A Career-Changing Journey
Most of us in life aim to have careers that reflect our passion and purpose. For some, this occurs early on, while for others, it is years later. For Anjali Jain, the shift from a distinguished career as a Chartered Accountant (CA) to the rich world of gourmet goodies was a leap of faith fueled by an intense passion for food and an aspiration to do something deeply satisfying. What began as an experiment in her family business during the lockdown, evolved into a well-known brand that combines tradition, innovation, and luxury. This piece discusses Anjali’s inspiring transition from the world of accountancy with its rigid framework to the unknown waters of culinary arts, the transformation of her business Tyohaar, and how she succeeded in listening to her heart.
The Call of the Heart: Passion Over Profession
Anjali’s is a story of listening to her heart. After years of being a Chartered Accountant, she was well-versed in structure, numbers, and compliance. Yet, as time passed, a yearning for something more creative began to take root. She found herself longing for a career that not only utilized her skills but also fed her passion for food. What started as a side experiment with her family’s outdoor catering business during the pandemic quickly grew into a successful cloud kitchen business, with Anjali’s innovative culinary creations captivating the city.
For Anjali, the transition was less about pursuing a new career but about changing lives. “When you work for yourself and work according to your soul purpose,” she points out, “you give more than 100%. It’s not merely about earning money; it’s about making an impact.”
This calling of the soul, along with her passion for serving society, ignited her entrepreneurial flame. Anjali’s aim wasn’t just to make gourmet foods but to utilize food as a tool to return to society, contribute to it, and leave a permanent impact on people’s hearts.
The Birth of Tyohaar: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
The year 2024 was the turning point of Anjali’s career as she launched a new concept under the umbrella of the family business: a cloud kitchen for wedding and event offerings that had shrunk due to COVID-19 limitations. It was at this point that Anjali’s cooking talent really emerged as she launched a chain of novel, handcrafted novelties that instantly attracted the foodies’ radar.
One of her initial signature creations, the “Tini Mini Ghevar,” a twist on the classic Rajasthani dessert, became a sign of her success at combining heritage with modernity. “The idea was to create a combination of past and future, presenting people with a taste of history in a healthier, contemporary form,” she says.
As her food continued to entice palates and win hearts, Tyohaar was born. The name, “festival” in Hindi, was chosen as a reflection of the fact that food is at the heart of every celebration, and every bite must be a celebration. Tyohaar soon became known for its innovative yet traditional take on gourmet delights, fusing expensive ingredients with a strong sense of tradition, authenticity, and innovation.
Leveraging the CA Background: Strategic Management of Gourmet Business
While Anjali’s passion for food was undeniable, her background in Chartered Accountancy played a critical role in shaping the operational and financial success of Tyohaar. Her expertise in financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning enabled her to launch and scale the business effectively.
Having worked in corporate compliance, legal guidelines, and risk analysis, Anjali recognized the need for establishing a business on a solid ground. She applied the experience gained in the accounting sector to the food business, prioritizing cost management, pricing, and profit margins.
Incorporating systems and processes that ensured seamless operations, handling people, and conflict resolution became second nature to Anjali. “While my heart is in the kitchen, my CA background gives me the confidence to handle the business side of things efficiently,” she explains. This combined expertise in both the culinary and business aspects enabled Tyohaar to flourish and expand while ensuring the highest levels of quality and service.
Gourmet Treats that Tell a Story: Crafting Experiences Through Food
At Tyohaar, food isn’t simply something delicious; it’s a story, a prompt for feelings, an experience that people will recall. Anjali finds inspiration in memories of her childhood, culinary traditions around the world, and renowned chefs like Ranbir Brar and Sanjyot Keer. Every dessert she makes is a tribute to her own experience, a blend of flavors, textures, and ingredients from all around the globe.
