Today we’d like to introduce you to Pooja D. Bhatia.
Hi Pooja, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Varah is a lot more than a business to me. It is a reflection of who I am and my life experiences.
The inspiration behind creating my own brand of treats came from the realization that every time we received a box of sugary treats, our response was to regift them. This experience sparked the idea to develop a range of products that, when given as gifts, would be eagerly enjoyed and warmly received.
In addition to offering Varah Gourmet Luxuries products, I also conduct vegetarian cooking classes for team-building events and group gatherings. These sessions are designed to demonstrate the ease of preparing homemade meals with few ingredients, emphasize the rich variety and flavors of vegetarian cuisine, and promote the health benefits of incorporating South Asian spices into daily meals.
Drawing from my entrepreneurial journey and culinary expertise, I aim to inspire consumers to embrace clean eating habits, nurturing their well-being. In the realm of nutrition, I advocate for the belief that health is indeed the ultimate wealth.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our biggest challenge lies in nurturing our growth while remaining steadfast in our authenticity. Our menu is meticulously crafted with wholesome, clean ingredients—gluten-free, dairy-free, and largely devoid of refined sugars. We avoid the concept of food engineering and resist the notion of adding preservatives solely for extending shelf life. In navigating these hurdles, we’ve chosen a direct-to-consumer approach, leveraging our website and pop-up events to connect intimately with our audience.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Varah Gourmet Luxuries?
We are a unique food gifting business that transforms the way people experience gourmet gifting. Our mission is to change the common notion that food-based gifts are a choice between good looks and good health.
Our products are sweet and savory treats made with nuts, sweetened with natural sugars, and flavored with minimal ingredients. We take pride in our South Asian-inspired, all-vegetarian menu, catering to various dietary restrictions.
It is not merely about the food we offer but the entire experience, from the visual appeal of the packaging to the delightful and healthy treats inside. Some of our popular products are Premium Stuffed Dates, our famous Paan Bites, savory and sweet snack jars, and our tea blends.
Our efforts were recognized by Food Network for the second consecutive year as their editor’s pick for Diwali Gifting.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
In late 2019, I took a leap of faith by moving to the US and bringing my small business with me. I was determined to see if my venture could succeed in a new market. After navigating the complexities of business requirements and food certifications, I fine-tuned my recipes, found a production facility, started hosting pop-ups, and launched my online store. Then, the pandemic hit. It seemed like the worst possible timing. With social gatherings halted the future of my gifting business looked bleak. I braced myself for the possibility of having to abandon my dream and seek a traditional desk job.
However, in an unexpected twist, the pandemic shifted consumer behavior. People, confined to their homes, turned to online shopping to stay connected with loved ones. My website began to buzz with activity, and orders started flowing in. My business gained visibility online, attracting more customers through search engines and ads. This unexpected surge not only saved my business but accelerated its growth far beyond what I had anticipated.
Reflecting on this journey, I realize how pivotal that stroke of luck was. While I had laid the groundwork with diligence and passion, the rapid success of my business in such challenging times was something I hadn’t envisioned. The pandemic, while bringing widespread challenges, paradoxically breathed life into my venture, demonstrating how luck can indeed play a crucial role in our lives and successes.
Pricing:
- Fruit & Nut Bites, Medium Box $34.80
- Premium Stuffed Dates, Medium Box $34.80
Contact Info:
- Website: www.varah.us
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/varahgourmetluxuries
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/varahgourmetluxuries
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pooja-d-bhatia-240366106/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@varahgourmetluxuries
