When I left the US in 2010, I told Monica that I’d know within two years if my efforts would be worthwhile. She supported Unived from the very beginning, always discussing product concepts & ideas, and sending pictures of packaging.

I remember going back to see her in 2011. We’d spend a couple of hours a day at the supermarket, walking through aisles of products, taking notes, clicking pictures, buying & tasting, analysing formulations, critiquing packaging. We’d spend the evenings cooking and talking about Bombay, the team, the work, the progress, the future. At that time, everything was uncertain for me, I had no idea what would come of Unived – but, of course, I told her, that I was confident it’d be worth something, some day.

Finally, in 2012, Monica quit her job and moved to Bombay. Although she is primarily involved with the brand & marketing side of things, she is keen and actively contributes towards product development and operations.

When I left India to go study abroad, I’d hear a lot about how Indian kids find it difficult to adjust to the food, the pace, and the life in the US. I’d see it with so many students, and even experience some of it myself. This is the other side of the coin, this is someone brought up in the US, coming over post education, and adjusting to life in Bombay, while working towards building a company, alongside a group of us kids, all of whom are new to the industry.

If anyone can do it, it’s Monica!