From the diary of Shivani's Kitchen Ltd's story
Company Focus
- Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
- What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
- Can you elaborate on your vision?
- What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
- Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
- What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Personal Focus
- What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
- What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
- How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
- What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
- What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
- In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
- The Founder's Short biography.
Investor Focus
- Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
- Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
- What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
- How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
- What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
Shivani Dhamija's story
Company Focus
Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
I coined our company’s name – when I first started in business I had the first Indian meal delivery locally and called our company Home Made Tiffin but couldn't get the name registered.
So, I registered using my own name (Shivani) and added Kitchen to it – Shivani’s Kitchen. We have pivoted and shifted – growing and learning, and now operate as a Food processing company in Nova Scotia, Canada. We sell directly online, wholesale, and at select retail store chains, cafes, and other retailers.
From the diary of Shivani's Kitchen Ltd's story
Company Focus
- Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
- What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
- Can you elaborate on your vision?
- What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
- Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
- What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Personal Focus
- What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
- What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
- How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
- What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
- What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
- In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
- The Founder's Short biography.
Investor Focus
- Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
- Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
- What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
- How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
- What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
Shivani Dhamija's story
Company Focus
What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
I moved to Nova Scotia, Canada in 2011 from India to be with my partner and couldn’t find a job in my field. I tried various media and public relations companies but had no luck. I’m a very independent person and I don’t give up easily. I worked at odd jobs, and finally, an opportunity came up to make Indian food for an Indian truck driver that was missing home-cooked meals. He was my first client and helped launch Halifax's first packaged Indian Meal Delivery Service.
From the diary of Shivani's Kitchen Ltd's story
Company Focus
- Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
- What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
- Can you elaborate on your vision?
- What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
- Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
- What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Personal Focus
- What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
- What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
- How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
- What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
- What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
- In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
- The Founder's Short biography.
Investor Focus
- Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
- Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
- What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
- How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
- What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
Shivani Dhamija's story
Company Focus
Can you elaborate on your vision?
Our vision is to make it easy for customers and companies to create, and experience the bold, authentic flavors of India at their home, restaurants, and wholesale at select retail stores. Our products are based on ancient recipes of India passed down from generation to generation from Shivani’s (my) family assuring true authenticity.
We’re passionate about helping our customers experience new food experiences with authentic Indian products. My team and I care deeply about doing meaningful work; we’re developing incredible authentic products that empower and satisfy food cravings and cooking experiences while working collaboratively to learn and pursue success together.
Our long term vision is to have our products on the shelves of select retail stores throughout Canada by 2021. Next, we will secure the North America market, then the global marketplace.
From the diary of Shivani's Kitchen Ltd's story
Company Focus
- Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
- What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
- Can you elaborate on your vision?
- What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
- Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
- What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Personal Focus
- What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
- What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
- How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
- What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
- What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
- In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
- The Founder's Short biography.
Investor Focus
- Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
- Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
- What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
- How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
- What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
Shivani Dhamija's story
Company Focus
What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
We’re organized and stay on top of things to be done, and keep detailed records. We analyze our competition and keep informed of current and upcoming trends for our marketplace. We understand the risks and rewards of running our business and have boot-strapped our business so far.
We’re focused on where we are going in the marketplace and understand it takes time. We have a great team to implement our strategy to achieve our goals.
We’re creative and always looking for ways to improve our business and make it stand out from the competition. We experiment and launch new products to meet our consumer’s needs and trends. We provide great service to our customers to gain their loyalty and retain their business.
From the diary of Shivani's Kitchen Ltd's story
Company Focus
- Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
- What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
- Can you elaborate on your vision?
- What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
- Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
- What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Personal Focus
- What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
- What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
- How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
- What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
- What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
- In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
- The Founder's Short biography.
Investor Focus
- Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
- Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
- What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
- How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
- What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
Shivani Dhamija's story
Company Focus
Who are your biggest competitors?
