Anisa Khan didn’t set out to build a food empire, but a pandemic pause gave her the opportunity to turn a passion into a business.
At just 26, the runner-up of The Apprentice 2025 is turning her lockdown side hustle into a fast-growing venture with a bold mission. What started as a passion project has evolved into Bombay Pizza—a standout fusion brand making waves both within the South Asian community and far beyond.
“During COVID, my consulting job got delayed, and I thought, why not start something of my own?” she says. “I’ve always loved fusion food and bold flavours. That’s where Bombay Pizza began.”
Brains, Boldness and Bombay Pizza
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the food industry, with her father running an Indian-Bangladeshi restaurant for nearly five decades, Khan was exposed to both the traditions of the industry and the entrepreneurial spirit from a young age.
She racked up 12 A*s at GCSE, secured a Politics and Economics degree from the London School of Economics, and interned at a top consulting firm. For a while, the corporate path seemed inevitable.
But when the world slowed down, Khan sped up. What started as a passion project in her early twenties quickly gained traction—and flavour.
“People ask what makes Bombay Pizza different,” she says. “It’s that fusion isn’t an add-on. It’s the core of what we do. It’s not just ‘pizza with a twist’—it’s a completely new flavour identity.”
Breaking the Mould
Getting Bombay Pizza off the ground wasn’t easy. “Being a young South Asian woman in the food industry, I faced a lot of resistance—especially from within the community,” she explains. “There were doubts about whether I should even be doing this. But I believed in the idea. That belief carried me.”
Then came The Apprentice. For Khan, it wasn’t just about funding—it was about proving she could thrive under pressure. “Every task, I gave it my all. Even if it wasn’t my area, I didn’t shy away. I wanted to show what hard work looks like.”
The exposure has fast-tracked her brand’s growth—but it hasn’t come without challenges. “Since the show, we’ve had to scale quickly—new staff, new equipment, more demand. It’s amazing, but there are definitely growing pains.”
More Than a TV Persona
Public perception can be powerful—and sometimes misleading. “People assume I’m loud, opinionated, maybe even bossy because of how I came across on the show,” she says. “But in real life, I’m actually quite calm. I think before I speak. I try to make everyone feel included.”
Still, she embraces the visibility. “I’ve had people message me saying I’ve inspired them to start something of their own. That’s what I want—to show that young South Asian women can lead, can build, and can be bold.”
What Drives Her
Khan credits her resilience to a mixture of upbringing and mindset. “I’ve seen what hard work looks like—watching my dad run a restaurant every single day. That’s stayed with me. And I’m my own biggest critic, so I push myself constantly.”
When doubt creeps in—as it did when she moved to Japan to teach English, or when she made the England kabaddi team—she reminds herself that the real failure isn’t falling short; it’s never trying. “As long as I’ve tried my best, I can be proud. That’s how I get through it.”
A Bigger Vision
So what’s next?
Anisa’s ambitions don’t stop with the success of Bombay Pizza. For her, the journey is about more than just business growth—it’s about inspiring others to follow their passions and take risks.
“Success to me is helping others believe in themselves and pursue their own dreams.”
As for what’s next, Anisa remains focused on expanding her brand, with plans to take Bombay Pizza to a wider audience, both nationally and internationally. But her ultimate goal is to leave a legacy that goes beyond business.
“I want to be remembered as someone who worked hard, tried different things, and made an impact—not just in business, but in helping others to realise their potential too.”
@luxuristmag Cover story with @apprenticeuk 2025 Runner up @sliceofanisa
Creative Direction & styling @anishavasanicreates
Photography/videography by @omjphotography
Outfits by @styling_by_wow_vastra
Jewellery by @ranihaarlondon
Hair & Make-up by @keyuryd
Location @bibilondonstudio
