This woman left the corporate world and began masala startup Deccan Diaries - Poojitha Prasad

   Poojitha Prasad is the Founder of Deccan Diaries. This startup provides authentic blended spice mixes and masalas. She is from Bangalore, India.

DECCAN DIARIES:- https://www.deccandiaries.com/

EDUCATION

    Poojitha earned her CA studies from Jain Vishva Bharti Institute. After that, he joined Bangalore University for a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounts and Statistics.

HONORS

• Poojitha featured in YourStory, The Better India, and many more platforms as an entrepreneur

ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY

    Every South Indian state has its own specialty and variation of the spice mix. In Karnataka, it is made from sesame seeds or roasted groundnuts, garlic, and chilies. In Kerala, spices are made from grated coconut and ground urad dal. In Andhra Pradesh, it is made using wheat and dry chilies. Whereas, in Tamilnadu, the spice mix is made from jiggery, chana dal, and chilies. 

    As Indians move to various parts of the nation for reasons such as work and education, they may find it difficult to search for the preferred combination of spice blends. 

   Keeping this in mind, a woman came up with a business idea, for which Poojitha even left her job. After leaving the corporate world in 2014, she wanted to start her own business. Her parents have a catering business that prepares food for corporate companies and offices.  

   The food they cook is so delicious that often, relatives ask to share information about their recipes and the spices used. This gave her the idea of starting a spice business. 

    Initially, Poojitha started doing research on the mixture of various types of spices and the method of making them. At that time she realized that Karnataka alone had several varieties of spice blends. Most of these people have long forgotten. 

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    With this thought, Poojitha Prasad launched Deccan Diaries with some spice mix like sambar Pudi, Bisi Bele bath mix, chutney powder. Over time, as she traveled across the state to learn about long-lost recipes from women in different districts. 

    The basic need for this startup was raw material so that, she arranged all the raw materials like black pepper, chilies, pulses, cinnamon are procured through Farmer Produce Associations in Karnataka. Once the raw material is delivered, it is thoroughly cleaned, dried, roasted, ground, and packed. She has hired three women in its production unit to help with the process. 

   Since 2017, Deccan Diaries has produced more than 15 types of authentic spice blends. These include Chutney powder from Niger Seeds, Curry Leaf Powder, Puliogare mix, Andhra-style Gunpowder, Moringa Powder, and many more. 

    In the Future, Poojitha wanted her startup to represent the flavors of South India. Also, spread the taste and traditional dishes.