In 2016, when Geeta Patil's husband lost his job, the 47-year-old homemaker from Mumbai decided to turn her culinary passion into a source of income. With an initial investment of just ₹5,000, she began preparing authentic Maharashtrian snacks like modak, puran poli, and chivda in her home kitchen.
Starting within her neighborhood, Geeta relied on word-of-mouth to sell her homemade treats. The quality and authenticity of her snacks quickly garnered attention, leading to a surge in demand. What began as a modest venture soon transformed into a thriving business, with orders escalating from a handful each month to thousands.
Recognizing the potential for growth, Geeta's son, Vinit, and his friend, Darshil Savla, both college dropouts with a background in IT, joined the business in 2020. They developed a website for online orders, expanding their reach beyond the local community. This digital presence propelled the brand, aptly named "Patil Kaki," to new heights, serving over 18,000 customers to date.
The combination of traditional recipes and modern marketing strategies led to impressive financial milestones. By 2023, Patil Kaki's sales approached ₹4 Crore, a testament to the brand's popularity and the team's dedication.
The success of Patil Kaki caught the attention of "Shark Tank India" in its second season. Geeta, Vinit, and Darshil presented their business on the show, impressing the judges with their journey and numbers. After a competitive bidding process, they secured an investment of ₹40 lakh for 4% equity from sharks Peyush Bansal and Anupam Mittal, valuing the company at ₹10 crore.
Geeta's story is a powerful example of how passion, combined with adaptability and support, can lead to entrepreneurial success. From a homemaker to the founder of a multi-crore enterprise, her journey with Patil Kaki continues to inspire many across the nation.
