Senior citizens are often seen as retired persons who have lost their ability to conquer any task. However, this is not true because they are the real gems, and they have proven this time and time again.
Just as Meenakshi Mehra ji, who is busily building her business at the age of 75. Now, that is old, but as the saying goes, old is gold.
A couple of years ago, she traded her architectural drawings for a spatula. WHAT?
Sounds extreme, but that is the twist, dear.
A Peek into Her Background
Mrs Mehra was born in a family of freedom fighters, and once her parents were imprisoned for desh ki azaadi ke liye awaaz uthane par.
In parts, her parents were jailed for years (13 and 7) but that didn’t wavered them from their mission. 🫡
However, after starting their family, her mother became the caretaker, and her father took on the responsibility of helping people. Thus, Meenakshi ji grew up in the strong care of her mother while observing her father’s generous works.
Watching her parents set an example in how to excel in personal and professional life, Meenakshi ji also nailed her academic and personal life.
The Family’s Precious Support
Meenakshi ji was interested in interior design during her school years, and her family noticed this and encouraged her. Thus, she pursued her higher studies at Chandigarh Polytechnic College and completed an interior design course in Delhi.
After completing her course in 1969, she worked with Supan Furnitures for 4 years. But after her marriage, she decided to prioritize her daughters’ upbringing, bestowing them with the same love and care that her mother gave her.
This resulted in a 17-year break from her career. However, in 1995 she resumed her work as an independent designer and started exploring new opportunities.
Graduated in 1969, Meenakshi ji was a pioneer in this field and had chosen a niche for herself. Sharpening her skills and learning during the process, she was taking contracts from industry giants like the American Chamber of Commerce.
That is Big!
The Sad Phase and Low Morale
2018 was a year of sad changes for her. She lost her father-in-law in June 2018 and her mother-in-law in September of the same year. Her husband was hospitalized in November, and sadly he expired a month later in December 2018.
Rather, a year of losses.
Her life turned out to be like every senior citizen’s. She spent hours watching TV, most of the time not concentrating on it, either.
The Twist: Design Pads to Recipe Books
More or less, some design work was done by Meenakshi Ji; unfortunately, the 2020 pandemic and lockdown affected it negatively. It became difficult to coordinate with clients and manage her workforce.
She was frustrated. Bhai, her skill was her escape, and when that was halted, her mind couldn’t rest.
But that was the time when MomMade, her kitchen startup, started taking shape.
With her love for making pickles for friends and family, the pandemic offered an unexpected opportunity to her. Meenakshi ji got the chance to turn her culinary hobby into a commercial venture.
Encouragement Works Wonders
Encouraged by her daughters, Meenakshi ji decided to start her entrepreneurial journey in 2021 at the age of 72. Ultimately, MomMade came into existence, offering a wide range of products like pickles, chutneys, beverages, namkeens, and sweets.
While the mother handled to kitchen, the daughters took the responsibility of branding, networking, and taking the business to new heights. Meenakshi ji’s younger daughter, Kanika Mehra Hemdev, manages the brand’s active online presence.
MomMade’s bestsellers are classic favorites like pickles (nimbu katta-meetha, garlic, karela/bitter gourd, and mango), along with gingerelle, besan barfi, laddus.
Meenakshi ji is always up for learning and trying new recipes that she learns while reading or watching YouTube.
Maintaining the Quality With Variety
Meenakshi ji ensures that no compromises are made in terms of the quality and taste of her products. Even if she has to pay more to get the best raw material (100% organic), she does so without hesitation.
Moreover, she avoids preservatives and artificial flavors. To enhance the flavor and nutritional value, instead of sugar, she uses jaggery. Pickles are prepared in small batches and tailored to customers’ orders.
She personally oversees every detail of the process, managing the entire production herself. She allows a helper to assist only with preparatory tasks such as cutting and cleaning vegetables and final packaging.
This shows her strong commitment towards the health of her customers and the purity of her products.
Revenue? Who Cares?
Sounds surprising, but Meenakshi is so engulfed in her venture that she has not tracked specific sales figures. For her, customer satisfaction is at the top of the list.
She enjoys and feels satisfied by creating and sharing high-quality products while making a positive impact on them.
Delhi-based MomMade’s customer base is extended from Delhi to Chennai, and from Hyderabad to Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Shop your batch of tasty products @MomMade
Follow their journey @Mommadepickesandtreats
