Priyanka Meena- The Entrepreneurs of India Magazine

She never trained at a culinary school. No media background either. Just a girl who genuinely loved to cook. For Priyanka Meena, food has always meant more than eating — it’s been about memories, emotions, comfort, and creativity. While juggling her PhD, she began casually posting food pictures and quick recipes from her kitchen using just a phone and natural light. No ring lights, no strategy — just heart. Slowly, people started noticing. Messages from strangers came in, saying they tried her recipes and loved them. That feeling of bringing joy to others through food — that was the spark.

Three years later, what started as a side hobby has grown into a flourishing food content business. With over 250,000 followers, Priyanka now runs a warm and engaged digital community. Her content — mostly vegetarian, simple, and rooted in home-style cooking — connects with people not because it’s flashy, but because it feels familiar. Whether it’s a bowl of dal-chawal or a festive sweet dish, there’s always a personal story wrapped around it. It hasn’t all been smooth. One of Priyanka’s toughest lessons came early — the importance of showing up consistently.

She used to disappear after short bursts of activity, sometimes burnt out, other times doubting herself. “I used to wonder — is this even good enough? Will anyone watch?” But over time, she learned that even on slow days, staying connected mattered. Small steps added up. That mindset shift made a big difference.

Self-doubt and negative feedback also made the journey harder. There were unsolicited opinions — “This won’t work,” “Why are you wasting time on this?” And those comments used to sting. But Priyanka chose to filter what she heard. Not all advice is useful. Not all opinions matter. “If they aren’t your audience or don’t see your vision, you don’t need to carry their doubts,” she says.

She also noticed something else: the more she grew, the more her circle changed. Not everyone who claps for you is truly happy for you — and that’s okay. She’s learned to protect her peace, focus on creating, and keep moving.

And while passion brought her here, Priyanka’s quick to say this is also business. Working with brands, managing schedules, understanding analytics, negotiations — she had to learn all this on her own. She wears every hat — creator, editor, negotiator, strategist. “Passion brings you in, but professionalism keeps you going,” she reminds.

Her family didn’t understand it in the beginning. With a strong academic background and being a PhD scholar, the pressure to follow a more conventional path was heavy. So when she began sharing food content online, their reaction was confusion. “Why are you wasting time on YouTube?” they asked.But as she stayed consistent, balanced both worlds, and began getting recognized, they started to come around. Today, they’re proud — even if they don’t fully get the digital world, they see her dedication and impact.

Resources were few in the beginning. She

didn’t have a team, fancy equipment, or a guide. Just a phone, a kitchen, and the will to figure it out. And she did. From shooting and editing to writing captions and pitching brands — every step was self-taught. Along the way, she found genuine supporters — fellow creators, small business owners, and even loyal followers who encouraged her.

Now, her business spans across platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Amazon Live. She partners with brands she believes in and hosts interactive live sessions where she shares kitchen tips and honest product insights. Every piece of content she puts out is rooted in real experiences and built on trust.

What makes this industry special, Priyanka believes, is the freedom to be yourself. No rules, no one-size-fits-all. Just authenticity. “When someone messages saying, ‘This reminded me of home,’ that’s everything,” she says.

Her one advice is: “Don’t wait to be perfect. Just start. You’ll never feel 100% ready — but starting is what changes everything.”