Spice competitors: McCormick, Arvindas, Master Indian Spice
Sauce competitors: The Spice Tailor, Good Food, and Pataks
From the diary of Shivani's Kitchen Ltd's story
Company Focus
- Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
- What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
- Can you elaborate on your vision?
- What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
- Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
- What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Personal Focus
- What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
- What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
- How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
- What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
- What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
- In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
- The Founder's Short biography.
Investor Focus
- Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
- Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
- What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
- How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
- What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
Shivani Dhamija's story
Company Focus
Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
We’re different. Experience the bold, authentic flavors of India with Shivani’s Kitchen.
We can beat the competition because our products are authentic and based upon India's recipes passed down from generation to generation from my family. Besides, our authentic spice blends are handcrafted and blended for the highest quality and freshness. Our spice blends have no salt, no gluten, and are preservative-free.
Our authentic sauces are created using fresh ingredients from our local farmers. Our sauces are ready to use, save time cooking, and always offer the highest quality and freshness. Our sauces include vegetarian and vegan with a dairy-free option. Our sauces have no salt, no gluten, and are preservative-free.
From the diary of Shivani's Kitchen Ltd's story
Company Focus
- Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
- What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
- Can you elaborate on your vision?
- What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
- Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
- What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Personal Focus
- What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
- What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
- How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
- What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
- What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
- In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
- The Founder's Short biography.
Investor Focus
- Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
- Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
- What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
- How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
- What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
Shivani Dhamija's story
Company Focus
What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened trade tensions in many different sectors of the world’s economy, and Canada is no exception..
- International relations for exporting with restrictions as well as demands to ‘re-shore’ supply chains.
- Some COVID-related trade moves actually benefit Canadian food exporters. While countries sought to protect their domestic supplies, many still needed to import from Canada.
- A change in retail shopping. Retail stores closing. Going with online Sales (we’ve already pivoted).
- We’re still in a strong position as a food processer if we export. Our farmers grow our ingredients and we don’t have a large population to feed. In that sense – supply and demand is working in our favor.
From the diary of Shivani's Kitchen Ltd's story
Company Focus
- Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
- What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
- Can you elaborate on your vision?
- What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
- Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
- What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Personal Focus
- What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
- What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
- How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
- What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
- What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
- In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
- The Founder's Short biography.
Investor Focus
- Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
- Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
- What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
- How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
- What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
Shivani Dhamija's story
Company Focus
What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Disrupting the authentic, flavor landscape with authentic, sustainable Indian flavors for consumers to experience.
At Shivani’s Kitchen, we are passionate about helping our customers experience new food experiences with authentic Indian products. Our products are based on ancient recipes of India passed down from generation to generation from Shivani’s family assuring true authenticity.
Our team cares deeply about doing meaningful work; we’re developing incredible authentic products that empower and satisfy food cravings and cooking experiences while working collaboratively to learn and pursue success together.
We will utilize our competitive advantages that cater to diverse targets with a focus on systematic growth online and in retail stores throughout Canada and become financially viable in April 2021.
From the diary of Shivani's Kitchen Ltd's story
Company Focus
- Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
- What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
- Can you elaborate on your vision?
- What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
- Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
- What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Personal Focus
- What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
- What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
- How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
- What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
- What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
- In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
- The Founder's Short biography.
Investor Focus
- Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
- Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
- What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
- How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
- What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
Shivani Dhamija's story
Personal Focus
What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
The timing is auspicious - COVID19 provides opportunities for food producers as everyone in the world is staying home. This provides us with an incredible opportunity to penetrate the Canadian market and showcase our products to North America and then international.
From the diary of Shivani's Kitchen Ltd's story
Company Focus
- Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
- What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
- Can you elaborate on your vision?
- What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
- Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
- What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Personal Focus
- What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
- What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
- How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
- What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
- What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
- In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
- The Founder's Short biography.
Investor Focus
- Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
- Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
- What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
- How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
- What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
Shivani Dhamija's story
Personal Focus
What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
We already have.
