So we are back with Foodie Stories after a mini break. If you have followed our stories earlier, we have been covering passionate food bloggers, photographers and entrepreneurs. So today we bring you one such home-entrepreneur, Anujaa Navaratnaa who in her own little space creates some awesome home made spices and delicious food.
Share a bit about yourself and your venture?
Hi. Thanks for having me here.
I am a Personal Counselor and a Healing Therapist practicing for more than 15 years.
I’m born and brought up in Mumbai, while my parents have originally been from Karnataka.
My venture ‘Madhavi Home Foods, Spices and More!’ is my mom’s brainchild and hence named after her. Her tried and tested recipes using the Masala that she made at home is what it is all about. They are all traditional Karnataka recipes, typically, had only in Kannadiga homes and are slightly different from the other South Indian or Maharashtrian versions.
Since childhood, we’ve had the luxury of having home made food; whether it was a South Indian Idli or a North Indian Dahi Bhalla or it could be something totally different such as a baked cake.
So, to cut it short, yummy food and culinary skills have always been a part of our daily life.
How did you start your venture and what was the idea behind it?
I was in a full time corporate job for more than 20 years and decided to shift my career that would allow me to work from home with flexibility in work hours. That’s when my mom gave me this idea of using my culinary skills. One, because many aren’t able to make these products at home due to time crunch; two, it will revive the traditional food habits that’s much needed for the new generation. The fast food culture and it’s bad side effects are known to all.
Hence, why not give people easy access to the ready Masala which can be used to make some really quick and healthy dishes.
What is the USP you are offering to you audience?
Our products are all made at home, using freshly ground condiments which are pre-roasted. Hence, they are not only hygienic and fresh but also save your time as they are ready to use.
The raw material used is carefully chosen to ensure consistent and best quality.
Thirdly, they are made in traditional style giving a unique flavour that’s different from the regular or common products available in the market. Added advantage is that they are all multi-purpose and can be used to make variations in your regular menu. And, most importantly, they add nutritional value to daily food intake as there are no added colors, flavour or preservatives.
What are the challenges you have faced and dealt with them?
Challenges have mostly been more on personal front than at business level. Being a Counselor myself, I took to spirituality and healing to get myself past these challenges.
At business level, I guess, I was kind of prepared for a slow start and am aware that most ventures take a while before taking off. Also, as a woman, it is not easy when she has so many other important roles to play. So, yes, I did have to take a break of a few months but that only made me start afresh with double the enthusiasm and positivity.
Of course, I’ve been blessed to have good friends around me who guided me on the logo, marketing strategies, etc etc. I’m sure there’s still much more scope for improvement. I believe that it’s good to be in WIP mode. Life is a long learning process.
What is that one thing that just keeps you going?
My mom’s enthusiasm, positivity and passion in her culinary skills made her an excellent homemaker. All of her qualities have stayed in my memory as an inspiration. That’s what keeps me going.
Where do you want to take this next and what are your future plans?
I really do not have any plans of investing in huge money or technology as of now. If I’m able to make a difference in people’s eating habits it’s an award in itself for me. Hence, my dream is to make our products easily available to as many people as possible.
Your advice to budding homeprenuers.
My advise to budding entrepreneurs is that it’s very important to have clarity in what we want to do in life; a purpose no matter how big or small it may be. Chase your dreams and you will never have to chase after money.
And that was Anujaa’s story which is just the start to her dream of making her mom’s soul even more proud. Home made masalas not just enhance the flavour but are also good for our health. We would anytime suggest to go for these over the market bought masalas.
On that note we wish you an awesome week ahead.