About Beyond Cubicles
📢 #BeyondCubicles is a weekly LinkedIn series created by Carolina D’Souza, born out of her own experience transitioning from a corporate career to independent consulting. Since its launch in June 2024, the series has evolved into a platform that showcases the inspiring journeys of several founders who have redefined the traditional 9-to-5.
Through authentic narratives, #BeyondCubicles highlights themes of courage, resilience, and purpose. The stories feature individuals from diverse industries—ranging from tech and education to wellness and adventure—who share their experiences of stepping away from conventional roles to pursue passion-driven careers.Â
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✨ Note: All features in this series are unpaid and shared as a way to honor and amplify real stories of transformation.
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"I fell flat many times, but I kept going."
In 2010, Arva Ahmed, a long-time resident of Dubai, returned to the emirate to work in her father’s business after a stint as a consultant in New York.
But her true passion—food—kept tugging at her.
“Since college, food had become my way to make sense of the world,” she says.
She used to sign up for food tours and cooking classes wherever she went, deepening her love for culinary and cultural discovery. However, it wasn’t until a business trip to India that her future became clear. “I saw someone giving a food tour in Delhi, and it hit me—this is what I need to do,” she says.
Back in Dubai, Arva and her sister Farida launched Frying Pan Adventures in 2013, the city’s first licensed food tour company. Specializing in walking food tours and tailored events in Old Dubai, their venture quickly gained attention. But the journey wasn’t easy.
“People thought we wanted to open a restaurant,” she says.
Navigating the logistics of starting something completely new in a market unfamiliar with food tours was tough. Her biggest challenge, however, was internal. “Switching from a high-powered corporate job to something that didn’t carry the same prestige and financial reward was humbling. I struggled to see it as a serious job at first.”
Determined to succeed, she pressed on: “I fell flat many times, but I kept going.”
Her perseverance paid off, supported by her peers, industry professionals, and family. Over time, she embraced small wins. “I’ve come to see the potential for growth and no longer view this as a small gig,” says Arva, who also produced Dubai’s first food podcast, Deep Fried.
Reflecting on her journey, Arva shares a key lesson: “Invest in your own learning, or you stagnate quickly as an entrepreneur.” On her part, she has taken masterclasses, joined communities like Female Fusion, and sought mentorship.
“I wish I had done this sooner. The business would have grown faster,” she says.
Originally from India, Arva’s family moved to Sharjah in the 1970s before settling in Dubai in 1989. “It’s been home ever since,” she says.
Today, Arva celebrates the flexibility and creativity her career offers. “The energy I get from doing what I love is worth more than the financial trade-offs.”
She emphasizes the importance of making time for herself, which includes daily workouts, meditation, prayers, and spending time with her daughter.
Her advice? “Passion needs to pay the bills, so do your research or start as a side hustle.”