A taste of success

Saroj Prajapati from Shadora village in Ashok Nagar, Madhya Pradesh, has never attended school. Yet, today, she is the founder and proprietor of Mom’s Magic Pickle India. She also supports village farmers and provides employment to local women

Maria Fernandes | NT

Born in Berkhedi village, Madhya Pradesh, Saroj Prajapati’s parents were farmers and she was one among nine daughters. Growing up with no opportunity for education, she eagerly assisted her mother in the intricate art of pickle-making, imbibing the traditional techniques and family recipes passed down through generations. “Under the guidance of my mother, I made my first pickle when I was 14 and it turned out quite well,” she recalls.

Through years of hands-on experience and dedication, she honed her skills in the craft of pickle-making. Her intimate knowledge of spices, flavours, and preserving methods evolved over time, resulting in the creation of exquisite pickles, particularly her renowned mango pickle, which had garnered praise and demand from relatives and friends year after year.

The idea for Mom’s Magic Pickle India was sparked at a fortuitous moment while watching an episode of Shark Tank India.

The particular pitch that captured 43-year-old Prajapati’s attention was that of a homemade pickle business from Bihar. This resonated deeply with the homemaker and mother of two, who had always nurtured a desire to carve out her own path and leave her mark.

With focused determination, belief in her abilities, the unwavering support of her husband Bablu, and the entrepreneurial skills of her son, she embarked on the journey to establish Mom’s Magic Pickle India.

What also helped her to believe in herself was her stint as a sarpanch from 2015 to 2022. During her tenure, Prajapati made it her mission to empower rural women by initiating various programmes and projects aimed at creating employment and skill development opportunities. In addition, she focused on providing support to rural farmers. By promoting sustainable farming techniques and facilitating market linkages, she and her team aimed to improve the livelihoods of farmers and strengthen the local economy.

“Throughout my tenure as sarpanch, I learned the importance of effective leadership, collaboration, community engagement, service and empathy. I discovered the transformative power of grassroots initiatives and the profound impact they can have on individuals and communities. Above all, I gained a deep appreciation for the resilience, strength, and spirit of the people in our village,” she says.

However, setting up Mom’s Magic Pickle India from scratch meant she had various challenges to face. One of the most significant ones was the lack of support from society. Many people had doubts about the viability of running a business from home, which made it difficult for her to gain acceptance and credibility.

“Nonetheless, I was fortunate to have unwavering support from my family, particularly my husband. Their encouragement and belief in my vision gave me the strength to push through the societal barriers and pursue my entrepreneurial dreams,” she says.

There were also logistical challenges associated with running a home-based business, such as managing space effectively, navigating regulatory requirements, and establishing a reliable distribution network. Overcoming these obstacles required determination, resourcefulness, and a strong support system. “My family’s practical assistance in various aspects of the business, such as helping with production, packaging, and even distribution, proved invaluable. Together, we tackled each challenge head-on, leveraging our collective strengths and unwavering determination to overcome any roadblocks in our path,” she says.

Today, her brand stands as a testament to the power of resilience and familial encouragement in the face of adversity. “My son, Amit’s digital expertise, quality taste, traditional recipes, and pure ingredients too have all helped to make the company what it is today,” she shares.

For those women who are homemakers and want to be entrepreneurs, she advises that it is first important to identify one’s strengths and start with what you know. “Follow this up with seeking knowledge and building a support system; remember start small but dream big! There will be hurdles but stay determined and persistent, embrace technology, and believe in yourself,” she says. “Your journey as an entrepreneur is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Stay true to yourself, keep learning and growing, and you will undoubtedly make your mark in the entrepreneurial world.”