Mrittika: Fragrant Earth

Being an entrepreneur is never easy.

Some of you might remember what happened in 2018 - and might even know how the resulting depression impacted my physical health and wiped out my mental health.

I tried to power through and put a great deal of effort on regaining my strengths. I published two more cookbooks and got ready to start a book that I had been dreaming about since the inception of the Curry Cravings brand in 2004.

But, in Jan. 2022, less than 12 hours after I had launched its crowdfunding campaign, I had a more devastating setback.

In broad daylight my workhorse computer and camera were stolen from my car. More than 50% of that computer was not backed up, including the contents of my camera. I lost five years of deep and research that would shape my next cookbook. The loss was mine alone.

I knew what succumbing to depression could cost me. I owed it to myself and readers who had supported me through everything to persevere. While money and support had already been coming in, but I could not turn back or give up and cancel a dream project.

It took nearly several weeks to feel confident enough to return to testing and writing recipes. I was contemplating all sorts of things, and had taken up wheel pottery as a distraction. At a time when I felt utterly alone, and unsupported I discovered my love of this medium. My smile returned.

In its fluidity, and the emerging shapes and forms, I found comfort and purpose. I slowly started making more pieces to support my passion for the Indian cuisine. To support my crowdfunding campaign, I offered bitty bowls, and very soon, I was taking orders for small spice bowls and requests for larger ones. In a short amount of time, I made more than a few pieces. But there was no official 'name' or brand attached to it all. I researched, and asked friends for clarifications on meanings of words that would both evoke and embody the essence of my intent, and creativity.

Introducing Mrittika

Mrittika means fragrant earth or Mother Earth in Sanskrit

Just as Mother Earth nurtures and nourishes us, developing Mrittika has nourished my spirits, and offered a physical and spiritual vessel for my culinary experiments.

Mrittika has breathed new life into me. Check it out here.