How is This Female Entrepreneur Crafting Desserts Tailored for PCOS and Diabetes?
When Riyasha Saluja was just 13, she discovered she had PCOS, making it challenging to indulge in her favorite sweets while prioritizing her health. "Back then, PCOS wasn't widely discussed, and I felt ashamed of my condition," she recalls. To manage PCOS, Riyasha delved into research and began experimenting with healthy ingredients to create homemade desserts. Nearly a decade later, in 2018, she started sharing her journey on Instagram, posting recipes and tips for healthy eating.
Realizing the demand for convenient yet healthy snacks, Riyasha launched her own venture—The Cinnamon Kitchen. Based in Delhi, her brand specializes in 100% gluten-free, preservative-free, refined sugar-free, and flour-free desserts, including cookies, cakes, and more. For Riyasha, her love for sweets has evolved into a fulfilling career. "I'm passionate about desserts, and now I get to turn that passion into a profession," she says.
Through The Cinnamon Kitchen, Riyasha not only transforms the way individuals with PCOS and diabetes eat but also brings them joy and hope. In this article, we will explore how her journey underscores that despite dietary restrictions, one can still savor delicious treats guilt-free.
From Kitchen Mishaps to Sweet Success.
Riyasha Saluja grew up surrounded by a family of great cooks. While they excelled in making North Indian dishes, Riyasha found her passion in baking desserts, thanks to her sweet tooth. Her journey began in high school when she tried baking a cake for a friend.
Despite the cake turning out to be a flop, Riyasha was determined to master the art of baking. She experimented with various recipes, from traditional treats like Ghewar to modern delights like Malai Pedha.
Each kitchen mishap became a lesson for Riyasha, pushing her to improve and innovate. Her love for cooking grew stronger, and she started sharing her creations with others. Eventually, she turned her passion into a mission: to make healthy desserts accessible to everyone. Today,
Riyasha's desserts are not only delicious but also free from gluten, preservatives, refined sugar, and flour. Through her creations, she spreads joy and promotes mindful eating, proving that a passion for cooking can lead to sweet success.
A Journey of Entrepreneurial Discovery
After earning her Business Management degree from Delhi University, Riyasha Saluja began her career in taxation at PwC. However, her passion for creativity led her to marketing and advertising, where she worked with notable brands like Parle and ITC. In 2019, an opportunity to showcase her desserts at an event sparked Riyasha's entrepreneurial journey.
Starting with just Rs 50,000, Riyasha launched her home kitchen business. Despite initial challenges and only a few orders per week, Riyasha's perseverance paid off as her business steadily grew. Reflecting on her journey, Riyasha appreciates the support and inclusivity within her industry, emphasizing the rewards of entrepreneurship. Riyasha Saluja's story inspires with its testament to passion and perseverance, showcasing the transformative power of pursuing one's true calling.
Where Health Meets Taste
Saluja's venture began with packaged foods like Nut Butter, but the short shelf life led her to expand into bakery treats under The Cinnamon Kitchen. From cakes for occasions to a variety of snacks, their offerings cater to different dietary needs like PCOS, diabetes, and Keto diets.
With products priced around Rs 350 for packed items and above Rs 1,100 for cakes, the company recorded sales of Rs 1,40,000 in its first year, rising to Rs 12,50,000 the next. Now, aiming for Rs 6 crore sales this year, Saluja credits Instagram for connecting with customers and understanding their needs.
Saluja takes pride not only in offering products free from sugar and preservatives but also in their innovative recipes. With over 80% of its workforce being women, the startup fosters inclusivity and empowerment.
Saluja also conducts baking workshops specifically tailored for women, lasting three hours and priced at Rs 1,750, attracting enthusiastic participation from homemakers.
The Cinnamon Kitchen's products are available on its website and various e-commerce platforms like Blinkit, Amazon, and Le Marche, as well as in offline stores such as Greener and Nature’s Soul.
Recently featured on Shark Tank season 4, the bootstrapped startup secured Rs 60 lakh in funding from Aman Gupta, Founder of boAt. Looking ahead, Saluja aims to enhance the shelf life of their products and expand their presence in offline stores.
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