Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Madhu Gadia, Founder and Author of Cooking With Madhu: Cuisine of India, located in Ames, IA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Business: Cuisine of India - Mastering the art of Indian Cooking
Customers: Anyone who loves Indian cuisine and wants to make it at home.

I am an expert on Indian Cuisine and an author of New Indian Home Cooking and The Indian Vegan Kitchen. My expertise lies in home-style, healthy, and authentic Indian cooking. Let me show you how to cook authentic Indian food easily and effortlessly.

Put on your apron and let's get started — authentic Indian cooking is that easy. Other than a handful of essential spices, you need very few special tools or techniques. Just a few pointers from me are all you'll need to master signature ingredients like red chiles and garam masala and make mouthwatering dishes from tangy biryanis to satisfying deals.

Tell us about yourself

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Educator. I have 25-plus years of experience as a nutrition counselor, diabetes educator, writer, and speaker.

As a dietitian, I know that Indian cuisine, with its focus on whole grains, beans, vegetables, and spices, is a delicious addition to any diet. My culinary journey simply started one day as I started teaching Indian cooking classes locally. Next, I self-published my first cookbook, "Lite and Luscious Cuisine of India," which was later published as "New Indian Home Cooking" by Penguin Putnam Publishing Group. I love teaching Indian cooking.

My focus is to share easy, simple recipes so that anyone—seasoned to novice cooks—can prepare authentic Indian food at home. I teach the art and science of Indian cooking to home cooks and professional chefs. I truly enjoy cooking a variety of Indian regional dishes. With both my cooking and health expertise, I have been able to combine the exotic and alluring tastes of India with the health and practical demands of today's lifestyle.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The biggest accomplishment of my career has been to author two cookbooks: New Indian Home Cooking and The Indian Vegan Kitchen. I was very excited when the Curry Bar at Aetna Cafe, Hartford, CT (by Flik Hospitality) featured only my recipes. I taught chefs how to make authentic Indian dishes. The curry bar was well-liked and profitable.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest thing about being a business owner is finding the right help. You have to be a master of everything, and that becomes exhausting.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Ask yourself, are you passionate about the project/idea?
  2. Do your research about the pros and cons of doing your type of business. It's exhausting work; how committed are you? It's ok to take your time.
  3. Ask for help. You can not be good at everything.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Enjoy the work if it's not fun.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.cuisineofindia.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadhuGadiaRD
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madhugadia/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/madhugadia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madhugadia/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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