Jaipur | Business Remedies | April 27, 2025 | In the vibrant lanes of Jodhpur, where tradition meets modern ambition, Pooja Balani’s journey is rewriting the script of young entrepreneurship.
A Computer Applications graduate from MBM Engineering College, Pooja found herself at a crossroads in 2021, pressured by societal expectations of marriage, yet yearning for a different path. Seeking an escape, she turned to an unexpected refuge: her kitchen. With no formal baking training, Pooja began experimenting with cheesecakes. Early failures didn’t deter her; instead, they fueled her determination. Her persistence paid off as family and friends soon became loyal fans of her rich, creamy creations. By May 2024, alongside entrepreneur Narpat Singh Rathore, she launched Miss Cheesecake, turning a personal passion into a fast-growing brand. Miss Cheesecake quickly stood out in the competitive dessert market. Their secret? Fresh, preservative-free in-house cream cheese, offering luxury-quality cheesecakes at just Rs. 120- Rs. 140 a piece.
Flavors like Lotus Biscoff became instant hits, helping them sell over 25,000 cheesecakes in just four months. Beyond delicious desserts, Pooja and Narpat dreamed bigger. They adopted a scalable hub-and-spoke model: central kitchens producing cheesecakes, small kiosks distributing them nationwide. With Jaipur chosen as the next major hub, expansions into cities like Gurgaon and Delhi are already underway. Financially, Miss Cheesecake’s performance is as sweet as its offerings. Monthly revenues stand at Rs. 8- Rs. 8.5 lakh with a healthy 50% gross margin and 35% net margin. Their flagship store contributes 90% of revenue, while online deliveries, started in September 2024, are picking up momentum. In January 2025, Miss Cheesecake’s rising star landed them on Shark Tank India Season 4. Seeking Rs. 30 lakh for 5% equity, they impressed the sharks with their resilient journey, rapid growth, and solid unit economics.
Though several sharks passed, Ritesh Agarwal of OYO offered Rs. 30 lakh for 7.5% equity. Believing firmly in their brand’s value, Pooja and Narpat bravely declined, choosing experience and exposure over compromise. Their appearance paid off spectacularly.
Their Instagram handle @__misscheesecake exploded, crossing 154,000 followers, fueled by a viral reel that amassed over 60 million views. Their relatable founder story and mouth-watering visuals helped build not just a customer base but a passionate community across India. Challenges remain, from managing rapid growth to maintaining quality across locations. Yet, each hurdle only strengthens their resolve. In a heartwarming twist, Pooja’s father, once skeptical, shut down his own business to support her venture full-time, a powerful symbol of changing generational mindsets. Today, with Rs. 10 lakh in the bank, central kitchens in the works, and plans to launch kiosks and franchises, Pooja and Narpat are just getting started. They’re also expanding their menu, promising new and innovative cheesecake flavors. From a modest home kitchen in Jodhpur to the national spotlight, Miss Cheesecake’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and fearless dreaming. Pooja Balani and Narpat Singh Rathore have proven that sometimes, the sweetest success stories are the ones baked with heart, courage, and an unwavering belief in oneself.
Written & Edited By:
Rajshree Upadhyaya
