A lifetime of love and tradition in every bite, Nayana Mehta launches Maami's Munchies at 66

At the age of 66, Nayana Mehta, a talented home cook, decided to start her own business in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic! Across the country, she runs Maami's Munchies from her home.

Have you ever discussed your mother's dreams and aspirations with her? Many mothers, who nurtured our ambitions, often put their own dreams aside due to societal constraints. Take Nayana Mehta, for instance. Born in the 1950s in Mumbai, she pursued a science degree but eventually married and focused on raising her three children. Despite dedicating herself to her family, cooking became her source of joy from the age of 13.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, as restaurants closed and demand for home-cooked food grew, Nayana seized the opportunity to share her passion. At 66, she launched ‘Maami’s Munchies’, offering snacks, pickles, sweets, and food boxes. Since then, she has delighted over 2,000 customers, with the support of her children, Anjali, Purvi, and Harshal.

As Diwali approaches, at 70, Nayana is more enthusiastic than ever, preparing orders with youthful zeal. Remembered for her culinary skills, Nayana started cooking with her mother’s guidance and honed her skills over the years. Her legendary house parties were famous for their delicious snacks, as her daughter Purvi recalls. Nayana’s journey reflects a passionate pursuit of dreams that were previously set aside, highlighting the remarkable spirit of mothers who reinvent themselves.

Nayana’s culinary talent had been largely unnoticed for over three decades, confined within her Matunga home, Mumbai, due to societal norms. Her daughter, Purvi, reflects on how their generation enjoys more liberal freedoms compared to her mother’s restricted role focused on home responsibilities. Purvi cherished watching Nayana cook and longed for her mother’s skills to reach a broader audience.

The turning point came during the pandemic when the demand for home-cooked meals surged. Nayana began preparing and delivering food to friends and family, and as interest grew, she was urged to start charging for her creations. She found purpose in her cooking after the passing of her husband, realizing that it was a fulfilling way to occupy her time during the lockdown.

Her breakthrough arrived at an exhibition where she interacted with customers, boosting her confidence as positive feedback poured in. “I felt so proud when my first order was dispatched. I realized that I could pursue my dreams, which finally blossomed at 66,” Nayana shares joyfully. Encouraged by her family, they launched social media pages for her venture, Maami’s Munchies, featuring a variety of Gujarati and Indian snacks, sweets, and pickles, along with convenient meal options for travelers.

Nayana runs her business from home, assisted by her son, who manages shipping, and her daughters, who handle social media, orders, and digital marketing. Initially receiving three to four orders weekly, they have now ramped up to at least three daily, and they are fully booked with Diwali orders until November 5, 2024. Their snacks have gained popularity, reaching customers not just across Mumbai and India but also in Europe, Dubai, Oman, Australia, and New Zealand.

Nayana prefers to prepare sweets and pickles herself, working diligently throughout the week, which she claims keeps her fit. She initially started this venture for fun, never expecting such a positive response, but now serves over 2,000 customers, many of whom return. The flexibility of entrepreneurship allows her to take breaks and travel when she wishes.

Her children, particularly Purvi, express immense pride and support for her endeavors, highlighting that it's vital for children to encourage their parents. Nayana hopes to reach more people with her cooking in the future, proving that age is insignificant in pursuing one’s passions. She encourages women everywhere with a powerful message: “It’s very important to keep yourself happy. Age doesn’t matter. All that matters is the fire in your belly.”

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