Shivani Sharma- The Entrepreneurs of India Magazine

Shivani Sharma, founder of Gourmestan, isn’t just another chefpreneur—she’s on a mission to reimagine what indulgent food looks and feels like. Trained at Cordon Bleu, London, she spotted a noticeable gap between everyday ingredients and the elevated world of gourmet cuisine. That gap became her playground. She launched Gourmestan as a cloud kitchen with the belief that gluten-free, millet-based food could be wholesome, flavour-packed, and luxurious. What began as a modest, bootstrapped venture has now grown into a trusted name in clean eating, with a growing presence across two regions and a loyal audience seeking out mindful indulgence.

Her culinary philosophy is shaped as much by creativity as it is by listening. Shivani credits much of Gourmestan’s evolution to customer-led innovation. Each small-batch release is a chance to gather feedback, tweak the offerings, and develop dishes that

resonate with both palette and purpose. “Real-time customer feedback becomes your biggest asset,” she shares. Being grounded in what people actually need, while continuing to push creative limits, has helped her carve a niche in a crowded industry.

Building a business rooted in conscious food choices hasn’t been without its challenges. One of her earliest hurdles was convincing people that healthy food didn’t mean boring food. Many came in with the assumption that clean eating lacked flavor. She let her creations do the talking—rich, gluten-free items made from Indian millets that were both satisfying and nourishing. Another obstacle was navigating a traditionally male-dominated culinary landscape. As a woman, and a single mother at that, she worked with quiet resilience, focusing on quality and consistency over noise. Slowly but surely, her brand found its voice, earning not just returning customers but the trust of high-profile clients as well.

Every part of Gourmestan reflects Shivani’s deep commitment to wellness and sustainability. From millet-based desserts to vegan-friendly meals, each product is rooted in local sourcing and zero-preservative principles. Her food celebrates the richness of Indian staples while embodying clean, guilt-free luxury. The seasonal menus, curated hampers, and customisable offerings reflect her belief that food is personal—what we eat should uplift us, connect us, and reflect our values.

Resource limitations never deterred her. In fact, they sharpened her approach. She started lean with a cloud kitchen model that kept costs down and flexibility high. Working directly with farmers ensured both quality and fair pricing. Shivani also tapped into technology to streamline logistics and gather insights, allowing her to scale mindfully. The result? A grounded, agile business that adapts quickly without losing sight of its ethos.

For Shivani, Gourmestan is more than a brand—it’s a movement. It’s about returning to food that is ethical, nourishing, and full of soul. “Act now. Don’t wait for the perfect moment,” she advises. That sense of urgency and clarity has driven her from day one. Her advice to budding entrepreneurs in the food industry? Stay close to your values, let your purpose lead the way, and always keep your customer at the heart of everything you do.