Anjali emphasizes the need for mixing tradition and innovation. “Our products have authenticity at their core, yet we always aim to introduce fresh ideas and new twists to tried-and-true recipes,” she says. Whether it’s taking international flavors to the table or incorporating new textures into old standbys, the aim is always to call up nostalgia and create something innovative and exciting.
One of the most standout products to showcase Tyohaar’s devotion to combining the ancient with the contemporary is the “Swarn Bhasm Paak,” an opulent, gold-coated dessert that brings together Ayurveda and contemporary cuisine. The product, which costs ₹75,000 per kilogram, utilizes gold ashes, a key ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine, and comes in an extravagant, jewelry-box kind of packaging. The product was not only innovative in its food factor but also therapeutic in nature, combining health with luxury.
Quality, Customization, and Sustainability: The Soul of Tyohaar
Anjali’s vision for Tyohaar goes beyond creating delicious treats. She aims to provide an experience that brings people together while also supporting the community and promoting sustainability. At Tyohaar, the focus is on fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from the best local artisans. Whether it’s Bengali sweets made by Bengali artisans or chaat prepared by people from Chandni Chowk, authenticity is a cornerstone of the brand.
In addition, Anjali’s dedication to healthy options can be seen in Tyohaar’s emphasis on mild sugars, natural colorings, and no non-permissible combinations. “Health is very important in our curations,” Anjali observes, ensuring that her goodies not only bring joy but also health.
Aside from classic favorites, Tyohaar is also recognized for its adaptability in offering customized products that suit the specific needs and taste of its customers. The boutique style of the brand guarantees each product to be perfectly customized, according to the vision and preference of the client.
Overcoming Challenges: The Resilience of the Tyohaar Team
Every entrepreneurial journey is filled with challenges, and Anjali’s is no different. One of the most memorable challenges occurred just before Diwali, when a plumbing issue caused significant damage to the kitchen. Despite the setback, Anjali’s team came together, worked overnight, and ensured that all the orders were fulfilled on time. The experience exemplified the strength of teamwork, dedication, and resilience at Tyohaar.
“We faced challenges like finding the right skill sets, setting up a professional kitchen, and understanding the harmony between production and sales. But the focus has always been on growth and positive solutions,” Anjali reflects.
Tyohaar’s success is not only due to Anjali’s leadership but also the unwavering commitment of her team, who continuously push boundaries to bring creativity and excellence to the kitchen.
Digital Innovation and Future Vision: Scaling the Tyohaar Brand
With its increasing growth, Anjali acknowledges the necessity of leveraging technology to maximize efficiency and scalability. The company has incorporated a consumer-friendly e-commerce platform where customers can navigate with ease and personalize orders. Also, data analysis enables personalized marketing and customer service optimization.
In the future, Anjali is keen on taking Tyohaar beyond being a single-chain brand locally as well as internationally. “We plan to spread our gourmet offerings across the world, integrating them into each and every festival and celebration,” she explains. Eventually, in the long term, she is also planning on building a lavish production unit for manufacturing a host of FMCG products but sticking to the innovative, hand-crafted appeal of the brand.
A Legacy of Impact: Tyohaar and Social Responsibility
Anjali’s commitment to social welfare is at the core of her entrepreneurial journey. Along with Tyohaar, she manages the Smt. Anju Devi Memorial Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting less fortunate groups in society. “Success earned at the expense of others is not my cup of tea,” she emphasizes. Through her business ventures, Anjali has created a platform not only for gourmet innovation but also for serving the community.
The Sweet Success of Following One’s Purpose
Anjali Jain’s life is a reflection of the success that follows if one decides to pursue his/her passion, however unorthodox the path. From being a Chartered Accountant with a successful career to becoming the creator of Tyohaar, she has created a brand that brings together creativity, innovation, and a strong sense of social responsibility. With each gourmet indulgence, Anjali brings individuals closer together, forges life-long memories, and leaves a time-honored legacy. As Tyohaar keeps expanding, the prospects are bright for this progressive, socially-aware culinary brand that honors the quintessence of food—happiness, togetherness, and significance.
