Jodhpur Single Mother Turns Entrepreneur: From Loss to Leading a Thriving Rajasthani Snack Business

After Losing Her Husband, Nirmala Shekhawat of Jodhpur Transforms Grief into a Prosperous Enterprise, Showcasing Rajasthan's Flavours Worldwide

Nirmala Shekhawat, a resilient single mother from Jodhpur, has turned her personal tragedy into triumph by founding "Marwadi Manwar," a business dedicated to sharing the authentic flavours of Rajasthan. Jodhpur, known for its blue walls, historic forts, and a culture steeped in bravery, is also famed for its tradition of "manwar" — a warm and generous hospitality shown through food.

Nirmala’s story is a powerful example of this tradition. Following the sudden loss of her husband, Karan Singh Shekhawat, in February 2020, Nirmala was left to care for their three children. The situation became even more dire during the COVID-19 lockdown, which brought severe financial strain. Spiraling into depression, Nirmala found strength in her family, particularly her mother, brother, and sister-in-law (bhabhi), who encouraged her to start working from home.

Despite having no prior business experience, Nirmala began preparing and selling traditional Rajasthani snacks. What started as a hesitant step soon blossomed into a successful venture. With unwavering support from her family, Nirmala expanded her business, "Marwadi Manwar," which now offers over 150 varieties of Rajasthani delicacies like pickles and papads.

Today, the business employs 30 women and has made its mark on e-commerce platforms, both in India and internationally. From its humble beginnings with a Rs 150 order, "Marwadi Manwar" now earns up to Rs 1.5 lakh per month during festive seasons.

Nirmala credits the success of her venture to her family's unwavering support, with her mother and sister-in-law handling the spice mixes, her brother managing online platforms, and her in-laws offering continuous encouragement.

Looking ahead, Nirmala is determined to further her education by pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her inspiring message to others is clear: "God has given everyone a unique talent. Discover your own and focus on it — leave everything else behind! Sitting idle won’t lead you anywhere; to move ahead, you must put in the effort."

Reference:

thebetterindia.com