The entrepreneurial journey of Priyash Saluja, who heads Cinnamon Kitchen, has captured the attention of many on the internet. The beginnings of her company are rooted in her personal struggle with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and a passion for food that led to innovation in the health-conscious culinary sector. Her compelling narrative and business acumen were put on display during an episode of the third season of Shark Tank India, where she received two investment proposals, ultimately partnering with Shark Aman Gupta.
Priyasha Saluja’s journey into the world of business is personal and inspiring. Hailing from the bustling metropolis of Delhi, India, Priyasha’s love for food and culinary experimentation was challenged when she was diagnosed with PCOS at the age of thirteen. This diagnosis required her to give up many of her favorite foods in order to manage her condition. Despite the setback, her determination to find alternatives to meet her health needs without compromising on taste eventually led to the creation of Cinnamon Kitchen.
Educationally, Priyasha is well versed in the nuances of business management. After completing her education in a public school in Delhi, she enrolled in management studies at Keshav Mahavidyalaya. Her academic pursuits are complemented by extracurricular engagements, including the Negotiation and Negotiation Program at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Additionally, her understanding of finance and marketing is backed up by studies at the Bombay Stock Exchange and digital marketing courses through upGrad.
The business landscape was not unfamiliar to Priyasha, who was immersed in it from a young age. With experience that includes engagements at Asian Paints and a social media role at Dentsu Aegis Network, she has gained a wealth of experience. This multifaceted professional path led her to an internship at PwC for three months.
The establishment of The Cinnamon Kitchen was a direct response to Priyasha’s childhood challenges. She embarked on a mission to reinvent classic recipes by substituting healthier ingredients without sacrificing taste. This effort is especially important for people with diabetes, who are often prohibited from enjoying traditional sweets. Her business grew to include a range of packaged goods and a bakery, both of which received accolades.
During an episode of Shark Tank India, Priyasha’s pitch resonated with investors, sparking a lot of interest in her business and her impressive credit score, which she proudly stated was 838. She received two investment proposals on the show. The first was a partnership offer from Sharks Anupam Mittal and Vineeta Singh, while the second proposal came from Aman Gupta, who offered a combination of equity and debt financing. After the counteroffer, Priyasha struck a deal with Aman Gupta: an investment of 60 lakhs for a 5% equity stake in her company.
From its humble beginnings with an investment of Rs 50,000 in September 2019, Cinnamon Kitchen’s revenue trajectory has been impressive, rising from Rs 1.4 lakh in the first year to a projected Rs 6 crore this year. With future revenues for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 estimated at Rs 1.3 crore, the company is on a growth spurt. However, during an episode of Shark Tank India, Sharks Anupam and Vineeta raised concerns about packaging and labeling. Priyasha addressed these issues and outlined her strategic plans for expansion, which included partnering with delivery platforms and expanding into new markets such as Bangalore and Mumbai, as well as securing airport branch deals.