image credit: Yourstory
In Indian food pickles not only add a kick of strong flavors to everyday meals wrapped in family recipes and regional flavors.
JhaJi Achaar, founded by Kalpana Jha and Uma Jha, is a shining example of how age-old recipes can be transformed into a successful business venture while preserving cultural authenticity.
The duo is celebrating their roots and also bringing the unique flavors of Mithila to the broader market with JhaJi Achaar.
Brand Overview:
Brand: JhaJi Achaar
Founder: Kalpana and Uma Jha
Idea: Pickle
Founders and their journey
Kalpana Jha and Uma Jha are not just business partners but also family.
Their shared passion for cooking gave birth to JhaJi Achaar.
They were encouraged by family and friends who were enamored by the distinct taste and quality of their products.
The brand’s name reflects respect and affection, with “JhaJi” being a colloquial term used for the Jha family, and “Achaar” meaning pickle.
Their mission was clear: to bring the traditional flavors of Bihar to the national stage, made with love and the finest ingredients.
Business growth and journey
Starting from a small kitchen setup in their hometown, Kalpana and Uma began producing a variety of pickles using traditional recipes passed down through generations.
They focused on maintaining authenticity by sourcing local ingredients and employing traditional preservation methods without artificial preservatives.
The initial challenges were significant but their dedication paid off. Word-of-mouth played a crucial role as satisfied customers shared their delightful experiences.
Social media platforms helped them reach a wider audience without substantial investment.
Their products are now available online and in select retail outlets, reflecting their successful expansion from a home-based venture to a recognized name in the artisanal pickle market.
Participation on Shark Tank India
Seeking investment to further scale their operations, Kalpana and Uma appeared on Shark Tank India.
They presented their business, showcasing their products and sharing their story of preserving tradition through entrepreneurship.
Despite not securing a deal, the exposure from the show was invaluable.
The story of two women from Darbhanga striving to bring regional flavors to the masses resonated with viewers.
This lead to increased brand recognition and a surge in orders post-airing.
Current Status and Progress
Post-Shark Tank, JhaJi Achaar continued to focus on building their brand.
They invested in their website and e-commerce platforms to facilitate nationwide shipping.
They also introduced new varieties and packaging options to cater to diverse consumer preferences.
As of 2024, JhaJi Achaar has become a beloved brand for those seeking authentic, homemade pickles.
The story of JhaJi Achaar is a testament to the power of sharing personal journey, staying true to one’s roots, embracing challenges, and continuously adapting to market needs.
At Focus Startup, we believe that while funding can help with expansion, the lack of it doesn’t preclude success.
By focusing on strengths and leveraging the power of storytelling and community, even home-grown businesses can carve out a niche.
If you are looking for consultation and planning services to accelerate your business growth then get in touch with us today.
insights into innovation, funding, and success with our startup article. Read today! TagZ Foods: Crunching the competition with a healthy solution
Rajeev – Digital Evangelist | Startup Consultant | Entrepreneur
With 20+ years in SEO, digital marketing, and data analytics, Rajeev has been instrumental in shaping successful online strategies for global brands. As the former Practice Head – SEO & Analytics at WPP/GroupM India, he led high-impact search and analytics teams for over 14 years.
Beyond corporate leadership, Rajeev is a Startup Consultant & Digital Trainer, helping early-stage ventures scale through digital strategies, investor readiness, and technical consulting. He has also been a lead trainer at Digital Vidya and associated with Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, where he empowered students with practical digital marketing knowledge.
An early-stage investor, he has backed Bihar-based startups like Mostech Softwares and Delhi Foods. His expertise spans SEO, SEM, media planning, mobile app distribution, and website development, ensuring businesses establish a strong digital presence.
He is also very passionate about his mother place or state Bihar and currently, he is working with local entrepreneurs to ensure more digital and e-commerce penetration and want to take it to the next level.
🚀 Exciting new venture coming soon! Stay tuned.
