At the age of 75, Meenakshi Mehra is proving that passion knows no age limits. After a successful career as an interior designer, she has embarked on a new culinary adventure by launching MomMade, an organic food brand that celebrates traditional Indian flavors. Encouraged by her daughters, Meenakshi turned her long-time hobby of making pickles into a thriving business, showcasing her indomitable spirit and entrepreneurial spirit.
A Journey of Resilience and Reinvention
Meenakshi’s journey began in a family deeply rooted in activism, with both her parents being freedom fighters. This upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of purpose and resilience. After graduating from Chandigarh Polytechnic College in 1969, she established herself as a pioneering interior designer, working with prestigious clients for several decades. However, after taking a hiatus to raise her daughters, she returned to her profession in 1995. The turning point came in 2018 when Meenakshi faced personal tragedies, including the loss of her husband. This difficult period led her to seek new avenues for creativity and fulfillment. The COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted her interior design work, prompting her to explore her culinary talents.
The Birth of MomMade
In 2021, at the age of 72, Meenakshi officially launched MomMade. The brand offers a wide range of products, including pickles, sweets, namkeen (savory snacks), chutneys, and beverages. Drawing inspiration from her late husband’s love for food and cooking, she began experimenting with various recipes that resonated with family and friends. Meenakshi’s daughters played a crucial role in this venture by encouraging her to pursue her culinary passion and assisting with branding and marketing efforts. Together, they helped establish MomMade as a brand committed to quality and authenticity.
Commitment to Quality and Health
Meenakshi is dedicated to using only the best ingredients for her products. She sources organic raw materials and avoids artificial additives or preservatives. Her commitment to health is evident in her choice to replace sugar with healthier alternatives like jaggery. Each product is made in small batches to ensure freshness and quality. Some of MomMade’s bestsellers include classic favorites like Punjabi mango pickle, nimbu katta-meeta (sweet and sour lemon pickle), and garlic pickle. Additionally, she has introduced innovative flavors such as a unique raw dates pickle that has quickly gained popularity among customers.
Expanding Reach and Customer Satisfaction
Today, MomMade has expanded its customer base beyond Delhi and Mumbai to cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru. Meenakshi’s active online presence, managed by her daughter Kanika, has significantly increased visibility for the brand. Customer feedback highlights the quality and taste of MomMade products. Many customers appreciate the personalized touch Meenakshi provides by customizing orders based on individual preferences. For instance, Dr. Mohini Sethi, a retired faculty member at Delhi University, praises the brand for its commitment to pure ingredients and customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
Meenakshi Mehra’s journey from interior designer to successful entrepreneur exemplifies the idea that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing one’s passions. Through MomMade, she not only shares her love for traditional Indian cuisine but also inspires others to embrace their dreams at any stage of life. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that hard work and dedication can lead to fulfilling endeavors regardless of age.
Disclaimer: The information presented is based on interviews and reports; individual experiences may vary.
