Swarali Kulkarni Pendurkar | The Entrepreneurs of India June 2024 Magazine Edition #16

Although Swarali studied Bachelor of Pharmacy and Drug Regulatory, her passion for the growing digital landscape led her to switch fields. In 2015, she launched her food and travel blog, Mumbai Food Junkie, and over the past nine years, it has become one of the city’s oldest and most beloved food and travel recommendation platforms. Swarali took a significant leap of faith by leaving a full-time role at a reputed Pharmaceutical MNC to pursue her passion, and there’s been no looking back since.

One of the key insights Swarali gained from her journey is the importance of networking. In her early years, she often stayed too comfortable and didn’t chase growth as aggressively as she could have. This was a valuable lesson she wishes she had learned earlier, as networking could have significantly accelerated her career development.

"Your strongest supporters and friends can also be your biggest critics. Always keep your ears open," she advises. True friends will tell you what’s right and wrong, providing the honest feedback necessary for growth, rather than just praising you.

Family support played a crucial role in Swarali's success. Her family was incredibly supportive when she decided to switch from Pharma to Social Media. Their trust and support allowed her to take the leap of faith early in her career. Both her parents, being working professionals and independent achievers, served as role models. Over the years, her husband, Rohan Pendurkar, has been her biggest supporter and creative partner. Initially, resources were limited for starting her business. However, Swarali invested her initial income into gadgets and electronics to scale up her content creation. Swarali runs two businesses: Mumbai Food Junkie and Junkie Labs. Mumbai Food Junkie is a food and travel blog on Instagram that showcases the vibrant culinary and travel scene in and around Mumbai. 

Founded and curated by Swarali, the blog offers followers an insider’s look at the best dining experiences, street food gems, and travel destinations. With authentic reviews, stunning visuals, and engaging stories, the blog has become a trusted source for food enthusiasts and travel aficionados.

Swarali’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to trust your passion, embrace failure, and keep learning. "Focus on what you love and are passionate about. This will keep you motivated and committed, even when challenges arise," she says.