OM Listed as 'Top 20 Inspiring Business Women' of 2023

January 27th 2023

Former pupil and successful entrepreneur Aman Bansal has been selected as one of the 'Top 20 Inspiring Women to look out for in 2023' in an article by the New York Journal. Representing the hospitality industry, she has honed her specialising in creating luxury, handcrafted doughnuts.

After spending a year and a half perfecting a homemade eggless doughnut, Aman founded her luxury Doughnutery named ‘Tamu‘ in 2020- meaning 'sweet' in Kiswahili.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with pupils or OMs about getting into your profession?

Don’t ever give up. You should always be ready for change and challenges, because you don’t know what the other side has waiting for you, no matter how much you sit down and plan!

Having completed her Business studies in Kenya, Aman then studied A-Levels at Monkton and at both was involved in external visits that inspired her with a background of business from a young age. Having graduated in London as a makeup artist before the pandemic, a change of career soon became a more significant turning point for her career. Reflecting on how her education influenced her entrepreneurial decisions, Aman shared: "...stepping outside of your own little bubble and getting exposure to the outside world, creates a new environment which forces one to adapt to multiple cultures and learn more about their ways.'

Looking back at her time in the UK and with us at Monkton, Aman attributes her business founding self belief to some fond memories:

“Monkton opened a door to independence, from catching international flights on my own (to get back to school), booking a train ticket to get to London on 'EXEAT' weekend or having to budget with my allowance for the term. In the process, I was building a foundation or stepping stone for myself which was preparing me for the outside world. Being a low- performing student throughout my time at Monkton, time and again I would question myself if I was in the right place, however in the process I was unknowingly being prepared for other important things life had to offer. I would like to commend the school for their hospitality and accommodation towards each and every child, as they focus on one’s ‘all-rounder’ performance.

I was very fortunate to be able to attend two boarding schools as a student, one of them being Monkton, which opened the doors for me towards an independent life, where I learned how to explore and face the world as I grew up being a very reserved child. Within my two years at Monkton (2016-18), I became more confident in myself, and the environment I was in pushed me out of my comfort zone. On arrival, I encountered an entirely different culture and came across students from all walks of life, such as Russia, Afghanistan, Angola and the list goes on. I am grateful to have received such an exposure and a one on one interaction with these students within an enclosed institution, which helped me adopt and understand each individual more and more.

"Taking each day as it came, I was driven to push myself and explore my capabilities outside of the classroom. Being surrounded by friendly, supportive and approachable teachers always gave me that self-assurance that I can do it. I had the urge to not give up and I knew that I would get where I wanted to be. It was just a matter of time before I realised it.”

Inspired by the beautiful artwork, intricate designs and delicious flavours that go in to each of her bespoke products, her clients have been a contributing driving force behind the success of her business: "Our clients challenge us to achieve various prototypes for their special occasions, therefore creativity will always vary across each project we work on. This shapes an exciting atmosphere in the workplace, knowing that you are producing something different each time."

To find out more, visit their website or follow along with Tamu's social media via the links below.

New York Times feature