Tabitha Turner
There’s no shortage of success stories in Nashville, and many of those stories belong to the incredible women who are paving their own path and opening doors for generations to come.
Whether they’re building an idea from the ground up, crunching numbers, or working to make a difference in the lives of others, these are the trailblazing women of Music City — and their stories are sure to inspire you.
Shivani Darsinos Owner of cafe babu
DAY IN THE LIFE
What I do is deeply tied to who I am and what I’ve always loved. Pursuing this work is part of a lifelong journey to live out my passions and share them with the world in a way that feels honest and meaningful. From chai in the morning to wine in the evening, I wanted to create a place that feels alive throughout the day — grounded, welcoming, and full of small, intentional details. Whether it’s the design, the menu, or the way our team connects with guests, everything is rooted in care, culture, and a desire to create a meaningful community. At the heart of it is my Indian heritage: my roots, my sense of hospitality, and a deep desire to create spaces that reflect culture and humanity. cafe babu is where all of that comes together. Because this space is so personally driven, every decision reflects a part of me. It’s not just a business, it’s a dream I’ve built with my own hands, from crafting furniture, to curating wine lists, to running day-to-day operations.
EARLY ASPIRATIONS
I’ve always been passionate about coffee culture and how it brings people together. Since I was 12, I knew I wanted to open a coffee shop, not just to serve great coffee, but to create a place where hospitality shines and people feel truly welcome. Growing up, I was fascinated by the way thoughtful hospitality can transform a simple gathering into something meaningful. cafe babu is where I get to live out that dream, building a community through genuine connection, one cup, one conversation, and one experience at a time.
CHALLENGES FACED
Early on, the biggest challenge was proving that my vision — an all-day cafe inspired by Indian and Greek hospitality — could really work in a city like Nashville. As a young, new entrepreneur, I was stepping into uncharted territory with no blueprint to follow, which meant facing plenty of unforeseen challenges along the way. Each day brought new problems that required quick thinking and constant adaptation to keep the business moving forward without losing the heart of what cafe babu stands for. Being a small business owner means wearing many hats and managing limited resources. Even as we’ve grown, the need to stay flexible and responsive to change remains critical. Through it all, our focus has stayed the same: to create a warm, culturally rich space where genuine connection thrives.