When Maria Paz Banaag first arrived in Dubai in 2008, she had no idea what the future held for her. She wasn’t a businesswoman. She wasn’t a chef. She was just a woman with a dream—one that started in a small kitchen, making pastries for her employer’s family.

“I came here to work as a home assistant. I never thought I’d have my own business,” Maria says, shaking her head with a smile.

Originally from the Philippines, Maria took a job working for a French family in Dubai. Like many overseas workers, her goal was simple: earn enough to support her loved ones back home. But as fate would have it, her employers noticed something special about her.

A Hidden Talent

Maria had always loved baking. Back home, she would make pastries and sell them to neighbors just to make extra cash. When her employers tasted her desserts, they encouraged her to bake more. She started making cakes and pastries for their friends, and soon, people began placing small orders.

“At first, it was just for fun,” she recalls. “Then, people kept coming back. They wanted more.”

One order turned into another, and before she knew it, Maria was baking almost every day after finishing her household tasks.

Taking a Risk

When her employers decided to return to France, Maria had a choice: go back home or stay in Dubai and take a chance on her baking. With the little savings she had, she took the risk.

“I was scared,” she admits. “I had no idea how to start a business. But I knew one thing—I loved baking.”

She started small, baking from home and selling to the Filipino community. Word spread quickly. People missed the taste of home, and Maria’s pastries brought back memories of family gatherings and celebrations.

From Home Kitchen to Bakery Owner

Her home business grew so much that she eventually saved enough to open a tiny bakery in Satwa. The shop was small—just enough space for an oven, a counter, and a display case. But for Maria, it was everything.

“I remember the first day I opened my shop. I was so nervous. I kept thinking, ‘What if no one comes?’” she laughs.

But people did come. Customers lined up for her freshly baked bread, cakes, and pastries. Her shop became a favorite among Filipinos in Dubai, and soon, even other nationalities started coming in, drawn by the delicious smell of warm bread and butter.

Growing a Business, Facing Challenges

Running a business wasn’t easy. Maria had to learn everything—how to manage costs, handle suppliers, and keep the business running smoothly.

“I made mistakes. Many times, I wanted to give up,” she admits. “But every time I thought about quitting, I remembered why I started. I wanted to build something for my family.”

She pushed through the struggles, and her hard work paid off. Today, Maria owns multiple bakery branches in Dubai and employs dozens of people. She is no longer a home assistant—she is a businesswoman, a mentor, and an inspiration to many.

An Inspiration to Others

Maria’s journey is proof that no matter where you start, anything is possible. When asked what advice she would give to others, she smiles and says:

“Don’t be afraid to dream. Work hard, stay humble, and never stop believing in yourself.”

Her story is not just about baking—it’s about resilience, determination, and the power of believing in something bigger than yourself.

Maria’s journey is a testament to the endless possibilities Dubai offers—a city of dreams and opportunities, where hard work and determination, combined with the right support, can turn aspirations into reality.