Somewhere in November 2019, one of my friends called me up to ask whether I know someone who makes Misal masala at home. 

I jokingly told her; “I will make a batch for you if you don't find anyone who makes the masala”. After a couple of days, she called up again asking me if l could really make the masala for her.

l seriously started experimenting, and the spree that we call 'Misal Marathon Month' began. We were either visiting/ordering parcels from the famous Misal points in Nashik or we were 'testing' the homemade Misal masala (prepared with different permutations combinations in it). Soon, the purpose with which my friend had contacted me was served; but something kept me poking from within. 

In the meantime, I had started making small batches of various other masalas needed at home. The freshly ground masalas took my recipes to another level.  During this phase, a few more friends and neighbours became my Guinea pigs. The friend because of whom l started preparing masalas kept encouraging me. 

But something was still holding me back. 

After a few days, one of my husband's friends and her family visited us. My husband insisted that I make Misal for brunch. They came, they relished the dish, and we had a good time. Soon after they left, my husband received a call from that friend. She said, "my husband is not fond of Misal, but he really enjoyed today's meal & I want that masala as well as the recipe". The next day, I prepared a fresh batch and couriered it to her.

And guess what, my cook who always witnesses my culinary experiments told me that she wants to place an order; she had organized a family function & she chose to serve Misal (with my masala in it) to her guests. 

At this point, l started thinking of taking this up as a business. But alas, by the time I was doing 'market research' & the necessary paperwork - yes, you are right, lockdown!

In unlock phase 1, all things falling properly in place gradually, l started completing the paperwork, underwent relevant training and I launched my company Subhojyam, and my first product N3M- 'Nashik Misal Magic' Masala! Soon, I started receiving small orders and kept on adding more products to the list. I designed a few gift hampers and they got sold out every time l launched a new design. 

During all this, my husband and daughters kept on pushing me that I should scale up the business; but something was holding me back, again!

Few weeks ago, one of my schoolmates placed a huge order which acted like a final push. This particular order inspired me to scale up Subhojyam, again!

So here I am with my website and Subhojyam's first blog!

Ultimately, it's all about food & flavours.