Age is just a number and this 85 year old has proved this in immeasurable ways. From taking care of herself to running a business successfully she manages everything all by herself alone.
Her inherent passion for making pickles has motivated her to pursue her career for over 30 years.
The Pickle Story of Ponnu Mami: An Affectionate and Masterful Tale
The pickles of Ponnu Mami binds the tastes and emotions of the young and old alike, and they represent a labor of love, rooted in tradition and the joy of creating something that keeps people coming back for more. Our country revolves around love for food, built of customs of art, the art of making food that people connect with irrespective of the states.
With customers coming from Cochin, Chennai or Coimbatore and many other states across India, Achaar Mami’s pickles are well known far and wide for excellent quality. Finely she believes in making the best quality pickles, and has dedicatedly worked for more than 30 years.
A Passion From the Mango Groves of Kannur
It was during Nokku’s childhood, as she grew inside a plantation in Kannur, Kerala that she first learnt the ways of pickling. Generally mangoes would surround her in which she delighted herself in searching for the best mangoes for vada mangoes (one of the many varieties of Indian pickles which uses raw mangoes in a certain way).
Over the years the admiration grew into something much deeper. As a young girl who was curious about selecting the best mangoes for making vada manga.Her art of making pickles spread quite rapidly not only among her relatives but many acquaintances as well who started asking her to make pickles for them.
Thus, a small pastime had very quickly transformed into an enterprise.
Self-empowering women run Enterprise
In its initial stages, the business was all about selling 5 half kilograms of pickles, however this has since morphed into a big concern. Now, Ponnu Mami sells around 10 kilograms of pickles every day which is approximately 300 kilograms in a month.
Her pickles are priced at Rs 200 per packet of half a kilogram which has been the steady price for the pickles for a long period of time. In the backdrop of rising sales, she operates the whole process on her own without employing or seeking assistance from anyone.
She has never felt the need to hire help, because she wanted to preserve the quality of the pickles maintained through her active involvement in every step of the process.
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Conclusion
When in today’s world building a business is difficult, Aachar Mami has proved that doing service for the society is what makes a business successful. Her selflessness to serve the best quality Aachar. Not only has she won hearts but also tells her story of contentment. Her attic where she preserves her aachars blended with love & passion in tightly packed jars is the souvenir she has held close for herself and for us through these years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Ponnu Mami?
Ponnu Mami is an 85-year-old woman from Kannur, Kerala, who has been making pickles for over 30 years. Her passion for pickling began during her childhood in the mango groves of Kannur.
How long has Ponnu Mami been making pickles?
She has been crafting pickles for more than 30 years, starting as a hobby & eventually turning it into a successful business.
What inspired her to start this business?
Her love for pickling began in her childhood while selecting the best mangoes for pickles. Over time, her skill gained popularity, leading her to start selling pickles to relatives and friends, eventually growing into a full-fledged enterprise.
What type of pickles does she make?
Ponnu Mami is known for her variety of pickles, including her famous vada manga, made with raw mangoes. Her pickles are popular across states like Cochin, Chennai, and Coimbatore.
How much pickle does she sell?
She now sells around 10 kilograms of pickles daily, totaling approximately 300 kilograms per month.
How much do her pickles cost?
Her pickles are priced at Rs 200 per half-kilogram packet, a steady price she has maintained for a long time.
Why is Ponnu Mami’s story inspiring?
In a world where building a business is challenging, Ponnu Mami’s dedication, self-reliance, and passion for serving quality pickles have made her successful and loved by her customers.
