How a 91 Year Old Became the Most Unexpected Food Entrepreneur?
At 91 years old, Nani Naashta accomplished something most would consider impossible – she launched her own food business! Yet Nani defied all expectations with an impressive combination of wisdom, resilience, and an unfailing positive spirit to show that age does not limit entrepreneurship and living life to its fullest.
Nani’s incredible story takes us deep into her remarkable life journey – from humble beginnings in Gujarat, through building an enduring 68-year marriage, and entering food entrepreneurship for the first time at 90. Along the way she offers valuable lessons on longevity, parenting positivity and health food entrepreneurship; all testament to our collective potential at any age or circumstance.
Nani Naashta Remarkable Life Journey
Nani was born and raised in a small town in Southern Gujarat. At an early age, her father recognized the value of education for female children – something rare at that time – so he decided to relocate the family to Baroda so Nani could attend classes beyond 4th grade.
Nani married at 22 after graduating, to a 27-year-old man whom her family had arranged. Their union would ultimately last an amazing 68 years with no ill will ever being shared by either partner despite its prearranged nature.
- Nani’s husband became a judge at the Gujarat High Court, later becoming Chief Justice in Ahmedabad. They relocated to Delhi when he was appointed as an SC judge.
- Nani served her husband during every step of his illustrious career as his personal secretary, cook, driver and more.
- Nani refused to be overcome by grief following the passing of her husband at age 93 in 2017. Instead, she chose to honor his life and legacy while beginning an entrepreneurial journey of her own.
Nani Naashta: How a 91 Year Old Became the Most Unexpected Food Entrepreneur
It all began when Sailaja asked Nani to make Khanwees (a Gujarati snack). Nani agreed and was so delighted by what Sailaja received that she paid her in full – this marked Nani’s first “order“, marking a new chapter in her life and beginning of a food entrepreneurship venture!
Nani made the move shortly thereafter, at age 91, officially launching “Nani’s Naashta“, a Gujarati food business which would bring delight to customers throughout Delhi and Gurgaon. Her grandchildren as well as her husband had long affectionately called her Nani; it seemed fitting.
- Nani’s Naashta began as a small operation, but quickly expanded through word of mouth.
- Nani insisted on making each order from scratch, refusing to keep any pre-prepared foods in her fridge or freeze anything before delivery.
- For larger catering orders she even created everything fresh just hours beforehand!
What’s truly remarkable is Nani’s dedication and sacrifice in starting this business – not only did she launch it from Delhi but she moved out of comforting Delhi home for 25 years in Gurgaon to be closer to customers and grow her enterprise. At 93 years old she left everything familiar behind to pursue this new journey!
Nani’s entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability are truly amazing. She didn’t let age or lack of experience deter her, instead taking on each challenge head-on with positivity and resolve.
Nani Shares the Secrets to Her Longevity and Happiness
When asked by reporters what contributed to her longevity and vitality, Nani gave some insightful answers. She credits a chemical-free lifestyle, homemade remedies and eating free from sugary and processed foods as key factors.
- Nani never used any commercial shampoos, soaps, or creams – everything she used was homemade.
- She even forwent sugar altogether in favor of natural alternatives like fermented Indian drinks like Kanji (a fermented beverage). Nani would prepare her meals fresh each time using only fresh and unprocessed ingredients – it was always made in-house!
- Nani credits much of her positivity and resilience to her faith in the inherent divinity in all people.
“Each soul is potentially divine.” If we strive to recognize our divinity within ourselves and in others, then this will contribute to long term health benefits.
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Nani has always maintained an incredible perspective when faced with difficult moments, like the death of her beloved husband of 68 years. Instead of giving in to despair and dwelling on grief, she chose instead to celebrate his life and legacy, knowing he would want her to continue living life joyfully in his memory.
Why should she cry when nothing wrong has been done to her by him and she is happier today because of him than ever? So why cry?
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Nani’s remarkable resilience and positive mindset despite an extraordinary challenge is truly astounding, serving as an inspiring lesson about perspective that we all can take away.
Nani and her husband demonstrated their positive and wise parenting approach by raising three daughters – Pallavi, Sonali, and one who is currently studying medicine – without forcing their dreams or expectations upon them; rather, they gave each of them space to pursue their own paths and discover who they truly were as individuals.
“From their very young ages, I gave them complete freedom,” Nani recalls. “Whatever they do, I observe and if something wrong occurs I will tell them why; however if something right occurs I will answer their query directly so they are taught how to make their own decisions.”
Nani’s approach paid dividends; her daughters went on to achieve great success in diverse fields such as architecture, business and medicine – none following in the footsteps of their parents as lawyers and thus breaking with tradition.
- Pallavi, their eldest, initially pursued an MBA before being persuaded by her lawyer husband to switch careers and study law as well.
- Sonali, their middle daughter, made headlines by enrolling herself at architecture school in Ahmedabad without first seeking parental approval.
- A medical degree was obtained by her daughter, further expanding the family’s professional portfolio.
Nani and her husband demonstrated how parents can empower their children to reach their full potential by unwaveringly supporting and believing in them, leading to them flourishing and finding unique callings of their own. It’s an inspiring example of how we as parents can empower our children.
The Importance of Fresh, Healthy Food
Nani, as an entrepreneur in the food industry, has become an advocate for fresh, homemade meals. Noticing a lack of authentic Gujarati cuisine in Delhi/NCR region, she saw an opportunity to introduce people to its delicious yet nutritional flavors of her home state of Gujarat.
Nani asserts that Gujarati food is significantly healthier than Dada food. If ordering today, say I want fresh chutney at five o’clock in the evening; freshly made five o’clock chutney tastes best and I don’t keep any in the refrigerator – nothing.”
Nani prides herself on using only fresh, natural ingredients in her business model, refusing to compromise on quality even if that means handcrafting each order hours before its scheduled delivery.
Nani was known to emphasize eating fresh, healthy food in line with her philosophy on longevity and wellness. She believed that eliminating processed and chemical-laden products from one’s diet and lifestyle was paramount in maintaining vibrant health – an approach she lived by throughout her nearly 100-year life span.
Nani gave this advice when asked:
“Think positively and see the good in everyone around you. As Vivekananda said, every soul is potentially divine and should strive to find their divinity within themselves and others. You should recognize what is wrong within yourself and others around you – what needs doing or could have been done differently or should have happened differently – in order to bring out positive traits within them all.”
NANI
Nani’s emphasis on positivity, compassion and seeing the best in oneself and others provides a powerful antidote to negativity and self-doubt that many women experience. Her message serves as an inspirational reminder that age should never prevent us from living life to its fullest and following our dreams.
Nani’s story illustrates that it’s never too late to pursue your goals and find fulfillment, with her infectious energy and unfaltering determination being an inspiration for women of all ages.
Conclusion: Nani Lived an Engaged Life
At 91 years old, Nani’s life stands as an impressive testament to positivity, resilience, and a steadfast dedication to living authentically.
From her humble origins in Gujarat through to launching successful entrepreneurial ventures well into her 90s – defying all expectations as well as showing that age doesn’t define one’s worth – her resilience stands the test of time.
Nani’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to pursue our passions and make an impactful mark in this world. Her wisdom, kindness, and zest for life provide a vivid representation of what’s possible when approaching life with open hearts and the intent to make the most of what time we have been given.
Nani herself reminds us: each soul is potentially divine and by accepting this potential divine-ness within ourselves and others, we too can live a life as full, vibrant, and significant as Nani did. Her story will continue to inspire generations after us.”