From the diary of Shivani's Kitchen Ltd's story
Company Focus
- Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
- What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
- Can you elaborate on your vision?
- What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
- Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
- What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Personal Focus
- What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
- What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
- How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
- What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
- What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
- In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
- The Founder's Short biography.
Investor Focus
- Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
- Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
- What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
- How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
- What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
Shivani Dhamija's story
Personal Focus
How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
Around 8 hours a day – I work out everyday to keep fit and healthy.
From the diary of Shivani's Kitchen Ltd's story
Company Focus
- Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
- What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
- Can you elaborate on your vision?
- What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
- Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
- What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Personal Focus
- What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
- What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
- How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
- What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
- What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
- In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
- The Founder's Short biography.
Investor Focus
- Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
- Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
- What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
- How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
- What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
Shivani Dhamija's story
Personal Focus
What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
I keep my worries only until 5 pm, after that it’s my time with my family.
From the diary of Shivani's Kitchen Ltd's story
Company Focus
- Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
- What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
- Can you elaborate on your vision?
- What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
- Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
- What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Personal Focus
- What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
- What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
- How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
- What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
- What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
- In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
- The Founder's Short biography.
Investor Focus
- Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
- Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
- What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
- How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
- What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
Shivani Dhamija's story
Personal Focus
What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
I jump out of bed to get working on my business as it is my passion.
From the diary of Shivani's Kitchen Ltd's story
Company Focus
- Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
- What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
- Can you elaborate on your vision?
- What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
- Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
- What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Personal Focus
- What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
- What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
- How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
- What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
- What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
- In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
- The Founder's Short biography.
Investor Focus
- Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
- Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
- What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
- How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
- What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
Shivani Dhamija's story
Personal Focus
What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
The biggest challenge of running a startup is finding all the right solutions. I reach out a lot, and I have many people that support my team and I.
From the diary of Shivani's Kitchen Ltd's story
Company Focus
- Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
- What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
- Can you elaborate on your vision?
- What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
- Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
- What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Personal Focus
- What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
- What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
- How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
- What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
- What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
- In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
- The Founder's Short biography.
Investor Focus
- Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
- Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
- What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
- How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
- What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
Shivani Dhamija's story
Personal Focus
In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
We have invested our own money for now and estimate a cash flow break-even in April 2021.
From the diary of Shivani's Kitchen Ltd's story
Company Focus
- Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
- What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
- Can you elaborate on your vision?
- What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
- Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
- What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Personal Focus
- What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
- What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
- How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
- What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
- What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
- In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
- The Founder's Short biography.
Investor Focus
- Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
- Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
- What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
- How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
- What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
Shivani Dhamija's story
Personal Focus
The Founder's Short biography.
Shivani Dhamija is the founder of Shivani's Kitchen and has been recently awarded (IWEN) Entrepreneur of the year 2020 by ISANS and a DEAM award by Team Works.
Shivani moved to Nova Scotia in 2011 to be with her partner Abhishek Asthana. Our business started from meal delivery services, cooking classes, understanding our customers, and then, sensing a need, we launched our Spice Blends in 2016. Then, in 2018, we launched our authentic ready to use sauces created using fresh ingredients from our local farmers.
Shivani focused on quality from the very beginning. That's why - even today, our Spice Blends and Ready to Use Sauces have no gluten, no salt, and no preservatives.
Shivani Added,
For me personally, I want to create a life that is balanced and enjoyable in all areas such as health, relationships, and finances.
From the diary of Shivani's Kitchen Ltd's story
Company Focus
- Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
- What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
- Can you elaborate on your vision?
- What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
- Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
- What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Personal Focus
- What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
- What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
- How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
- What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
- What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
- In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
- The Founder's Short biography.
Investor Focus
- Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
- Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
- What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
- How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
- What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
Shivani Dhamija's story
Investor Focus
Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
My company will be attractive to investors because the spice and sauce market is growing. The Sauce market is projected to reach 55.35 billion by 2027. Rapid expansion of urban areas across the globe are opening opportunities in this market.
