Passion has the power to shape destinies, and for Mehnaz Hussain, her love for baking transformed into a thriving luxury patisserie brand. Born and raised in Richmond Hill, Toronto, Mehnaz’s journey from a young girl baking for family celebrations to leading Labonel, a brand synonymous with quality and elegance, is nothing short of inspirational.
At just 11 years old, Mehnaz Hussain baked a cake for her parents’ wedding anniversary, unaware that this simple act of love would one day lay the foundation for an empire. Though she once aspired to become a lawyer or an architect, life had a sweeter plan for her.
Mehnaz Hussain: The Passion That Became a Profession
Mehnaz Hussain pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto, but her love for baking remained strong. A visit to India changed the course of her life when she married Syed Abdul Ali and settled in Hyderabad. Encouraged by her family, she began baking at home, experimenting with different recipes and creating delightful confections. Her reputation as a skilled baker grew, leading to custom orders from family, friends, and high-profile clients.
Her cakes were a class apart—fresh, delicious, and free of preservatives. Soon, word spread, and even celebrities like Bollywood actress Tabu were among her customers. But Mehnaz Hussain knew she wanted to take her passion to a larger audience.
The Birth and Evolution of Labonel
As demand increased, Mehnaz Hussain sought ways to expand. She came across Labonel, a bakery that was up for sale, and instead of starting from scratch, she purchased it along with its existing recipes. Though the name Labonel had no particular meaning, it soon became synonymous with excellence in the world of baking.
Labonel was rebranded in 2005, and under Mehnaz’s leadership, it became a beacon of luxury desserts in India. She carefully curated recipes from her extensive collection of cookbooks, refining them to perfection. Every Labonel store operates with a commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring each bite is a testament to craftsmanship.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
Building a brand is never easy, especially in an industry where quality and consistency are paramount. Mehnaz faced numerous challenges—adjusting to a different work culture, overcoming societal expectations, and balancing family life. Many questioned why she needed to work when her husband was a successful professional. However, she remained steadfast in her vision.
“A woman doesn’t work only for financial reasons; she works for self-worth and personal fulfillment,” Mehnaz explains. With sheer determination, she proved that passion and perseverance could turn dreams into reality.
A Commitment to Excellence
Unlike many bakeries that rely on artificial preservatives and mass production techniques, Labonel prides itself on using only fresh, premium ingredients. From melt-in-your-mouth brownies to exquisitely crafted cheesecakes and classic chocolate cakes, every product is made from scratch in individual store kitchens. This unwavering commitment to quality has earned Labonel a loyal customer base.
Even though Labonel’s cakes are priced at a premium—sometimes reaching Rs 10,000—customers willingly pay for the unmatched taste and quality.
Fostering a Culture of Learning and Growth
Mehnaz’s generosity extends beyond her business. She shares her recipes with her team, empowering them to learn and grow. Many of her former employees have launched their own successful baking ventures using the skills they acquired under her guidance.
When she opened Labonel’s Bengaluru store, Mehnaz Hussain took her entire team on their first-ever flight experience. She also ensures that the children of her housekeeping staff who show an interest in baking are trained and employed, regardless of their educational background. “Some of my best bakers and decorators come from these very families,” she proudly states.
Additionally, leftover cakes from Labonel are never wasted—they are donated to local orphanages and schools, reinforcing Mehnaz’s belief in giving back to the community.
Expanding the Legacy
Labonel has grown from a small home-based business into a renowned patisserie brand with seven locations across Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Vijayawada. The stores in Bengaluru, located in Sadashiv Nagar and Indira Nagar, were launched during the pandemic, showcasing Mehnaz’s unwavering entrepreneurial spirit.
Each store operates with a well-structured team where bakers, decorators, and prep staff work in harmony to create edible masterpieces. The most recent outlet in Kokapet, Hyderabad, opened in January 2023, marking yet another milestone in Labonel’s journey.
The Future of Labonel
Even after nearly two decades of success, Mehnaz Hussain continues to innovate. She remains deeply involved in recipe development, staying updated with global baking trends and ensuring Labonel maintains its reputation as a market leader. With her husband, sons, and daughter-in-law now actively involved in the business, Labonel is well-positioned to continue its legacy of excellence.
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