Biography of Arpita Soma: Founder and CEO of Gourmet Craft-Entrepreneur
The Inspiring Journey of Arpita Soma:
An Educational Foundation in Engineering
Arpita Soma began her academic journey with a Bachelor’s
degree in Civil Engineering from Osmania University, where she studied from
2002 to 2006. This program provided her with a solid foundation in engineering
principles, as she tackled complex subjects and developed critical
problem-solving skills. Her determination and ability to excel in a
traditionally male-dominated field highlighted her resilience and ambition,
traits that would serve her well in her future endeavors.
Advancing Her Studies Abroad
Arpita’s pursuit of knowledge led her across the globe to
the United States, where she enrolled at the University of Cincinnati for a
Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from 2006 to 2008. Her time at
Cincinnati was marked by academic excellence and leadership; she served as the
Vice President of the Indian Student Association, facilitating cultural
exchange and support among students. This experience not only enriched her
educational journey but also helped her build a strong network of peers.
Early Career in Civil Engineering
After obtaining her Master’s degree, Arpita started her
professional career as a Civil/Sanitary Engineer at Greeley and Hansen in
Tampa, Florida. In this role, she was deeply involved in significant municipal
projects, including the City of Tampa’s water transmission systems. Her
responsibilities encompassed data collection, the development of design plans,
and preparing cost estimates, all of which showcased her technical expertise
and her ability to manage complex engineering tasks effectively.
Research Experience in Academia
While pursuing her Master’s degree, Arpita also gained
practical experience as a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of
Cincinnati. This position allowed her to engage in academic research while
refining her analytical and methodological skills. Working alongside faculty
and fellow students, she contributed to projects that enhanced her understanding
of environmental issues, further fueling her passion for creating sustainable
solutions.
Exploring the Startup Ecosystem
In 2010, Arpita took a bold step into entrepreneurship by
co-founding Internfever, a platform dedicated to helping students secure
internships and volunteer opportunities. Over the next six years, she played a
pivotal role as the Head of Corporate Relations, focusing on establishing
partnerships with organizations and expanding the platform’s client base. Her
efforts resulted in a robust network of over 600 clients, demonstrating her
capability in business development and strategic relationship management.
Biography of Arpita Soma: Founder and CEO of Gourmet Craft-Entrepreneur/ Age/Net worth/Investor/Arpita Soma story/Gourmet Craft story/culinary
Recognition for Innovation
Arpita’s innovative spirit and dedication to her work did
not go unnoticed. In 2012, Internfever was shortlisted among the top 500
startups in the prestigious Economic Times Power of Ideas contest, out of more
than 18,000 applications. This recognition not only validated her
entrepreneurial efforts but also established her credibility within the startup
community, encouraging her to continue her journey as a business leader.
Transitioning to Business Development
After her impactful tenure at Internfever, Arpita shifted
gears and took on the role of Business Development Manager at CISNE for Arts
& Entertainments LLP. From January 2020 to February 2021, she applied her
skills in a new industry, focusing on expanding the company’s market presence
and building strategic partnerships. This position enabled her to leverage her
experience in marketing and relationship management, further enhancing her versatility
as an entrepreneur.
The Birth of Gourmet Craft
In September 2020, Arpita co-founded Gourmet Craft, a
venture aimed at making cooking and enjoying high-quality food accessible to
everyone. Inspired by her love for food and the belief that cooking should be
enjoyable and straightforward, Gourmet Craft offers culinary solutions that
simplify meal preparation. Through this venture, Arpita aims to bridge the gap
between busy lifestyles and the desire for healthy eating.
Bridging Culinary Expertise and Engineering
Arpita’s engineering background uniquely positions her to
approach the culinary world with a methodical mindset. She applies her
analytical skills to streamline operations within Gourmet Craft, ensuring that
the products and services offered are efficient and user-friendly. This
integration of technical expertise into the culinary space not only enhances
product quality but also sets Gourmet Craft apart in a competitive market.
Commitment to Empowerment
Beyond her entrepreneurial aspirations, Arpita is passionate
about empowering women in business. She actively seeks to foster an inclusive
environment within her organization, promoting opportunities for women to
thrive as leaders and innovators. By supporting other women entrepreneurs and
sharing her experiences, she contributes to a culture of collaboration and
mutual success.
Lifelong Learning and Development
Arpita believes in the importance of continuous learning and
self-improvement. In 2021, she participated in the NSRCEL Goldman Sachs 10,000
Women program, which focuses on equipping women entrepreneurs with essential
business education, mentorship, and networking opportunities. This experience
further refined her business acumen and provided her with valuable insights into
sustainable entrepreneurship.
Passion for Writing and Reading
An avid reader and writer, Arpita enjoys exploring
literature that informs her entrepreneurial journey. She often reflects on her
experiences through writing, sharing insights and lessons learned along the
way. This passion for storytelling not only helps her articulate her vision but
also inspires others to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams.
A Vision for the Future
Arpita Soma’s journey is a testament to resilience,
innovation, and a commitment to positive change. As she continues to grow
Gourmet Craft, her vision remains clear: to transform the way people approach
cooking and food. By creating a brand that resonates with consumers who value
quality and sustainability, Arpita aims to make a lasting impact in the
culinary world while empowering others to embrace healthy living and culinary
creativity.
Timeline of Arpita Soma’s Journey
2002-2006 - Completed Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering at
Osmania University.
2006-2008 - Earned Master’s in Environmental Engineering at
the University of Cincinnati, serving as Vice President of the Indian Student
Association.
2008 - Started career as a Civil/Sanitary Engineer at
Greeley and Hansen in Tampa, Florida.
2008-2010 - Worked as a Graduate Research Assistant at the
University of Cincinnati, engaging in academic research.
2010 - Co-founded Internfever, focusing on helping students
secure internships.
2012 - Internfever shortlisted among the top 500 startups in
the Economic Times Power of Ideas contest.
2020 - Transitioned to Business Development Manager at CISNE
for Arts & Entertainments LLP.
September 2020 - Co-founded Gourmet Craft, simplifying
culinary experiences for busy lifestyles.
2021 - Participated in the NSRCEL Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women
program for entrepreneurial education.
2024- Leading Gourmet Craft with a vision for quality,
sustainability, and empowerment in the culinary space.
