One of those inspiring women who serve as a perfect example of woman power, this simple and ever-smiling mother and wife, is now managing an enormous 20-year-old restaurant in Pune homemaker. Finding a business spirit at 50, meet Nisha Walunj, who has discovered the knack to manage people and run a business with love, proving to the world that a degree is not the only ticket into the business world. With just love and a desire to serve humankind, Nisha has taken on the reigns of their family business with élan.
HOMEMAKER TURNS ENTREPRENEUR
The Walunj business growing by leaps and bounds, saw the focus shifting from the restaurant to their business of doorstep delivery of diesel. When they had almost given up on the family restaurant, the thought of selling it crossed their minds. But, Nisha’s son, Chetan Walunj, almost pushed her to take charge of their restaurant business. The reason being, immense emotions attached to the 20-year-old family business, Rajratna Executive needed to be revived, remodeled, and representative of the Walunj values and principles, And she is the homemaker of Pune who runs her family restaurant.
Hesitantly, yet with dreams in her eyes, Nisha, took over the enormous responsibility and actually turned around the restaurant in less than two years. Adding new divisions to the already-existing family homemaker restaurant – two 5-star banquets and a vegetarian QSR – Rajratna has gone through a major facelift and will be launched with a new look in February 2020. From the kitchen to the operations, hiring to finances, renovations to management, Nisha handles everything with courage and confidence, she never knew she possessed. Rajratna is one of the largest highway restaurants in India. The business has been growing ever since Nisha took charge, and today, the numbers have gone up to 30% in terms of profits.
EARLY YEARS
Hailing from a small Maharashtrian village near Manchar, an hour from Rajratna Executive in Chakan, she was the eldest daughter in the family with three sisters and one brother. Learning to shoulder a lot of responsibilities at a very young age, she somehow managed to complete her schooling. She started to cook while she was still in school, to assist her mother. Her father was an agricultural officer who loved to feed people.
Growing up in this culture of cooking and feeding people with so much love and joy, she brought the same values to her married life. Tying the knot in love marriage, she got married to Rajendra Walunj, when she was only 17. Completing her Higher Secondary education, after the wedding, she had to study and take on the responsibilities of her new home. Being the eldest bahu (all of 18), she had to shoulder major responsibilities, after the marriage too.
The love for food never faded away over the years, as she fed her guests and new family with as much love and joy, as her father did. The business was never on her mind. She was happy managing her home and her family. Although she believed in her managerial skills, she lacked confidence. According to her, ‘love’ is all the planning, scheming and managerial tools one needs. Always be a part of the business discussions because the family consulted each other before taking any decision, she was never left out of nothing. Hence, she was always aware of what was going on. Chetan would often update her about recent developments at the restaurant. She would visit the restaurant only to inspect the kitchen or help with food trials. She always believed she had a strong connection to all their staff and employees.
TOUCHING NEW HEIGHTS
Because of her health issues, she was initially unsure if she would be able to do justice to the responsibility. But then, she said yes and her life took a 360-degree turn. She joined the restaurant business on one condition, that no one shall interfere with her work or business style. If she would need help, she will reach out. In two years, she has gained confidence over herself and the business. She says with a simple smile, “Restaurant business is all about the people and the management. There is no scheme or business plan that works better than love and the will to serve customers like guests at home.” That is how she has trained her staff.
She believes in feeding people with warm love, genuine care, and a homely vibe. The values of the business stand firm on being from the heart first, and the pockets later. Exactly why the heart and soul of the Walunj home took over the property. They wanted Rajratna Executive to stand for the values of the family and give an experience like never before, to each and every guest. Nisha Walunj also believes in giving the first priority to the staff saying, “If I don’t treat them with love and care, why would they treat the guests in the same way?”
VALUES, MISSION & VISION
Nisha has brought a change to Rajratna Executive and is planning to re-launch it, with a new look and identity. Under her supervision, every day starts with meditation, pranayama, and an interactive session. She has a personal connection with each and every staff member and treats them like family. “Whenever I go early, I make sure I cook breakfast for everyone first, and then start the day, Nisha adds”.
She has great hopes from the new version of the banquets, planning to arrange 5-star weddings at affordable rates and yet arrange it like a family wedding. She wants to create a difference in the lives of her staff (mostly young personnel, hailing from different parts of the country) who she calls her children. Help them to have a better life and a healthy and flourishing work environment. Nisha’s homemaker aspires to make other businesses enquire about her business style as an inspiration.
