Pooja Bavishi

Entrepreneur, Author

American North Carolina, USA

Quick Info

ProfessionEntrepreneur, Author
NationalityAmerican
Date of Birth02/03/1984
Age42 years
BirthplaceNorth Carolina, USA

Latest News about Pooja Bavishi

15/04/2025

Pooja Bavishi was featured in a major interview with The Bittman Project, where she discussed her journey as the 'Queen of Heavenly Ice Cream' and how Malai's unique South Asian-inspired flavors have gained national recognition. The article highlighted her expansion plans and her mission to bring joy through authentic Indian desserts to a broader American audience.

22/02/2025

Bavishi appeared on the 'Being Brown & Bold' podcast with Jes Thomas, sharing her personal story as a first-generation Indian-American entrepreneur. During the episode, she discussed the cultural significance of her ice cream flavors, her experiences on Food Network's 'Chopped Sweets', and how she balances her business with her family's textile heritage.

Do you like Pooja Bavishi?

You can vote only once.

Bio/Wiki

Pooja Bavishi is the founder and CEO of Malai, an artisanal ice cream company based in Brooklyn, New York, known for its Indian-inspired flavors featuring aromatic spices and South Asian ingredients. She is a first-generation Indian-American who grew up in a Gujarati Jain family in North Carolina. Bavishi was named a Tory Burch Fellow in 2018 and was recognized as one of Inc. magazine's Female Founders 100 in 2020. She appeared on Food Network's 'Chopped Sweets' and has been featured in numerous publications including The Economic Times, CNBC TV18, and BKMAG for her innovative dessert business.

Physical Stats & More

Height5' 6" (168 cm)
Eye ColourDark Brown
Hair ColourBlack

Educational Qualification(s)

College/University
  • The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
  • The London School of Economics and Political Science, London, England
  • New York University (NYU) Stern School of Business, New York, United States
Degrees
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Public Policy Analysis and Cultural Studies
  • Master of Science (MSc) from LSE
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the NYU Stern School of Business

Personal Life

ReligionJain
CasteGujarati Jain
Languages
  • English
  • Hindi
  • Gujarati
Food HabitVegetarian

Family

Parents
FatherKumar Bavishi (textile business owner)
MotherChhaya Bavishi (textile business owner)
SiblingsAmi Bavishi
Grandparents
GrandmotherDeceased

Career

Work Experience
  • Malai, New York (2015 - Present)
  • Food Network (2013)
  • Pooja Bavishi Collections, Washington D.C.–Baltimore Area (2010-2014)
  • Ashoka (2010)
  • Equal Rights Center, Washington, D.C. (2006-2008)
  • Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA), Gujarat (2004)
  • Carolina STRIDES, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (2003-2005)
Recognition(s)
  • 2018: Named a Tory Burch Fellow
  • 2020: Recognised as one of Inc. magazine's Female Founders 100 (October)
  • 2022: Featured in BKMAG's '50 Most Fascinating' list
  • 2023: Featured in The Economic Times for giving Manhattan a 'sugar rush' with Malai Ice Cream

Favourites

Ice CreamOrange Fennel from 'Malai'
RestaurantShuka

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Pooja grew up in North Carolina in a Gujarati Jain family.
2. Her parents immigrated from Gujarat to North Carolina.
3. She grew up watching her parents run a textile business.
4. Pooja enjoys simple family activities during trips to India.
5. She loved desserts, especially ice cream, from a young age.
6. Pooja believes food is the strongest connection to her culture as a first-generation Indian-American.
7. Her brand Malai is known for Indian flavours in ice cream.
8. She founded Malai in 2015 after a 'late start' on pursuing her dream of delivering happiness through desserts.
9. She appeared on Food Network's 'Chopped Sweets' where she competed with her ice cream creations.
Information on this page is collected from public sources and may not be 100% accurate. Report an error
Scroll to Top