Mothers often play a pivotal role in shaping our lives, nurturing us to reach our aspirations. Yet, many of them, bound by societal norms and responsibilities of their time, never had the chance to fulfill their own dreams. Have you ever paused to ask your mother about her aspirations? You might be surprised by the stories of passion, resilience, and hidden talents that emerge.
Take Nayana Mehta, for example. Born in the 1950s in Mumbai, she excelled academically and earned a degree in science. However, like many women of her generation, Nayana set aside her ambitions to focus on her family after marriage. For decades, she managed the household and raised three children with unwavering dedication.
But one thing that remained constant through her life was her love for cooking—a passion that began when she was just 13 years old. Decades later, this joy would lead her to an unexpected yet fulfilling journey.
From Home Chef to Entrepreneur
The COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges for many but also opened doors for some to rediscover their talents. For Nayana, it was an opportunity to share her culinary skills with the world. At 66, she turned her lifelong passion into a business by launching Maami’s Munchies, offering a variety of snacks, pickles, sweets, and meal boxes.
Supported by her children—Anjali, Purvi, and Harshal—Nayana embraced entrepreneurship, delighting over 2,000 customers since 2020. Today, at 70, she tackles her orders with the enthusiasm of a teenager, especially during festive seasons like Diwali.
A Dream Deferred but Not Forgotten
Nayana’s love for cooking started early, inspired by her mother. By the time she was a teenager, she had mastered recipes and loved experimenting with new dishes. Despite her talent, societal norms and the responsibilities of managing a joint family kept her dreams confined to the kitchen for decades.
“We stayed in a joint family, and I had my hands full taking care of everyone,” Nayana shares. “I always enjoyed cooking and experimenting with dishes, especially snacks, sweets, and pickles.”
Her daughter Purvi recalls how Nayana’s cooking turned their house into a hub of joy and hospitality. “She is a fantastic host, and our house parties were legendary for her snacks. From dhoklas to farsan, her creations were always a hit,” says Purvi.
A Legacy of Love and Resilience
For over three decades, Nayana’s talent was limited to family gatherings. Purvi acknowledges that societal expectations played a significant role in this. “We’re fortunate to have grown up in a progressive era, but for my mother, life was different. Women’s roles were largely restricted to the home. Even though she had dreams of stepping out, taking care of the family always came first.”
Today, as Nayana pours her love and creativity into Maami’s Munchies, she serves as an inspiration—not just for her family but for anyone who believes in reigniting old dreams. Her journey reminds us that it’s never too late to follow your passions.
The Unspoken Stories of Mothers
Nayana’s story is one of countless untold stories of mothers who sacrificed their dreams for their families. It’s a reminder for us to have heartfelt conversations with the women in our lives about their aspirations.
Ask your mother about her dreams. What did she want to be? What does she still dream of? You might uncover a reservoir of inspiration that has quietly shaped your own journey. And perhaps, like Nayana, it could be time to help her rediscover and pursue her passions.
Because it’s never too late to dream again.
