Meet Spoorthi Kumar

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Spoorthi Kumar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Spoorthi, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

The Roads That Built Me

Confidence isn’t given—it’s built, earned through discomfort, risk, and motion.

Growing up, I traveled constantly. New countries, new languages, new cultures—each trip an immersion in uncertainty. Ordering food, asking for directions, even reading signs became small triumphs. I learned that confidence isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about trusting yourself to figure it out.

I found it in dance, performing with a high school troupe, competing at school functions, and feeling the rush of stepping onto a stage under bright lights. There’s no room for hesitation in performance—you move or freeze. I learned to trust my body, command space, and deliver even when my heart pounded.

At Carnegie Mellon, I was suddenly surrounded by some of the smartest, most ambitious minds I had ever encountered. It was easy to feel small, like an imposter in a room full of prodigies. But if anything, that environment forced me to show my true colors. I learned that confidence wasn’t about knowing everything—it was about knowing I had something to contribute, and stepping up to prove it.

Then came biking across the U.S. with Bike & Build. There were days I wanted to quit, roads that felt endless. But confidence isn’t about feeling ready—it’s about proving, mile by mile, that you can keep going.

That lesson stayed when I opened Hidden Grounds Coffee. A business, like a cross-country ride, is built through persistence. There were failures, long months when nothing made sense. But confidence is cumulative—a product of risks taken, setbacks endured, and trust in your ability to adapt.

Twelve years in, I know confidence isn’t fearlessness. It’s the choice to keep moving, no matter what the road ahead holds.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m Spoorthi Kumar, co-founder of Hidden Grounds Coffee, where chai and coffee are more than drinks—they’re experiences that connect people and cultures. For 12 years, we’ve blended South Asian heritage with specialty coffee, creating spaces where everyone feels welcome.

We’re the only café in Manhattan brewing chai traditionally—on a stovetop, with jaggery. From house-roasted coffee to handcrafted baked goods, everything we do is rooted in authenticity and community.

What’s Next?
We’re growing—new seasonal drinks, exciting collaborations, and expanding retail offerings like our Masala Chai mix and Instant Masala Filter Coffee. Our Chicken Tikka Puffs just launched in Manhattan, and there’s more to come.

At Hidden Grounds, we’re not just serving drinks—we’re building something bigger. And we’re just getting started.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Success comes from patience in learning and failing—trial and error are essential, and every misstep is data. The key is to stay curious, refine what works, and embrace failure as part of progress. Managing people effectively is just as crucial; a business thrives on leadership that listens, solves problems, and builds trust. Clear communication, understanding individual motivations, and leading by example create a strong team. Finally, adaptability and resilience define long-term success. Challenges are inevitable, but those who pivot, stay flexible, and keep pushing forward will always find a way. Figure out what works for you, invest in people, and stay adaptable—that’s the formula.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

From a young age, my father instilled in me the belief that the world is boundless—that if I set my mind to something, I can achieve it. He never imposed limits, which gave me the freedom to try, fail, and try again without fear. Watching him build his own success from nothing was the greatest lesson in resilience and determination. But beyond his achievements, what stands out most is his generosity—his belief in sharing wealth, love, and knowledge. He always encouraged me to see things from different perspectives, to approach challenges with confidence, and to define success not just by what I accomplish, but by how I uplift others. His influence shaped not just my ambition, but the way I lead, give, and grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thehiddengrounds.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiddengroundscoffee/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spoorthikumar/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hidden-grounds-chai-and-coffee-house-jersey-city-3