Meet our member Jalni Shah, the dynamic owner of SSS Foods (https://sssfoods.com.au/) who has built a thriving food business driven by her passion for authentic flavours. With a background in finance, she transitioned into entrepreneurship in 2018, managing a food manufacturing business while her husband launched a recruitment company. Identifying a gap in the market for fresh and unique chutneys, she successfully secured a national launch of Jalsa Chutneys into Woolworths in November 2024. Committed to quality and innovation, Jalni ensures her chutneys stand out with bold flavors and high-quality ingredients. Passionate about helping others navigate the challenges of working with large retailers, Jalni is eager to share her experiences and support aspiring food entrepreneurs.

Here is an interview with her. 

Tell us a bit about yourself – what you do, your hobbies, passions, dreams etc

I’m a UK-born Gujarati who moved to Sydney in 1999 with just backpacks, and over the years, Australia has become my home. I have three children, aged 21, 19, and 16, and we live in Castle Hill. While my background is in finance, in 2018, my husband and I decided to dive into business. He launched his own recruitment company, and we also acquired a food manufacturing business, which I ran. Food is my passion, and I love seeing people enjoy the creations I put together. We identified a gap in the market for fresh, unique chutneys, and despite the challenges, we managed to secure a launch with Jalsa Chutneys nationally into Woolworths in November 2024.

What marketing strategies have worked best for your brand’s success?

In terms of marketing strategies, we focus heavily on promoting our products through Woolworths and have built strong relationships with influencers who actively engage with our brand. Food is one of those things that everyone loves to share on Instagram, and we leverage this by encouraging influencers to showcase our products, which helps boost visibility and create buzz around our brand.

What does a typical day in your life looks like? 

A typical day for me involves a mix of planning, managing orders, procurement, social media, and promotions. I also make time to talk to customers, staying connected and listening to their feedback to ensure we’re meeting their needs. On production days, I like to roll up my sleeves and help out with the team, identifying areas for improvement. If I’m not directly involved, how can I know where things can be better? With trucks arriving every day, forklift driving is also part of my routine. We run a tight ship, and I’m always hands-on to keep everything running smoothly.

What makes your chutneys and dips unique compared to others on the market?

Our chutneys are unique in the marketplace because they offer a fresh, flavourful twist on traditional recipes, using high-quality ingredients and authentic methods. We focus on creating unique combinations of spices and ingredients that aren’t commonly found in the typical condiment section. Each batch is crafted with care, ensuring bold, fresh flavours that stand out from mass-produced options. Additionally, our chutneys cater to a growing demand for innovative and gourmet food products, making them a perfect addition to modern kitchens. With a focus on quality, freshness, and creativity, our chutneys bring something new and exciting to the market.  Please view our chutneys and more information on http://www.jalsafoods.com.au

We have had enough learnings dealing with large retailers, and would be happy to provide assistance to anyone wanting to embark on this journey.

The January ‘Inspire & Thrive’ session by Women In Business, Empowered BWB & She Magazine (https://www.shemagazine.com.au) at The Sydney Startup Hub (11 York St, Sydney) was a great success, leaving everyone inspired, empowered, and brimming with fresh ideas. Dedicated to supporting women on their personal and professional growth journeys, these small & intimate coaching sessions are designed to prioritise quality over quantity, ensuring meaningful connections and impactful learning experiences.

The session was expertly facilitated by Business Coach Anshu Saxena, whose invaluable guidance made it both engaging and insightful. A key highlight was the interactive exercise on the topic of ‘communication.’ Participants explored techniques for effective communication, shared personal experiences, and exchanged innovative ideas, making it a truly collaborative and enlightening experience.

The safe and supportive atmosphere allowed attendees to learn from each other, fostering genuine connections and sparking actionable takeaways to implement in their professional and personal lives.

It was great to hear and learn from the others including Owner of Narellan post office Neesha Bhagani, Mandala Artist & Life Coach Ash Sundaram, Research Scientist Manisha Pratihast and owner of Meyd.It (http://meyd.it) Susan Hansen.

