Asha Maharana- The Entrepreneurs of India Magazine

Asha Maharana often jokes that if she had to sum up her journey in a single word, she would simply say passion. Her story moved across cities, careers and roles before she found her place in the digital food space. She came from a designing and advertising background and later stepped away from her job after marriage. With her husband posted in the Indian Navy, frequent transfers made it tough to continue in an office based role. Work from home was not common in advertising then, so she carried a quiet restlessness that kept telling her she was meant to create something of her own.

That urge eventually pushed her into opening a small restaurant in Vizag. She ran it for two years and it turned into a sweet success before she closed it right before the pandemic arrived. Life shifted again when she became a mother. She wanted to give her daughter all her time, yet ideas linked to food kept buzzing in her mind. Friends urged her to try posting food videos, but she brushed it off. She kept thinking what would she even gain from it.

One day she paused and asked herself what she truly wanted. She made a list of what worked for her and what did not. Cooking, photography, shooting, creativity, experimenting with recipes, everything she loved sat perfectly in front of her. She finally decided to start Mrs YumTum and told herself one clear thing. She said, I will not give up this time whatever it be.

Her growth came with lessons. Patience became the first one. She also learned to let some things move at their own speed and not obsess over outcomes. She pushed herself to learn new skills like editing, trends and angles that would help her present her dishes better. Feedback, even when sharp, became part of her days.

There was a phase where she felt vulnerable. She watched big creators and felt small in comparison. She wondered why anyone would follow her when the internet already had so many food pages. In her words, There will always be a set of people who connect with you for who you are. That simple thought changed her rhythm. She focused only on improving her content and making it relatable.

Her family stood by her in quiet, steady ways. Her husband became her loudest cheerleader. Her parents cheered her on even when they barely understood how this digital world worked. They trusted her instincts and kept reminding her that she could do it. She believes families today can help young creators by giving them time and patience while they figure their space.

Starting out was not easy. Most of what she learned came from podcasts, YouTube videos and creators she admired. She studied how they shot, how they spoke and how they partnered with brands. She even messaged some of them randomly asking for guidance.

The biggest hurdle was managing her work while caring for her two year old daughter, often alone in a remote posting where help was limited. She would shoot late at night or early morning while her daughter slept. Every reel needed planning, filming, editing and voice recording. It looked simple on screen but required long hours behind it. Dealing with brands was another steep climb but she slowly found her way around it.

Her page today focuses on quick and simple recipes made with everyday ingredients. Most of her dishes lean toward the healthier side but without losing comfort. She wants people to enjoy cooking and feel excited about homemade meals. Food holds memories and she carries that sentiment into her content. Instagram gave her a space to share what she loves while also learning from many others in the food world.

When asked what she would tell new creators, she smiles and says, Be consistent. She once got tired of hearing this advice from others but later realised it was the one thing that changed everything for her.