The food and nutrition demands in urban regions, where a large proportion of populations are young and working are evolving. In order to cater to these changing food preferences, supermarkets and department stores are stocking their shelves with diverse ingredients and products, with culinary sauces being one of the most widely purchased items.
Furthermore, hectic lifestyles that typically characterize the lives of working people force them to opt for quick-fix meal solutions, which are providing an additional boost to the sales of cooking sauces and creating new opportunities for us in the marketplace.
From the diary of Shivani's Kitchen Ltd's story
Company Focus
- Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
- What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
- Can you elaborate on your vision?
- What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
- Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
- What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Personal Focus
- What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
- What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
- How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
- What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
- What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
- In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
- The Founder's Short biography.
Investor Focus
- Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
- Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
- What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
- How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
- What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
Shivani Dhamija's story
Investor Focus
Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
My company will be attractive to investors because the spice market is growing. In 2016, the market retail sales were worth US$ 24.4 billion, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1% from 2012 to 2016. The sector continues to see positive growth. With the shift in retail sales from traditional sauces, dressings and condiments towards more bold flavored products that are nutritious and have ethical qualities and our products fit these shifts.
Additionally, consumers are seeking greater opportunities to incorporate new ingredients into home cooked meals across cultures and provide gourmet flair to their meal. We offer flavorful ethic spices and ready to use sauces. Our products have no salt, no gluten, and are preservative free. We use fresh ingredients from our local farmers for our sauces. We offer both a vegetarian and vegan sauce line with a dairy free/vegan option.
From the diary of Shivani's Kitchen Ltd's story
Company Focus
- Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
- What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
- Can you elaborate on your vision?
- What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
- Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
- What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Personal Focus
- What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
- What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
- How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
- What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
- What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
- In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
- The Founder's Short biography.
Investor Focus
- Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
- Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
- What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
- How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
- What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
Shivani Dhamija's story
Investor Focus
What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
Boot-strapped: My strategy to take our company to the next level by creating enough sales across Canada. Then we may consider an investment to expand across North America.
From the diary of Shivani's Kitchen Ltd's story
Company Focus
- Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
- What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
- Can you elaborate on your vision?
- What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
- Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
- What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Personal Focus
- What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
- What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
- How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
- What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
- What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
- In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
- The Founder's Short biography.
Investor Focus
- Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
- Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
- What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
- How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
- What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
Shivani Dhamija's story
Investor Focus
How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
We would pivot, listen to consumers, and find out what they want and need.
From the diary of Shivani's Kitchen Ltd's story
Company Focus
- Who coined your company’s name and what is the backstory?
- What motivated or inspired you to start the company?
- Can you elaborate on your vision?
- What specific actions have you taken to ensure your company’s success?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
- Why do you think this company can beat the competition, and how do you intend to differentiate yourself?
- What is the biggest risk facing your company?
- What is your commercial strategy and how do you plan to become financially viable?
Personal Focus
- What makes this time auspicious for your startup to kick off?
- What makes you think that you can beat the overwhelming odds of failure for start-ups?
- How many hours of sleep do you get per day?
- What keeps you up at night or what are you paranoid about?
- What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
- What is your survival plan if your progress is slower than anticipated?
- In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in running a startup?
- The Founder's Short biography.
Investor Focus
- Are you adequately capitalised, and when do we expect cash flow break-even?
- Why do you think your company will be attractive to investors?
- What is your strategy for taking your company to the next level? When is your next funding round, and can you give an indication of how much you intend to raise?
- How would you respond, or plan to adapt, if your product is completely disrupted or displaced?
- What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
Shivani Dhamija's story
Investor Focus
What do you think about our Startup's Diary Concept?
I love it! It’s a great way to close the gap between one's personal life and business life. Your platform allows others to find out more about what has shaped success!
