“Growing up in Hyderabad, I always dreamed of doing something meaningful in the field of science. I studied microbiology with the hope of building a respectable career. Like many students, I imagined working in a lab or pursuing research. But after graduating, I realised there weren’t many opportunities in life sciences. I felt stuck and unsure about what to do next.

While I was thinking about my next steps, I remembered how much I had enjoyed learning about food preservation and storage during my studies. That knowledge stayed with me. One day, the idea struck — what if I started something of my own in the food business? It wasn’t an easy decision. I had no business background, and I was nervous. But something inside me said I should give it a try.

I decided to start a food truck. It felt like a big risk — and in many ways, it was. In the beginning, I made mistakes. I even lost ₹15,000 on one order because I didn’t plan things well. It was a hard lesson, and for a moment, I almost thought of giving up. But instead, I decided to fix the problems, change the way I worked, and keep going. Slowly, things started improving.

Soon, I began making a profit. At one point, I was earning up to 60%, which felt like a big achievement. People liked my food and kept coming back. That gave me the confidence to dream bigger.

After some time, I didn’t want to stop at just the food truck. I started making my own sauces and packaged food items. I found partners in Bangalore who were willing to distribute my products. Seeing my work reach another city was a proud moment for me. It made all the hard days worth it.

Of course, the journey wasn’t without challenges. Some competitors sold similar products for as low as ₹25 to ₹30 per kilogram. It’s tough to compete with those prices, but I made a promise to myself — never to compromise on quality. I want my customers to know that what they’re getting is fresh, clean, and made with care.

Looking back, I feel proud of how far I’ve come. From feeling lost after college to building a growing food business, it has been a journey of learning and growth — not just in business, but in how I see myself.”

— Sowmya, Entrepreneur