“Just the way a woman makes or breaks a home, the same way a woman has the capability to contribute to the society through her skills.”
Entrepreneurship was in her mind right from the beginning, when she started a garment business in her teens. Pockets and Bowls is a gourmet brand and a subsidiary of Food for Thought, a bespoke Global Cuisines and Catering, and the person behind the brand is Anshu Archit Jhunjhunwala, a former designer and styling consultant. She is Founder & Chef. Almost a decade ago, Anshu started her journey as a home caterer, and then ventured out to build on the continued popularity, she started Food for Thought to tap bigger opportunities. Recently, she was the third winner of FUTUREPRENEURS Grand Challenge 2020.
In this interview, she talks to Shree Lahiri about her early beginnings, the challenges faced by her, what she feels are a woman entrepreneur’s strengths, the competition, plans for the future and more…
Q. How did you think about becoming an entrepreneur?
I started working at the age of 16 and worked ever since. I started a garment business and successfully ran it for 15 years. That’s when I realized that I have become an Entrepreneur and I am responsible for many other lives and their livelihood. Decided to give my career a break and be home as a mom, in the bargain became a Gourmet Chef and started a catering company. Now I am able to empower students with basic knowledge of cooking and grassroots level staff as well, skilling them with specialised techniques.
Q. What are some strengths that a woman entrepreneur should possess?
A woman entrepreneur should be strong and confident about her own skills. Belief in her work and capability to empower others is very important. It’s always only a woman who brings about change in life. Just the way a woman makes or breaks a home, the same way a woman has the capability to contribute to the society through her skills.
Q. Could you tell us about the challenges faced by you?
The challenges in the beginning were definitely retaining staff and would often get stressful. But gradually down the road I realised that training was my job. It’s an ongoing process and will never stop. The second challenge was creating a market for myself, the moment I found my area and space I was able to overcome that as well.
Q. How
do you find competition in your business area?
Competition is always healthy and a path to growth, when I see other people in
my space I understand the things I am not supposed to do as they are already
doing it, it gives me room for creation and innovation. Every business has its
own market and clientele.
Q. How did you try to make your business different?
I have grown organically and done a lot of things as per demand by my clients, catered to their requirements, personalisation of an occasion for them has been my USP and the personal touch that all my events carry.
Q. What are your future plans?
My future plans are to open central kitchens with outlets and launch my Retail Gourmet Brand.
Q. Any tips for someone starting out today?
Study the market well, cash in on your strengths, work with your talents. Do something you believe in and be a “Pain killer not a Vitamin”.
Details:
Website:www.foodforthought.co.in
Avtar Madan
Poonam Sinha
