Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal & Shuli Ghosh | Ep 4.6 | The Story of Sienna: Scaling with Soul

What this episode covers

The 6th episode of Magazine St. Kitchen x Swiggy presents Speak Greasy with Gauri Devidayal Season 4, features Gauri sitting down with Shuli Ghosh, the passionate artisan and co-founder of the renowned Sienna, a space that merges the best of Bengali food, art, and design. Shuli, an advocate for traditional Bengali art forms, takes us through her incredible journey, from her early influences growing up in Kolkata to her global experiences that have shaped her approach to design and food. Shuli’s journey began in the culturally rich city of Kolkata, where she grew up in a family that valued the arts and creativity. After studying at Barnard College in New York, Shuli returned to Kolkata with a fresh perspective and a passion for connecting the past with the present. She took over her mother’s pottery workshop in Santiniketan, an initiative that provided employment to local artisans. Inspired by her mother’s culinary expertise and her own love for design, Shuli ventured into the world of food, creating a unique space where local crafts and modern cuisine could thrive together. Sienna, the iconic space in Hindustan Park, started as a pottery workshop and eventually expanded to include a café serving delicious Bengali comfort food. The café began with simple offerings like avocado toast, but as time passed, the menu evolved to include a modern take on traditional Bengali dishes. Shuli and her team worked closely with local farmers and small batch producers, sourcing the finest ingredients from Bengal’s vibrant markets to showcase the region’s unique produce. This dedication to sourcing locally and supporting artisans is a key part of Sienna’s philosophy. Shuli shares how the evolution of Sienna was not only about food but also about building a community around the brand. As a family business, Shuli and her mother worked closely together, navigating the challenges of balancing creativity with the realities of running a business. Shuli discusses how working with her husband, a business partner who also shares her vision for Sienna, brought new dynamics to the company. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration and leadership, especially when managing a team of artisans and chefs, and how the company’s culture is built on inclusivity and respect. As Sienna grew, Shuli faced the challenge of maintaining authenticity while scaling the business. She reflects on the delicate balance between staying true to the brand’s roots and adapting to the changing demands of a growing business. Shuli’s leadership style has evolved over time, and she shares how letting go of control and trusting her team was a pivotal moment in the growth of Sienna. One of the major themes in this episode is the importance of slow, mindful work – whether it’s crafting pottery or creating dishes that honour Bengali food traditions. Shuli explains how the slow pace of traditional crafts often clashes with the fast-paced demands of the modern business world, but how this tension ultimately leads to beautiful, authentic work. She also talks about the role of design in the Sienna experience, from the handmade ceramics used in the restaurant to the packaging and branding that reflect the company’s commitment to craft and sustainability. The conversation takes a personal turn as Shuli discusses her experiences as a second-generation business owner and the responsibility she feels to preserve the heritage of Bengali cuisine and craft. She talks about the pressure of managing a large team and the importance of keeping the brand alive for future generations. Shuli also touches on the role of women in leadership at Sienna, explaining how hiring women has been an organic process and how female leadership brings a unique energy to the business. As Sienna continues to expand, Shuli looks to the future with plans for pop-ups outside Kolkata, taking the flavours of Bengal to new audiences. She discusses the challenges and rewards of managing two very different verticals: a high-end café serving modern Bengali cuisine and a handmade pottery workshop. Shuli’s commitment to sustainability and authenticity remains at the heart of Sienna’s growth, and she shares how these values will continue to guide the brand as it moves forward. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of food, craft, and entrepreneurship. Shuli’s journey offers valuable lessons in resilience, creativity, and the importance of staying true to your vision. Tune in to hear more about Sienna’s unique story and the future of Bengali food and design.