A‘ditty’ of sauciness!

Though she comes from the illustrious Mammen family, Aditi Mammen Gupta always wanted to start something of her own, rather than joining the family business. A soft-spoken Aditi talks to us about her journey. “After my studies, I worked with Funskool for two-and-a-half years. Though I was working with the marketing and product development team, I wanted to venture out. After my marriage, I took a break and was toying with the idea of starting something on my own. I was always obsessed with food and cooking. That’s when my husband, Chirag Gupta, suggested that I start something related to food,” Aditi starts the conversation.

One day she was browsing at the supermarket and realised that there was a dearth of good quality sauces and spreads. “I was taken aback when I came to know the number of preservatives used. I don’t want to consume such products, and it also disturbed me. I closely observed the market and realised that there is a potential for products, which are vegetarian and don’t add any artificial preservatives. That’s how my own range of gourmet sauces with the label Posh Nosh was born,” beams the entrepreneur.

Though she doesn’t have any background in cooking, Aditi, with sheer passion and confidence launched four products and says that it is a different ballgame altogether. “There are a lot of products available in the market, and to stand out among others is not an easy thing. We have to differentiate ourselves from everyone and it’s pretty much a competitive industry. It took us long to find stability. If you strive to give your best effort, eventually your hardwork pays off,” says the entrepreneur, who tries to bring a personal touch in everything she does.

With a two-year-old son around, Aditi says that she is able to juggle everything because of her family’s support. “I make sure that I am there for my son and am very particular in doing it right — from feeding him and dropping him at play school. Having both mine and my husband’s family around is a blessing. My son Rehaan is  close to his cousins and he loves to be in their company.”

Even with the distinguished Mammen connect, Aditi never felt pressurised to join the family business. “They are very supportive and never pushed me to do anything. I always had the freedom to explore what I want to explore,” she adds.

Granddaughter of KM Mammen Mapillai, Aditi says that she had the best memories with him. “He is one of the most affectionate person you’ll ever meet in your life. His warmth, and caring nature was famous. Both my grandfather and grandmother were very hospitable and people-centric.”

On a concluding note, the entrepreneur gives us a piece of advice. “There is a misconception that by the time you turn 20, you should have an idea of what you want to do. I feel that it’s never too late to start anything. Do what you love, so that it’ll not feel like a burden. For me, how much ever hours I need to put into my company, I never felt tired or bored. I love what I am doing and do it with a lot of passion,” she sums up.