Dalal Hankir, from Institut Lyfe to Velica, a coffee shop in Lyon

Since arriving in France in 2017, Dalal Hankir has forged her path with determination. Originally from Lebanon, she chose Institut Lyfe to train in culinary arts with the Bachelor’s degree and the MSc-Master of Science in Culinary Leadership & Innovation. A few years later, she became an entrepreneur by co-founding Velica, a family-run coffee shop in Lyon that reflects her creativity.

Could you introduce yourself?

My name is Dalal Hankir. I am Lebanese, and I moved to France in 2017 to pursue my studies. I completed the Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts Management at Institut Lyfe, specializing in Pastry during my third year (e.d. when the Bachelor’s degree in Pastry Management didn’t yet exist). After my Bachelor’s degree, I continued directly with the MSc in Culinary Leadership & Innovation.

 

Today, I am the co-founder and co-manager of my own coffee shop, Velica, which I run alongside my cousin Clara Gallin. We officially opened on October 4th, 2025. It is a female-led, family business that reflects our shared passion for creativity and hospitality.

Why did you choose to study in France and why Institut Lyfe?

France is globally recognized for its excellence in gastronomy and culinary arts. For me, it was the ideal place to learn from the best and immerse myself in a culture that truly values food, technique, and creativity.

During my research, Institut Lyfe stood out as one of the most prestigious institutions in this field. It quickly became an obvious choice for me to move from Lebanon to Lyon. The integration week was a defining moment. Meeting people from all over the world who were feeling the same excitement and uncertainty made it much easier to adapt. In just a few days, the Institut felt like a second home.

Being an international student was an enriching experience. It allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, while learning to adapt to new environments and cultures.

One of the key values I gained was respect. From day one, we were taught simple but important principles like greeting everyone in the hallway. These values have stayed with me and continue to guide me in my professional life.

From my Bachelor’s to my Master’s and then my professional experience at Institut Lyfe, I built a strong foundation that I now apply every day whether it’s organization in the kitchen or managing my own business.

Tell us about more about your coffee shop, Velica

At Velica, we created a unique concept centered around our signature drinks called “Velica.” These feature torched meringue, whipped cream, and a variety of homemade toppings such as caramel or chocolate drizzle, cookies, brownies, and popcorn. We are also preparing to launch a range of cold drinks for the summer season.

A typical day for me is very dynamic: I prepare the mise en place, including pastries and savory dishes like our croque-monsieur. I also take care of the barista station, customer service, and building relationships with our clients. Running a business also involves administrative responsibilities, which I support, although my cousin takes the lead on that side.

It’s also worth mentioning the strong collaborative dimension of Velica, from partnerships with brands, media, and influencers to our dynamic presence on social media an exciting and fast-growing aspect of our journey.

One of my proudest milestones is, of course, opening Velica. Turning an idea into a real, functioning business has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. In my opinion, the essential skills to succeed in my role are discipline, adaptability, creativity, and strong people skills. Institut Lyfe contributed greatly to my success by providing not only technical expertise but also a strong sense of professionalism, attention to detail, and values that I carry with me every day.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Institut Lyfe?

One of my favorite memories is my third-year final pastry exam. At the end, the chef told me: “You can now open your own pastry shop.” That moment was incredibly meaningful to me it was when I truly felt that all the hard work and years of learning had paid off.

Do you have any advice for international students considering Institut Lyfe?

As intimidating as it may seem to move far away from home, it is one of the best decisions you can make. Institut Lyfe quickly becomes a second family. My advice would be: stay open-minded, embrace every opportunity, and fully immerse yourself in the experience both academically and culturally.

And what’s next for you?

Since opening Velica few months ago, my main focus together with my cousin is to grow and succeed in our business. It has been a real rollercoaster and one of the most challenging experiences of my life, but also the most rewarding. I strongly believe that patience and determination are key. Once you set your mind to something, nothing can truly stop you.

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From Lebanon to Lyon, Dalal Hankir has built her career step by step. Above all, her story shows that a project can become a reality through hard work, perseverance and a genuine desire to learn. For international students, her journey also serves as a reminder that it is possible to find one’s place in France and launch one’s own venture there.

Learn more about our MSc-Master of Science in Culinary Leadership & Innovation