Rajshree Upadhyaya | Jaipur | Business Remedies | April 14,2025 | In the heart of Ahmedabad, amidst the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, a mother and son turned a personal setback into a thriving entrepreneurial venture that’s redefining the perception of healthy food in India. When Payal Pathak’s paying guest facility was forced to shut down, she was faced with the same fears and challenges that gripped many small business owners during that time. But instead of giving in, she chose to pivot-with courage, creativity, and an unwavering belief in the power of good food.
Her 19 year old son, Soham Pathak, a finance and economics student at Ahmedabad University and a fitness enthusiast, became her co-pilot on this new journey. Drawing inspiration from his own health-conscious lifestyle, Soham realized the scarcity of nutritious, affordable, and appetizing meal options in the city. Together, they founded The Simply Salad-a brand rooted in a shared vision of promoting health, simplicity, and Indian flavors in every bowl.
What began in their home kitchen with a handful of daily orders quickly evolved into a well-loved cloud kitchen. They introduced a subscription model, delivering freshly made salads to customers’ doorsteps-without any delivery fee. Their offerings catered to varied dietary preferences, using A-grade, locally sourced ingredients. More than just a business, The Simply Salad became a movement-one that brought fun, flavor, and nourishment to the Indian idea of “eating healthy.”
But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Early days were riddled with challenges-minimal visibility, tight resources, and the task of making salads relatable to an Indian audience. To widen their appeal, they temporarily added Indian breakfast options like poha and upma. But soon, their focus realigned with their core identity: innovating with salads that were high in protein, vitamins, fiber, and low in fats and carbs, infused with Indian spices and imagination.
Soham played a critical role in branding and communication. His digital savvy, combined with an understanding of youth culture and customer behavior, gave The Simply Salad a distinct online identity. He managed everything from social media to customer engagement, helping the brand scale and sustain its momentum.
Their big break came with Shark Tank India Season 2, where the duo pitched their vision on national television. With an ask of Rs. 30 lakh for 10% equity, they presented not only an inspiring story but a well-executed business with promising margins, 64% gross and 47% net. Sharks Aman Gupta and Vineeta Singh, impressed by the clarity of their model and the genuine synergy between mother and son, closed the deal, valuing the company at Rs. 3 crore.
The Shark Tank spotlight gave The Simply Salad a new platform-boosting visibility, increasing order volumes, and allowing them to expand their operations. From fulfilling 80 to 90 daily orders, they’ve crossed 35,000 total orders since inception. With 50 out of 80 subscribers renewing consistently, the brand’s retention rate showcases deep customer loyalty.
The Simply Salad’s USP lies in its Indian twist on salads-an innovative approach that helps bridge the gap between Western health trends and Indian taste preferences. By offering affordable weekly and monthly subscription plans (Rs. 180/day for weekly, Rs. 150/day for monthly), they’ve made healthy eating both accessible and sustainable.
Payal and Soham’s entrepreneurial journey is more than just a success story, it’s a blueprint for resilience, innovation, and family-driven grit. From being guest speakers at forums like the Delhi School of Business to mentoring budding entrepreneurs, they now inspire a new generation of changemakers who believe in solving problems with purpose.
As The Simply Salad expands its reach, partnering with platforms like Zomato and Swiggy, exploring mobile app development for custom salad orders, and collaborating with fitness influencers-their mission remains rooted in the same values that sparked it: health, honesty, and homegrown innovation.
Their story is proof that even the simplest ideas, when nurtured with intent and integrity, can create ripples of impact. With each salad delivered, Payal and Soham aren’t just feeding bodies-they’re fuelling a movement.
Written & Edited By:
Rajshree Upadhyaya
