Biography of La Kheer Deli: Founder and CEO of Shivika Sood- Entrepreneur
Biography of La Kheer Deli:
Shivika Sood, a dynamic entrepreneur, co-founded La Kheer
Deli, a delightful dessert venture in Pune. Alongside her brother Shivang, they
decided to bring a unique twist to a beloved traditional Indian dish, kheer.
Their journey began with the inspiration from their mother’s cherished recipes,
leading them to create various innovative flavors that intrigued dessert
lovers.
The Education Path
Shivika's journey started with her education at Symbiosis
College of Arts & Commerce in Pune, where she completed her Master’s in
Commerce between 2013 and 2015. She also pursued a diploma in investment
banking from Imarticus Learning, adding valuable financial knowledge to her
skill set. This education laid a solid foundation for her entrepreneurial
endeavors.
Early Career Moves
Before diving into the world of desserts, Shivika gained
experience as a tax analyst at KPMG, where she honed her analytical skills. She
later took on the role of regional manager at Jombay, a Pune-based startup.
These roles taught her about management and operations, equipping her for the
challenges ahead in her own business.
The Kheer Revolution
The concept of La Kheer Deli took shape in 2017 when Shivika
and Shivang decided to experiment with their mother’s traditional kheer. One
day, Shivika added Nutella and Oreo to her bowl, creating a delicious blend
that sparked the idea of a business. This playful innovation led them to
explore more flavors, like brownie and gulkand, each receiving rave reviews
from friends and family.
Biography of La Kheer Deli: Founder and CEO of Shivika Sood- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/Shivika Sood story/La Kheer Deli story
Testing the Waters
Initially, they shared their creations at family gatherings,
gauging the reactions of their loved ones. Encouraged by the positive feedback,
they decided to take a leap into entrepreneurship. With minimal investment and
a desire to test their concept, they set up a handcart outside a popular café
in Aundh, Pune, on May 19, 2017.
Sweet Success
On their first day, they sold all 44 servings of kheer, and
each subsequent day saw sales increase. This initial success generated buzz
around La Kheer Deli, leading to pre-orders and a growing customer base. The
Sood siblings found themselves balancing tradition with innovation, maintaining
the essence of kheer while introducing exciting new flavors.
Establishing a Brand
By 2018, La Kheer Deli opened its first brick-and-mortar
shop on JM Road, making their delicious kheer available daily. The business saw
remarkable growth, with earnings jumping from ₹33 lakh in 2017 to over ₹1 crore
in 2019. As the enterprise stabilized, their mother, Sonia, left her teaching
job to focus entirely on the business.
Meeting Demand
To manage the increasing demand for their kheer, the family
established a central kitchen in 2019, where Sonia could oversee quality
control. The menu expanded to include a variety of kheer flavors, each priced
affordably. The family also brought in friends as business partners, further
enhancing their marketing efforts.
Eco-Friendly Initiative
A notable aspect of La Kheer Deli’s offerings is their
commitment to sustainability. Each dessert is served in a container that comes
with a pouch of seeds, encouraging customers to grow microgreens. This
innovative idea not only minimizes waste but also fosters a sense of community
and environmental responsibility.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite their success, the Soods faced challenges,
particularly with regulatory guidelines regarding street vending. They had to
navigate strict rules while ensuring they met safety and quality standards.
Balancing production with demand was another hurdle, but they managed to find a
rhythm that allowed them to grow steadily.
Expanding Horizons
Today, La Kheer Deli boasts multiple outlets across Pune and
even opened a new location in Mumbai. Shivang envisions taking their unique
dessert concept nationwide, aiming to elevate kheer to a global platform. Their
journey is a testament to creativity, hard work, and a deep love for family
traditions, all wrapped in a sweet package.
A Lasting Legacy
The success of La Kheer Deli reflects not just a business
triumph but also a celebration of culture and innovation. Shivika and Shivang’s
dedication to their mother’s recipe, combined with their entrepreneurial
spirit, has transformed a traditional dessert into a beloved treat for many.
Their story inspires aspiring entrepreneurs to follow their passions while
honoring their roots.
A timeline for the story of Shivika Sood and La Kheer Deli:
2013-2015: Shivika completes her Master’s in Commerce at
Symbiosis College.
2016: Shivika works as a tax analyst at KPMG, gaining
analytical skills.
2017: Shivika and Shivang experiment with traditional kheer,
leading to innovative flavors.
May 19, 2017: La Kheer Deli launches with a handcart outside
a café in Aundh, Pune.
2018: The first brick-and-mortar shop opens on JM Road,
Pune.
2019: Family establishes a central kitchen to manage growing
demand and quality.
2019: Earnings grow from ₹33 lakh in 2017 to over ₹1 crore.
2020: La Kheer Deli expands to multiple outlets in Pune and
opens a location in Mumbai.
2024: Shivang aims to take the brand nationwide, celebrating
innovation and tradition.