Would you like to meet us for a chat and coffee or join one of our Coaching sessions at The Sydney Startup Hub?Whether you seek to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, engage in an inspiring exchange of ideas, receive valuable support and mentorship, explore collaboration opportunities, discuss your personal and professional growth, or simply enjoy the company of a friend with a listening ear, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to schedule an appointment. Our dedicated team is eager and excited to assist you. You can email us at empoweredbwb@gmail.com or editor@shemagazine.com.au

Imagination is often dismissed as mere daydreaming, yet it is one of the most powerful tools we possess. Everything that exists today; every innovation, every piece of art, and every business idea, was once a thought, sparked by the imagination of someone who dared to dream. It is the foundation of creativity, the seed from which all action grows, and a guiding force that can transform not only our personal lives but also our professional endeavours.

At its core, imagination is the ability to visualise possibilities beyond the present reality. This mental process allows us to craft visions of what could be, inspiring us to take the first step toward turning ideas into tangible results. For businesses and entrepreneurs, imagination is invaluable. It enables us to see opportunities where others see obstacles, to innovate in competitive markets, and to adapt to ever-changing landscapes. It fuels problem-solving, helps us anticipate future trends, and pushes us to think beyond conventional limits. In essence, imagination is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for success in any field.

In the workplace, imagination doesn’t just help us create, it drives strategy. Whether you’re designing a product, improving customer experiences, or rethinking workflows, imagination allows you to picture the outcome before it exists. For instance, some of the world’s most successful companies like Apple, Tesla, Google etc are rooted in the power of imagining what others deemed impossible. Their leaders dared to envision futures no one else could see, and their actions followed suit.

How to Fuel and Cultivate Imagination:

Here are practical ways to nurture your imagination and unlock its full potential:

Create Space for Curiosity

Break away from rigid routines and give yourself time to explore new ideas. Engage in activities like reading, travelling, or trying new experiences that broaden your perspective. Ask questions about the world around you and seek answers in unexpected places. Dedicate time to learning something new, like a skill or a topic outside your expertise. Curiosity thrives when you allow yourself to wonder and explore without a specific goal in mind.

Engage in Creative Hobbies

Activities like painting, writing, music, or journalling can spark fresh ideas and unlock your creativity. Experiment with forms of art or expression you haven’t tried before to stretch your creative muscles. Set aside time each week to immerse yourself in these activities without pressure or judgment. Even small acts of creativity, like doodling or brainstorming, can reignite your imaginative spark.

Surround Yourself with Inspiration

Spend time with inspiring people, visit stimulating environments, and expose yourself to diverse viewpoints. Attend events, workshops, or exhibitions that challenge your thinking or introduce new ideas. Engage in meaningful conversations with individuals who have unique perspectives or experiences. Surrounding yourself with creativity and innovation energises your imagination and encourages fresh thinking.

Adopt a Childlike Mindset

Approach challenges with curiosity and a willingness to experiment, free from fear of failure. Ask open-ended questions like “What if?” and “Why not?” to push boundaries. Allow yourself to play, explore, and embrace the unexpected as children do. Replace self-doubt with a sense of wonder and excitement, treating every challenge as an opportunity to discover something new.

Practice Daydreaming and Visualisation

Let your mind wander intentionally or visualise your goals to create mental blueprints for action. Imagine scenarios where your ideas succeed, and let yourself feel the excitement of those outcomes. Create vision boards or use visualisation techniques to bring abstract ideas to life. Allowing yourself to dream freely paves the way for actionable insights and motivation

Challenge Your Patterns

Step out of your comfort zone by trying something new or solving problems in unconventional ways. Mix up your routine to break monotony, such as working in a different environment or learning a new process. Embrace challenges that force you to think differently, like puzzles or creative exercises. Shifting your habits disrupts automatic thinking and opens pathways to imaginative solutions.

Embrace Mindfulness

Stay present and observe the world around you. This helps you notice ideas and connections that might otherwise be missed. Practice techniques like deep breathing or meditation to calm your mind and create mental clarity. Pay attention to small details in your surroundings like colours, textures, sounds etc and let them inspire new thoughts. A mindful state often leads to surprising flashes of creativity.

By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can cultivate a vibrant imagination that fuels creativity, inspires innovation, and drives success. Whether you’re building a business, solving a problem, or dreaming of a better future, imagination is the ultimate tool to bring your vision to life.