz, the manager of Signature Catering, reflects on her early days with a soft laugh: “I started with just four pots and four dishes. That was it. And a lot of dreams.”

Nothing indicated that she would become a business owner. Growing up in a humble family where cooking was a labor of love, her father gifted her eight old containers, telling her, "Start with this, my daughter. If you do things with your heart, you’ll go far." Those words became the foundation of an extraordinary journey.

Initially working alone with occasional help from her mother, sister, and a neighbor, she prepared meals in her small kitchen and delivered them to her first clients for neighborhood birthdays, weddings, and modest receptions. "I had to do everything: cook, deliver, clean. I would finish my days at midnight, exhausted but happy," she remembers.

In 2018, she catered a wedding for 100 people using her four pots. "I hadn’t slept the night before. Everything was a first. But when I saw the guests serving themselves and congratulating me, I knew this was my path."

Despite limited resources and fierce competition, Bhavna gradually established herself through the quality of her cuisine and impeccable punctuality. Clients returned and referred her to others, and within two years, her name resonated in the North: "People would say, ‘Bhavna, your food has flavor!’ That was the greatest compliment."

Her husband, Lovlesh Sharma Khemraz, plays a crucial role in her success. He believed in her talent from the beginning, helping with logistics and setup. They have learned to work together seamlessly, each complementing the other. Today, their partnership is a tranquil strength for the business, which has grown impressively over the years. Bhavna starts each day with a prayer, believing that God rewards those who work honestly.

Her business now operates from a fully equipped store filled with industrial pots and modern serving equipment. Each weekend, her schedule is packed with weddings, receptions, and corporate events. "While others rest, I manage two or three events simultaneously," she shares.

Despite her success, she remains grounded: "Work is my passion, but family comes first. I always try to share a simple meal with Lovlesh in the evening, even when I’m tired. It’s our time together."

Bhavna leads a team of about fifty employees whom she treats with respect, referring to them as her family. She emphasizes the importance of creating a human-centered business where everyone feels valued.

Her dishes are recognized for their authenticity and refinement, blending traditional Mauritian flavors with her personal touch. Bhavna has faced challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry but has proven that perseverance can change everything. Today, she inspires many young women, encouraging them to start small but seriously.

Bhavna's journey is supported by her family, especially her sister, who has been there from the beginning. Reflecting on her father, she becomes emotional, recalling the philosophy he instilled in her: to work hard, remain honest, and never give up. Those early eight pots, now treasured, remind her of her roots and the journey she’s taken.

Today, Signature Catering stands for quality and reliability in the North of the island, with couples and businesses consistently seeking her services. When asked about her secret to success, Bhavna smiles, attributing it to gratitude and the support of her loved ones. "Looking back, I see eight pots, a dream, a father, a mother, a husband, and a sister. Everything needed to change a life."