Shivani Dhamija’s journey from an immigrant facing challenges to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to her resilience and determination.
After arriving in Nova Scotia with hope and high expectations in 2011, she initially struggled to find employment in her field. However, this setback didn’t discourage her spirit; instead, it sparked her entrepreneurial journey, leading to the creation of Shivani’s Kitchen in 2014.
“Many nights were filled with doubt, causing me to question whether starting a business was the right decision. I reminded myself that success doesn’t come overnight; it’s a lot of hard work,” Shivani says.
Shivani’s Kitchen began as an Indian meal delivery service but quickly evolved into much more. Today, the company offers a range of products that include authentic, bold spices, ready-to-use sauces, samosas, and frozen dishes. These offerings are based on Shivani’s mother’s recipes, passed down through generations, allowing customers to experience the rich and vibrant flavours of India.
From its humble beginnings, Shivani’s Kitchen has experienced remarkable growth. The products are now sold in over 150 grocery stores, including Costco, and distribution is expanding throughout the Maritimes and even reaching some locations in Maine. To meet increasing demand, Shivani has opened a new food production plant in Nova Scotia, marking a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.
Shivani’s path to success was not without obstacles. As an immigrant entrepreneur, she faced numerous challenges, such as language barriers and difficulty integrating into the Canadian system. “I had zero idea of what business ethics really means,” Shivani admits.
However, she credits the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) for providing crucial support. She enrolled in business counselling, training, workshops, and networking events to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for success.
Shivani’s perseverance and success have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, she was named one of the Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada. Her story serves as an inspiration for other immigrant women entrepreneurs who aspire to carve their own paths in business.
As Shivani’s Kitchen celebrates its 10th anniversary in October 2024, Shivani reflects on her journey with pride and confidence. “I believed in my dreams, and I made it through,” she says. Her success story demonstrates that with determination, hard work, and the right support, it’s possible to overcome challenges and achieve one’s dreams in a new country.
“Negative feedback is better than positive feedback; though it may hurt, every challenge is an opportunity to grow,” Shivani advises aspiring entrepreneurs. Her journey from struggling immigrant to award-winning business owner is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through perseverance and belief in one’s dreams.
