Success Story: Hill Woman Turns Salt into Gold, Her Flavors Reach Overseas

When we think of salt, the image of plain, white granules often comes to mind. But in the hills of Uttarakhand, Shashi Bahuguna Raturi is redefining how people see this humble ingredient. Famous as the “Namakwali”, Shashi has turned finely ground Himalayan salt into a thriving business that now earns millions of rupees annually and reaches customers abroad.

From Kitchen Hobby to Global Brand

Shashi’s love for traditional hill cuisine inspired her entrepreneurial journey. With the support of her son, she launched her venture in 2018. According to her younger son Suvendu, “Many local women used to grind salt at home and share it freely. We called her ‘Namakwali.’ At 58, we decided to turn our mother into a businesswoman. We asked these women to make the most of their kitchen mortars and pestles. Today, this hand-ground salt is her signature.”

Namakwali Goes Digital

Suvendu explains that they started a social media page under the name Namakwali in 2018, receiving encouraging responses and orders. By 2020, the brand launched its own website and began selling on Amazon, leveraging Facebook and Instagram promotions. The business soon gained international recognition, making its Himalayan salt a sought-after specialty overseas.

What Makes This Salt Special?

Known as “Pisyu Loon”, the hand-ground salt comes from Tehri Garhwal and surrounding Himalayan regions. It is considered highly beneficial for digestion, particularly in reducing acidity. Fresh herbs and spices like mint, coriander, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and chili are ground on stone slabs with the salt, giving it unique flavors. Each ingredient is handpicked from the high Himalayan peaks, making the product 100% organic and highly nutritious.

A Diverse Product Range

The Namakwali brand now offers more than 20 products beyond Pisyu Loon salt, including mountain honey, turmeric, cow ghee, chutney powders, and lentils. The business primarily follows a direct-to-consumer (D2C) model, with products available on Amazon and Flipkart, though 70% of sales occur through their own website.

From Rs 1.5 Lakh to Rs 50 Lakh Annual Turnover

Shashi started her venture with just Rs 1.5 lakh and three women helpers. Today, her company boasts an annual turnover of Rs 50 lakh, with a profit margin of 17%. Last year, she also appeared on Shark Tank India, further highlighting her inspiring journey from a kitchen hobby to a successful business empire.