Women’s History Month: Gayatri Borthakur, Owner of SAAGE Culinary Studio

Women’s History Month gives us the chance to honor those who came before us — the trailblazers whose determination helped shape the women in our communities today. This month, we’re highlighting stories from women right here in the Aurora Area who are shining their light for the next generation to follow.

Our second feature celebrates Gayatri Borthakur, owner of SAAGE Culinary Studio in Aurora. SAAGE provides a professional space for food entrepreneurs to test ideas, develop products, and grow their businesses — offering access to a certified commercial kitchen that many might not otherwise have.

Finding Home in Aurora

Although Gayatri isn’t a resident of Aurora, she chose to open her business here because of the city’s diversity and rich history. “There’s such a strong focus on uplifting small businesses,” she explains, “which fits perfectly with our mission of being a launchpad for food startups.”

Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2010 alongside her daughter, creating authentic and flavorful hand-blended spices they sold at local markets and through Whole Foods. “In the beginning,” Gayatri shares, “we traveled 40 miles to reach the nearest commercial kitchen to make our products. We knew there were many other food businesses like us that would benefit from having a commissary kitchen close to home — and so, SAAGE was born!”

Growing a Culinary Community

Over the past decade, SAAGE Culinary Studio has helped more than 150 food businesses launch and grow. Many members have gone on to open brick-and-mortar locations of their own. “Our vision is to help entrepreneurs establish their food business with low upfront investment so they can eventually outgrow our kitchen,” Gayatri says. “We take pride in the fact that this vision has been fulfilled many times over.”

Expanding by the Fox River

With their new location along the Aurora riverfront, SAAGE has expanded its commissary kitchen to include a front retail area, outdoor seating with scenic views, and a new event space called Brick+Hearth. The space is ideal for private dinners, birthdays, showers, brand activations, corporate workshops, and community gatherings.

Gayatri describes SAAGE as “a hub for connecting food artisans with the foodie community — from partnering with our kitchen members to host pop-up shops (like our current Assamica Teas pop-up) to collaborating with local chefs on cooking classes and tasting events.” SAAGE is certified by the FDA as well as state and local health departments, offering safe, accessible, and professional spaces for culinary creativity to thrive.

A Welcoming and Inclusive Mission

Community has always been at the heart of SAAGE’s mission. Beyond providing shared kitchen access, Gayatri has built a space where collaboration thrives — where small food businesses can network, share resources, and grow together. When asked if she could describe her new community in three words: “Welcoming, Supporting, Inclusive!” Those three words also describe how SAAGE operates each day — uplifting food entrepreneurs, partnering with local makers, and contributing to the growth of Aurora’s vibrant culinary community.

Empowering the Next Generation

When asked what Women’s History Month means to her, Gayatri reflects, “I always appreciate the observance of Women’s History Month every year. It’s a recognition of the often-hidden achievements and contributions women have made to humanity. My strongest hope is that the stories of amazing women around the world inspire the next generation — both boys and girls — to do whatever it takes to fulfill their dreams with determination and hope.”

Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: “Do not wait for the ‘perfect time,’ because that doesn’t exist. The time to live your dream is now. Trust your gut feeling and step forward. Your determination will energize your plan and create the path for you to move forward.”

Support SAAGE Culinary Studio

You can support Gayatri and her team by attending upcoming events such as the Basics of Cooking class series, monthly regional dining experiences, or Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea. Follow SAAGE Culinary Studio on Facebook and Instagram (@saage_culinary) for updates on classes, pop-ups, and unique dining experiences that celebrate food, culture, and community.

If you’re a woman business owner in the Aurora Area, we’d love to spotlight your story next! Reach out and join us in celebrating the local voices that make our region one-of-a-kind.
Email us at Marketing@EnjoyAurora.com to share your story.