Anita Amin
“Everybody has a talent. You just have to look within yourself and you’ll find it,” is a belief that Anita Amin holds close to her heart. In fact, it is what has guided her throughout her life, and helped her find her true passions. Anita Amin owns the modernized Indian restaurant, Masala Bay, in Somerset, New Jersey. Although she started from scratch, her restaurant quickly grew to unimaginable heights and has been featured in various interviews and news channels, including NJs biggest platform, nj.com.
Prior to the opening of Masala Bay, Amin worked as a flight attendant. After an eye-opening visit to Britain, she found her passion and learned what she wanted to do with her life. She cherishes her time as a flight attendant, expressing that it was one of her best decisions. It allowed her to truly see the world and travel. Upon quitting her job as a flight attendant, getting married, and working as a stay-at-home mom for several years, she found her calling once more — this time, as a restaurant owner. She truly knew that she had to follow her passion for food. Anita accredits a lot of her culinary beginnings to volunteering at a soup kitchen. Although she had no culinary experience or background in the past, her work at the soup kitchen was one of the most significant experiences she had leading up to her career. There she learned not only how to cook for a vast number of people but also learned what she considers to be some of the most important life lessons that she wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else — and for that, she is incredibly grateful.
When she first started Masala Bay, Anita experienced various challenges that shaped her outlook on life and on what it means to run a restaurant. She stresses that there are a lot of sacrifices that come from owning a restaurant; she had to do a great deal of work by herself and sacrifice parties, hobbies, and family gatherings. Still, she persevered and continues to inspire herself and others. One thing Anita affirms is that owning a small business is nothing like owning a franchise or a large company and therefore, the small things matter. Although she can’t give her employees large bonuses like other big corporations, she can still show them appreciation and kindness, and impart them lessons that they can carry with them throughout their lives. Anita always encourages her employees to give a 1000% effort in whatever they do, no matter what it is. She encourages not only her employees but everyone to volunteer at a soup kitchen because “ it’s not what you’re gonna get out of it. It’s what you’re gonna give.”
Anita discovered her passion for cooking later in life, after getting married. Soon cooking wasn’t just something she did to sustain herself, it was something she enjoyed. She would constantly cook, take pictures of her dishes, and share samples with her friends, family, and loved ones. While she was working at the soup kitchen she got the opportunity to provide food for an outdoor event at Colonial Park. With the help and the support of the soup kitchen and the other chefs who worked there she managed to curate a brilliant menu of dishes that all the guests enjoyed. The food she served at the event was so loved by both customers and other caterers that she pushd her towards opening a restaurant.
When asked who her biggest support system was, Anita immediately pointed out her husband who has always been there for her no matter what. She affirms he is the true support through every step of her career, including starting her catering company. Anita also loves spending time with her son and her Golden Retriever, Luna.
Anita talks about her childhood as something that truly shaped who is as a person. She speaks about her extremely happy childhood with loving parents and grandparents who made her feel like she was always taken care of. Her childhood taught her many valuable lessons including learning to give time and patience, and learning to love— both her kid and her employees. She truly loves mentoring her employees, telling them little stories and teaching them about life. Because “Even the small lesson you learn in life would help you throughout your life” she says.
Throughout all her success Anita stresses the importance of being kind and simply being a good human being. Because “kindness costs nothing” she points out. She addresses the importance of looking into your conscience and wondering why you are on this earth. Anita is truly an inspiration for young women, aspiring chefs, and restaurant owners. It is extraordinary how much she has done and she is very proud of her success. From Anita’s tenacity to follow her dreams— whether it be as a flight attendant, a mom, or a restaurant owner— everyone can learn a little about kindness, dedication, and following your dreams.
