Stories from Mithila

Introducing the Production and Packaging Team at JhaJi Store

by Kalpana Jha on Jul 12, 2022

In October 2020, my Bhabhi Uma, and I decided to start our business together, JhaJi Store.


When we sold our first jar of pickles sometime around June 2021, it’s the first time ever in life I had made money.

First Generation Women Entrepreneurs in Mithilanchal, Bihar - Kalpana Jha and Uma Jha

At 51 years old then, I had not "worked professionally" in my life, up until that point. 


While I'm every bit proud of my experience raising my kids and supporting my family. But I felt I was missing something more. 


With JhaJi Store, I’ve felt blessed to have the opportunity to make pickles & chutneys with my team for families across India.


Every order we receive, allows my team and I to continue doing what we love.

So, Thank you if you have ever purchased a pickle from JhaJi Store.

With that, let me introduce you to a few of my team members.


#1. Women of Thalwara

Women of Thalwara make up the Production Team at JhaJi Store

Thalwara is a village nearby our kitchen-factory. And about 35 women from the village are a part of our expert pickle-making team.

Most of these lovely ladies have never worked in a professional environment. Just like myself.


That has not stopped them from being absolutely dedicated to the art of pickle making.


These women of Thalwara feel blessed by Ma Annapurna and are mindful of the opportunity they have for the first time in their lives.


Now, let me introduce you to the..


#2. Masala Masters

Masala Mixing Team at JhaJi Store

They are masters of spices, and proportions. 


Our work together is experimenting, and fixing recipes. And then the Masala Mixing team manages the production as per our final recipes.

And finally, I’d like you to know our packaging team.


#3. Pakke Packager

Packaging Team at JhaJi Store

Rain, Shine, or Storms. Any day of the week. On most holidays too. 


The packaging team is working to make sure the orders reach you in time, and without any issues in transit.


I feel lucky to have this team around me, in helping us build this business.


The Story of JhaJi Store is truly the story of women, and men in villages around our kitchen factory, pin code 846001, in Darbhanga.


They break immense social, and mental barriers to come to work every day. And make good use of the opportunity customers give us to do what we love.

Make Pickles.

प्रेम सहित,

Kalpana Jha

Chief Pickle Maker, JhaJi Store, 

In Laherisarai, Darbhanga


"पग-पग पोखर माछ मखान

सरस बोल मुस्की मुख पान

इ थीक मिथिलाक पहचान"

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