Meet Manasi Apte, a vibrant 53-year-old entrepreneur with a zest for life. Born and raised in the bustling heart of Mumbai, she now calls Nashik her home, where she resides with her husband and daughter. Manasi’s life revolves around her passion: running a thriving diet food business. With an appetite for success, she’s overcome numerous challenges, including financial constraints threatening to dim her dreams. But in the face of adversity, she discovered Mahila Money, a turning point in her inspiring entrepreneurial journey.
Manasi’s day starts and ends in the heart of her home — the kitchen. It’s a family affair, with her husband and daughter playing vital roles in the business operation. While the father-daughter duo handles ingredient sourcing and financial matters, Manasi works her culinary magic. Her trusted companions during these moments are not just her family but also the soothing presence of Marathi Daily Soaps, which keeps her company and fuels her creativity.
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How the Culinary Journey Unfolded leading up to the birth of Sreedutta Foods
A decade ago, the Apte couple faced a pivotal moment in their lives as they grappled with the challenges of strict dietary restrictions to overcome their health issues. Their commitment to better health paid off but came at the price of bland meals. Manasi, determined to make this journey more palatable, embarked on a quest to transform this culinary dilemma into a delicious opportunity.
In her own words, Manasi shared, “We couldn’t bear the monotony of tasteless food anymore. It was time to make a change.”
Manasi began her journey with a vision to create menu options that nourished the body and delighted the taste buds. She hunted down sources for the finest ingredients that wouldn’t compromise the rich flavors she sought to infuse into her creations. Manasi exclaims, “Discovering the perfect ingredients felt like unearthing precious gems in the vast realm of flavors.” She started by serving her innovative dishes to her family, and it was only a short time before her culinary creations gained attention beyond her home.
Manasi recalls, “My friends and family were my first customers. They didn’t just enjoy the food; they felt the positive impact on their health.”
What started as a personal quest soon evolved into Sreedutta Foods, a beacon of hope for those battling lifestyle disorders. Her journey exemplifies the age-old adage, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” She says, “I never thought I’d be on this incredible journey, making a difference in people’s lives, one delicious bite at a time.”
The Power of Transformation
Manasi’s journey was not merely about personal transformation. It was about sharing her newfound knowledge and joy with others. Word spread like wildfire, and she nourished bodies and spirits with flavorful yet healthy cuisine, catering to those with lifestyle diseases. Her menu, from a humble Rs. 30 to a lavish Rs. 3000, catered to every budget. Her bestselling items include Salads, Protein Dosa, Iron Dosa (a 10-day plan to boost iron levels), Ragi products (rich in calcium and iron), and vegan options like cashew and almond milk diets.
The Hurdles — Capital Issues she faced in her Business
Manasi’s journey, like any other, was marked by its fair share of challenges. Her quest to scale up her operations and reach more people presented a formidable financial challenge. The pressing need for capital to meet the increasing demand became a roadblock that appeared insurmountable.
“In those moments, it was just the two of us, and we were already serving around 300 people with healthy, customized meals. The demand was soaring, but I found myself in a financial bind, struggling to keep the business afloat,” shares Manasi, reflecting on the trying times.
Mahila Money Connection — How it Catalyzed Her Business Expansion
Manasi’s journey toward success took a pivotal turn when she stumbled upon Mahila Money online. Attending the 12 PM — 1 PM LIVE Loan Open House sessions was an invaluable resource for her entrepreneurial voyage. “ I kept coming for the sessions almost daily to enquire about my loan application and received all the necessary support”, says Manasi with a smile. Manasi joyfully recounts, “The magic happened when my 1 lakh 50K loan was approved. Within 15 days, the loan amount was credited to my account. It was a seamless, hassle-free operation, and the Mahila Money team provided support throughout”, adds Manasi.
The Impact of the Loan
Manasi invested the loan wisely, acquiring additional kitchen appliances such as a refrigerator, kitchen utensils, oven, and steamers. She also purchased groceries in bulk at reduced prices. The loan enabled her to reach more customers, resulting in a remarkable Rs. 15,000 increase in income within four to five months of availing the loan. Manasi also hired a helper who assisted in cutting and chopping, allowing her to serve even more people.
Before the loan, Manasi was catering to approximately 300 customers. Now, her reach has expanded to over 500 individuals. With each passing day, she inches closer to fulfilling her dream of opening a Diet Food Restaurant that serves chemical-free dishes to her customers.
Manasi Apte is truly inspiring, as she embodies the spirit of resilience and showcases the profound impact that one woman can have on the lives of many. Her delicious and nutritious creations and her tireless commitment to helping others rewrite their health stories make her stand tall in the heart of Maharashtra. She passionately encourages everyone to #JiyoApneDunPe and take control of their health, enabling them to live their best lives.
If you are a woman entrepreneur who wants to take your business to new heights and is in need of working capital and entrepreneurship resources, come speak to us on Mahila Money. For more such #JiyoApneDumPe live conversations, download the Mahila Money App on Play Store or visit us on www.mahila.money
