We recently connected with Veena Birajadar and have shared our conversation below.
Veena, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I hail from a lower-middle-class family background. Growing up in India, we didn’t have the luxury to indulge in high-end cuisine, but my parents instilled in me the importance of eating clean and healthy. They prioritized incorporating raw vegetables and sprouts into our diet, emphasizing the value of nutritious eating.
After moving to the US following my marriage, I carried forward the lessons I learned from my parents. Smoothies, juices, and raw vegetables became integral parts of our daily meals. My passion for gardening led me to establish a small vegetable patch in our backyard, which not only provided fresh produce for our juices and smoothies but also connected me further with the essence of wholesome living.
A significant health challenge within our family prompted us to explore alternative medicine, where I discovered the transformative power of food in healing. Motivated by this revelation, I delved into extensive research on the subject. Eventually, I made the decision to depart from my unfulfilling IT job and redirect my focus towards this newfound passion.
This pivotal moment marked the inception of my journey in the culinary world. I resolved to share my knowledge and passion with others by opening a café specializing in juices, smoothies, and vegan cuisine. Today, our business thrives with operations spanning two locations, as we continue to serve our community with nutritious and delicious offerings.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am actively involved in the day-to-day operations of our two locations, engaging in tasks ranging from creating recipes to cooking and marketing. I find immense joy in my work, often feeling as though I am providing a service to our customers. It’s particularly rewarding when individuals with allergies visit our establishments and express delight upon realizing they can enjoy everything on our menu. Witnessing the glow on their faces and hearing their initial exclamations of “OMG I can eat everything here” truly brightens my day.
Food is an arena brimming with boundless creativity, and we continuously strive to offer new culinary experiences alongside our staple menu. Drawing inspiration from the rich diversity of both Indian and American cuisines, we blend traditional flavors and ingredients to keep our patrons intrigued. The traditional Indian diet, with its wide array of spices, whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods, offers numerous health benefits, which we incorporate into our offerings. This fusion of Indian and American cuisine ensures that our menu remains dynamic and appealing to our diverse clientele of food enthusiasts.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
One of the driving factors behind starting this business was my passion. I have always been deeply interested in the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, dedicating extensive time to reading about their growth process—from seedling to maturity—as well as harvesting and incorporating them into my diet. Through this pursuit, I acquired a wealth of knowledge through reading and hands-on practice, which I have been able to share with our customers. This sharing of knowledge has facilitated a connection with them and enabled me to earn their trust.
My foremost advice to anyone embarking on a similar journey is to pursue it out of passion. While financial gain may naturally follow, it should not be the primary motivation. Relying solely on monetary goals can lead to frustration and a loss of motivation, as success often requires time to establish. It is crucial to thoroughly understand your idea or product and continually innovate. Maintain unwavering belief in yourself and your product, even in the face of skepticism from others. Confidence and perseverance are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Credit for this achievement is due primarily to my parents, who not only guided me towards the value of hard work but also instilled in me a belief in myself, fostering tremendous confidence. As a child, I was notably introverted and timid. Furthermore, my husband and mother-in-law have served as my unwavering pillars of support, believing in my aspirations and endeavors. Many women can likely relate to the importance of maintaining a work-life balance, particularly when also fulfilling the role of a mother. In this regard, my mother-in-law has been an invaluable source of support, providing steadfast assistance in achieving this equilibrium.
Challenges and acquiring new skills are inherent aspects of the business, and they cannot be mastered in a single sitting; instead, I had to learn them on the job. Each day presents something new and unfamiliar, requiring adaptability and a willingness to learn. Despite making mistakes along the way, I have embraced them as valuable learning opportunities, allowing me to grow and progress in my endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.purevegancafe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purevegancafe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purevegancafe/
