Opening Doorz
“Celebrating Life”
By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | March 10, 2025 Just as Manasi Kamtekar’s FYJC exams were about to begin, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. By the end of February […]
By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | March 10, 2025
Just as Manasi Kamtekar’s FYJC exams were about to begin, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. By the end of February 2020, the country went into complete lockdown. Life, for everyone, took on a new meaning. While most people were confined to their homes, many were quarantined in hospitals. Chaos reigned before some semblance of normalcy returned.
A year later, in May 2021, the second wave hit with even greater ferocity. Lives were lost, businesses crumbled, and millions struggled to make ends meet. Among them was Manasi’s father—the sole breadwinner of their family of four—who lost his job.
By then, Manasi had just completed her SYJC exams. As the eldest child, she took it upon herself to support her family until her father could find work again. That was the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey—a journey marked by struggles, setbacks, and small victories. Over the past four years, she has tackled every challenge head-on, with determination and an infectious smile.
She never lets life’s challenges shake her. Like a nimble Cassius Clay in his prime, she navigates obstacles with grace and refuses to back down. She knows what she wants and works tirelessly to achieve it. Her body language exudes positivity, and nothing seems to disturb her. For her, hard work is the only answer.
Today, her small food stall—just beyond R.K. Studios (Chembur, Mumbai), near the bus stop before the Hyundai workshop—is a buzzing hub during peak hours.
But things weren’t always this way. She vividly remembers her first day in 2021. “I invested ₹600 to make idlis, vadas, poha, and upma. But I only earned ₹150,” recalls the 22-year-old with a smile, her first day out on the streets trying to make ends meet.
Every time I pass that stretch of road, I see her stall brimming with customers. Even during the quieter early evenings, she is there, prepping for the next rush. Her mother joins her later, bringing fresh supplies for the evening snacks.
When I first approached her for an interview last April, she was eager to talk—but it took nearly a year before I could sheepishly approach her again, asking her if she remembered me. She smiles that infectious smile letting me know that she does remember about the long pending interview.
Last week, we finally sat down for a conversation. Manasi was all smiles as she spoke about her business and family. She answered every question with honesty and excitement. Even when recounting the toughest times, her smile remained intact, reaching her eyes, with positivity shining through.
Before we began, I asked if she was comfortable speaking in English. “I can speak English,” she said, “but I make mistakes. I’d prefer Hindi or Marathi.” And before I could ask my next question, she quickly added with a grin, “It’s Manasi, not Mansi.”
Excerpts:
I started my food stall in 2021, right after the lockdown. My first day was tough—there was no one here. I had just ₹500-600 and made simple dishes like idli, vada, poha, and upma. My first earnings were only ₹150. I was disappointed. With the encouragement I received from my Dad and support from my Mother, I continued.
It wasn’t easy. I would be here from 8 AM to 5 PM, serving customers while preparing for my 12th-grade exams and ITI training. But I knew I had to do it for my family.
A nearby lunch stall shut down, and my mother suggested we start offering full meals—dal, rice, bhaji, and roti. Later, we even added non-vegetarian dishes to attract more customers.
Quality. I only use fresh, home-style ingredients—no soda. I want my customers to eat the same way I would at home.
Yes, a competitor began selling rice plates at a lower price. However, I never compromised on quality. Some customers continued to choose my offerings because they knew that the rice, dal, and vegetables I provided were superior. Ultimately he closed his business and moved on! [Smiles].
My father lost his job during the lockdown, but he always encouraged me. He said, “Let’s try it once. If you’re lucky, it will work.” My mother handles the cooking, and my younger brother helps out too. It’s a family effort.
Initially, I was nervous dealing with BMC (municipal) officials and male customers. But over time, I gained confidence. Now, I know how to talk to them.
I aspire to expand my business to a food truck, a second stall, and possibly even a restaurant in the near future. However, I want to ensure everything is legal, with the necessary licenses and permits.
No! Never! Even my father tells me to quit and take up a job. I have been getting job offers but don’t want to work in an office. I love being my boss.
I used to think I could do everything alone. But now, I realise that hiring people also bring profit. At the same time, I need to know every part of my business, so that if someone leaves, I can still manage.
Don’t wait for opportunities—create them. Challenges will come, but if you work hard and believe in yourself, you can overcome anything.
As I was leaving, I asked Manasi about her monthly turnover. She shared a figure, and I suggested she aim to double it. To my surprise, she smiled and confidently revealed that her target for the month is four times her current earnings!
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Image Credit: Geneive D’Souza
Amazing story of grit and determination