The 35 -year -old New York City in the Udham Spotlight Q&A of this side has an entrepreneur Mek Khera. Khera is the founder and CEO Neermaya food itemsA snack brand is “vested in wellness and inspired by Indian heritage.”
At the age of 24, Khera left New Delhi, India and came to America, where she had worked in Walmart. Then burnouts and health issues inspired him to start the rise towards health.
Nirmaaya is estimating $ 1 million in revenue for the first time in 2025. Learn how Khera turned Neermaya into a successful business behind Nan Pretzel and Dips. Reactions have been edited for length and clarity.
Image Credit: Food Food. Mehk Khera.
Want to read more such stories? agree money makersOur free newspaper is packed with the upper ideas and successful strategies of the creative side. Sign up here.
What was your day work or primary business when you started your side hustle?
I was working in retail in Walmart Ecommers, managing the category and supply chain for beauty and costumes. It was rapidly to be booked in many ways, high pressure and complete-but over time, for a long time, the lack of real food and stress began to take a toll on my body and mind.
Related: On behalf of this 26 -year -old Hustle led a full -time business in 2.5 months and is on track for $ 2.5 million in 2025.
When did you start your side, and where did you get inspiration for it?
During a season of burnouts and health conflicts, construction of Nirmaaya began in 2020. I was working with chronic, uncontrolled autoimmune situations and did not get a response. I quit my job and turned to Nutrition School – and through it, re -discovered the treatment power of the foods with which I grew up: vibrant lentils, functional spices, subzis made of fresh vegetables. I realized that they used to pass through dishes, generations, were medicine in themselves, and yet, I could not find them in any way in any way that felt clean, convenient or modern. Culture and convenience, tradition and the gap between today, became the foundation of Neeramaya.
What were some of the first steps you take to remove your side from the ground? How much money/investment was made in launching?
I started in my kitchen, playing with recipes, taking reaction seriously and tested early versions in local markets. I knew that I could not do this accidentally, so I saved about $ 50,000 in two years to carry the minimum order volume for my first co-producer. I worked tirelessly, made hundreds of phone calls and eventually found a partner who combined with our mission. We developed early packaging, launched a small website and placed real products in the hands of people. Then the magic started.
Related: The people of this 29 -year -old took people ‘dark green’. It earned $ 10,000 within 2 days and see 6 figures a month.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Food Foods
Are there any free or paid resources that were particularly assistant?
Founding network such as startup CPG, naturally network and SKU accelerator created the world of differences. The dull group for CPG founders was sharp, cruelly honest and incredibly helpful. Tool on the side: perception to track everything, canva for design, Quickbook for Finance. But the most valuable resources ever? Talking to consumers face to face during the demo. No software can change it.
If you can go back and change a process or approach, what will this happen?
I will not change the way – every challenge taught me something that I need. But I will prepare better for a sheer resource drain. Give money twice twice and twice time. Everything takes more time and costs more than you think – and it’s not a defect: it is just the nature of the game.
Related: He started a side hustle producing a ‘clear’ food items. This rapidly hit $ 300,000 monthly revenue for more than $ 20 million in 2025.
There is something about this side that changes the business that has given you the most surprise or challenged?
How much capital-intensive retail is really. Going on shelves is just the beginning-then the real use of driving velocity is useful, educates the shopkeeper and stays the top-off-mind. Another challenge was re -educating people about Indian food. So many people believe that this is just “heavy curry”. But our food is very high: vibrant, clean, intestine-friendly, plant-togor. Packaging, translating that truth through product and language has been both a challenge and privilege.
Can you remember a specific moment when something went wrong – how did you handle it?
In one of our early retail partners, our dips were priced very high and were placed on a very top shelf – almost invisible to the consumer. Instead of nervousness, I peacefully reached the buyer with sales data and shelf psychology insight and offered to support with demo and social positions, if they would consider re -considering the price and placement. they agreed. That moment reminded me that being active, respectable and solution-oriented leads to a long way in retail.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Food Foods
How long did it take to watch continuous revenue?
We started seeing stable traction around nine months. We started with small independents, some regional stores and many-different programs. It was at the ground level, but it taught me how to listen, adapt and score responsibly.
What does development and revenue look like today?
Today, Neeramaya is available in more than 1,200 retail doors across the country, including a strong base of Sprouts, Albertson and New York City Independents. This will be our first year in seven figures. We are launching the new SKU and doubled on retailers who believe what we are making.
What do you enjoy the most in running this business?
The deep creative satisfaction of making something that seems true and touches people after seeing it. When someone says, “I have never tasted anything so clean and bold at once,” I know that we are doing something meaningful. We are not just selling food: we are changing the perception of Indian tastes and bringing more people into folds.
Related: ‘Culturally obeis’ got tired of products, this 27-year-old presented his side in 7-Figure Revenue from $ 1,000 per month: ‘Choose the opportunity to choose the right opportunity’
What is your best piece of specific, actionable business advice?
Start before feeling “ready”. But do not build in a bubble. Get frequent response, especially from your customers. Be lean Create trust with your colleagues. Don’t be afraid to ask dumb questions. And remember – Relationships will take you further compared to any marketing campaign. Be generous, be honest and follow it.
The 35 -year -old New York City in the Udham Spotlight Q&A of this side has an entrepreneur Mek Khera. Khera is the founder and CEO Neermaya food itemsA snack brand is “vested in wellness and inspired by Indian heritage.”
At the age of 24, Khera left New Delhi, India and came to America, where she had worked in Walmart. Then burnouts and health issues inspired him to start the rise towards health.
Nirmaaya is estimating $ 1 million in revenue for the first time in 2025. Learn how Khera turned Neermaya into a successful business behind Nan Pretzel and Dips. Reactions have been edited for length and clarity.
The rest of this article is closed.
Join the entrepreneur, To reach today.
