Sabzbahor Davlatbekova, a 33-year-old entrepreneur from Khorog, capital of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region of Tajikistan, has transformed a lifelong love of baking into a thriving business that is uplifting both her family and her community.
Although she earned a master’s degree in tourism from Khorog State University, Sabzbahor quickly realized that traditional office work left her unfulfilled. Instead, she turned to a childhood passion, baking cakes for family celebrations, as the foundation for her future. Encouraged by the joy her cakes brought to others, Sabzbahor made the courageous decision to pursue a career in baking.
Starting small, Sabzbahor took out a loan to purchase her first oven and gradually began accepting orders out of her home. Word spread quickly about the quality and creativity of her cakes and pastries, as well as Sabzbahor’s own professionalism. Over time, as her reputation grew, she became the go-to baker in her community for weddings, birthdays, and community events.
The past two years have been particularly transformative. With training and support from Central Asia Institute-Tajikistan’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Program, Sabzbahor gained new tools to strengthen and expand her business. She participated in CAI-Tajikistan trainings in business planning and business development support, which taught her how to manage her growing business more strategically. CAI-Tajikistan also provided her with essential baking equipment, including a cake printer that allows her to create stunning photo cakes.
“The printer provided by CAI-Tajikistan made a big difference,” says Sabzbahor. “Now I can decorate cakes with photos and custom designs. My customers love it, and it has really helped my business stand out. I’m truly grateful for their support.”
With her growing income, Sabzbahor is able to support her family. She has become a role model in her community. Looking ahead, her dream is to open her own pastry shop—one that not only sells cakes and pastries, but also offers ingredients, tools, and job opportunities for other aspiring women entrepreneurs.
Sabzbahor’s story is a powerful reminder of what happens when passion meets opportunity. With determination, creativity, and the right support, women like Sabzbahor are building a brighter future for themselves and inspiring change across their communities.