Photographing Sara Ali and her Authentic Mediterranean Cuisine

Introduction

I had the incredible opportunity to photograph and interview Sara Ali, the chef behind Sara’s Kitchen. Rooted in Egyptian heritage, Sara’s Kitchen is evidence of the deep connection between tradition and flavor.

Sara has brought the vibrant tastes of the Middle East to Saratoga Springs and beyond. You don’t know what you’re missing if you haven’t tasted her authentic cuisine. 

As I captured Sara’s creations through my camera, I was struck by a “culinary adventure.” There were foods of vibrant colors, intricate textures, and enticing aromas. Each dish tells a story.

Eager to delve deeper, I engaged in a candid interview with Sara. Her journey from the inception of her idea was a testament to the power of dedication and belief in one’s dreams.

The end of the personal branding session was a delightful surprise. As the camera was set aside, what had once been subjects of my lens were now a feast, which we savored and shared. Read to learn more about Sara’s Kitchen.

Interview with Sara Ali

MFP: Where are you from originally? 

Sara: I am of Egyptian heritage. However, I was born and raised in Abu Dhabi, UAE. My parents are both doctors. They returned to Abu Dhabi in the ’80s to work. And that’s where my three brothers and I were born.

MFP: Were you always interested in cooking? 

Sara: My mom cooked all the time. We were the family that never ate out. I watched as she tried out recipes, adding her personal touches. I admired her persistence in getting it right. I wasn’t allowed to help in the kitchen. But I loved watching to the point that I would eventually become like her. I first experimented with desserts, then later expanded to more of our traditional Middle Eastern cuisine.

MFP: Tell me about your upbringing? 

Sara: My parents stressed the importance of studying. My parent’s belief was that “Our only purpose in this world was to finish school so we could go to a good college and get our degree.” My parent’s dream was for me to be a doctor. But it wasn’t my dream. Instead, I went to the German university in Cairo, where I majored in electrical engineering. 

MFP: How did the idea for Sara’s Kitchen come about? 

Sara: I spent a year in California for my job. I would invite my colleagues over and would cook for them. At that point, I never thought about making cooking a business. I love socializing with people over food. There was lots of encouragement from those that tried my food. I looked for authentic Mediterranean food in Saratoga but couldn’t find any. That motivated me. One day, I asked someone I met from Saudi Arabia whether he had seen any food similar to what he had in his country. After tasting my food, he responded, “This is it!” He remarked that it brought back memories of his home country. He announced that he would be my number one customer if I opened a business. That remark got the wheels turning.

MFP: Tell us about your business? 

Sara: I decided to turn my dream of being an entrepreneur into a reality. I applied for all the permits and licenses I needed. Then, on January 1, 2022, my husband, Sammy, and I launched Sara’s kitchen. We started slowly to see where it would take us. We were selling at the Spa City Market and Schenectady green market. I was also working full-time as an electrical engineer. It was challenging to juggle both jobs. So, after 13 years at Mentor Graphics, I resigned to focus my entire time on Sara’s Kitchen. We are now a total catering business looking to expand eventually to a brick-and-mortar location.

MFP: How many hours a day do you work on average? 

Sara: 24 hours. I sleep an average of 3 hours most days. There needs to be more hours in a day. I thought I’d have more time after quitting my job, but that has not happened. I’ve now hired several employees to help with the load.

MFP: How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?

Sara: It has been challenging since I’m raising two young children. 

MFP: What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage anxiety? 

Sara: I fear that I will turn my passion into a challenge. I don’t want to fail and must prove myself to my family. I love it but hate it if it becomes a struggle. 

MFP: What advice would you give college graduates who want to become entrepreneurs? 

Sara: Do it! You have to give it a shot. If you don’t, you’ll always wonder, “What if…?”

MFP: What are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? 

Sara: To be successful, you need good mentorship or coaching to help you figure things out. It would help if you also tried things out. Push those fears aside and go for it. Another key to success is time management and planning. That is critical and is the one I struggle with. 

MFP: What mistakes do you wish you could have avoided in your business? 

Sara: I wish I had started out with systems and processes in place. I need an onboarding process for new employees. But I’m still learning. Also, I would have liked to have saved more money to have started sooner. 

MFP: How do you define success? 

Sara: When you’re doing something and happy doing it, that’s a success. It’s not always about the money. 

MFP: What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur? 

Sara: I’m trying to create a culture. I’m a people person. So I want people to come into my restaurant and feel at home. You’re coming for comfort food, no dress code, just relaxing. You get a taste of my culture and the Middle East.

MFP: What has been your most satisfying moment in business? 

Sara: Every time I see a customer at the market, they try my food. Seeing them enjoying my food washes away all my tiredness. This is success; this is happiness. 

MFP: What goals do you have for your business in the next 5 years? 

Sara: I dream about that every day. I am the Middle Eastern hub of Saratoga Springs. I want a bakery only by Sara’s Kitchen with baked goods. They’ll be another shop with just shawarmas. When people think of Middle Eastern food, I want them to feel Sara’s Kitchen. That’s when I’ll know I belong. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, my experience with Sara’s Kitchen transcended mere photography. It was a “culinary adventure,” a blend of art and taste that left a lasting mark on my senses. From the lens t the plate, I was privleged to witness the magic Sara Ali weaves, not just through her dishes but through the essence of her being.

Contact me today to begin planning your own personal branding session.