Entrepreneurial paths are usually paved with obstacles, and triumph goes to those who do not give up. This was true with Kalpana Jha and Uma Jha, entrepreneurs behind JhaJi Store, a company focused on traditional Mithila chutneys and pickles. Their enterprise, from grassroots origins in Darbhanga, Bihar, did not raise funding during Shark Tank India Season 1, yet the two women did not give up. A year hence, all their efforts bore fruit when investors Namita Thapar and Vineeta Singh came to their plant and presented them with a cheque of ₹85 lakh to inject growth into their business.

How JhaJi Store Started

The idea for JhaJi Store was born out of tradition and necessity. Kalpana Jha (52), a homemaker, had moved back to Darbhanga with her husband after his retirement. Meanwhile, Uma Jha, a schoolteacher, had no prior experience in business. However, Kalpana had mastered the art of making traditional Mithilanchal pickles, a cherished family recipe passed down through generations.

With a vision to bring authentic, homemade pickles and chutneys to a wider audience, the sisters-in-law launched JhaJi Store in 2021. Despite having little knowledge of running a business, they learned everything from marketing and sales to packaging and distribution.

Shark Tank India: The Initial Setback

When Kalpana and Uma presented JhaJi Store on Shark Tank India Season 1 for the first time, they left the Sharks impressed. They boldly talked of business statistics such as average order value (AOV), retention, and market demand. In spite of that engaging pitch, none of the Sharks agreed to invest in the startup.

Rather than being dejected, the women perceived this as a chance to perfect their business. According to Kalpana, “We were not disheartened. After the episode was broadcast, we had an overwhelming response, and what we used to sell in three months was sold overnight.”

In a span of one year, their business expanded 400%, with monthly sales of ₹25 lakh. Rejection became the stepping stone for their achievement.

The Surprise Visit and Funding in Season 2

In July 2022, the Shark Tank India team from SonyLIV informed Kalpana and Uma that they would be visiting their factory in Darbhanga to record their progress. Expecting only a camera crew, they were in for the biggest surprise of their journey—Namita Thapar (Executive Director, Emcure Pharmaceuticals) and Vineeta Singh (Co-founder & CEO, SUGAR Cosmetics) had also arrived.

What started as a simple follow-up visit turned into a heartfelt moment for the entrepreneurs. The two Sharks actively participated in their production process—stirring pickle-filled cauldrons, pasting labels, and interacting with employees.

Realizing they had missed out on investing in JhaJi Store earlier, Namita and Vineeta decided to correct their mistake. In a touching moment, they handed Kalpana and Uma a cheque for ₹85 lakh, an investment made jointly by them and Jharkhand Angels.

Correcting Past Regrets

Vineeta Singh said, “Out of the numerous pitches we receive on Shark Tank, an hour may not be sufficient to analyze a business’s real potential. One of my greatest regrets, which I am glad to rectify now, was not investing in JhaJi Store.

She also disclosed that she had been pushed by her mother to invest in JhaJi Store since she saw potential in it. This encouragement by her family was part of her reason for funding the business during Season 2.

Namita Thapar underscored, “These two women of Darbhanga had the courage to dream big. Our investment is not in a business—it’s in their courage, their ability to empower women, and their vision to export Indian flavors to a global platform.”

Scaling Operations and Expanding Their Business

The ₹85 lakh investment will help JhaJi Store scale its operations. Since its launch, the company has:

• Expanded from 5-6 employees to 50 full-time workers, with an additional 25 seasonal hires during peak demand.
• Introduced 20 SKUs (Stock Keeping Units), with plans to expand further based on seasonal demand.
• Started transitioning to a larger production facility within the same village to meet growing consumer demand.

Kalpana explains, “Pickle-making is labor-intensive. Women handle most of the process, but we need men for the heavy lifting. The expansion will allow us to streamline operations and increase production capacity.”

Empowering Women Through Entrepreneurship

One of the biggest achievements of JhaJi Store is its positive impact on women in the community. Many women who were once homemakers are now financially independent.

Kalpana, who once hesitated to talk to people, now confidently manages multiple employees and factory operations. Reflecting on her journey, she says, “I wish I had started this earlier. This business has changed my life.”

Uma, who left her teaching job to join JhaJi Store full-time, finds joy in mentoring and supporting other women. She shares, “Understanding the lives and concerns of our employees is fulfilling. We have created a community where women support each other.”

Future Plans: Taking Mithila Pickles Global

With a solid foundation and a strong investment, JhaJi Store is now setting its sights on further expansion. Their roadmap includes:

• Strengthening marketing and branding strategies with expert help.
• Expanding distribution beyond direct-to-consumer (D2C) channels to reach larger retail stores.
• Targeting global markets, especially Indian diaspora communities, to introduce traditional Mithila pickles internationally.

The co-founders believe that their brand has the potential to compete with major pickle manufacturers, while still preserving the authenticity of homemade flavors.

Conclusion

The journey of Kalpana and Uma Jha is a testament to the power of perseverance. What started as a small-scale pickle business in Darbhanga is now a fast-growing brand that has caught the attention of some of India’s top investors.

By securing ₹85 lakh in funding from Shark Tank India’s Namita Thapar and Vineeta Singh, JhaJi Store is set for greater success. More than just a business, it has become a symbol of women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and the rich culinary heritage of Mithila.

As Kalpana puts it, “If I can start a business at 51, anyone with the right skills and dedication can succeed. The key is to remove fear from your mind and take that first step.”

With determination, support, and now significant funding, JhaJi Store is on its way to becoming a household name in Indian kitchens.