Moms Mean Business: Rupali and her mother Neelam set up ChocLe

Moms are the best in the art of living...aka the art of balancing. Many of them today lead businesses, draw inspiration in entrepreneurship and set course to do something of their own. Here's one such duo - Rupali & Neelam Samat.

Founders of ChocLe, a chocolates and baking business out of Mumbai, the two are passionate about chocolates because 'it turns you ten again.'

Moms Mean Business: Rupali & her mother Neelam

Chocolates have been part their lives since the very early years; it’s something everyone in the family relishes. Rupali's mum, Neelam set up a business in 1994 all by herself. Her daughter Rupali grew up to get a job in the corporate world. But seeing the excitement in the business at home, after four years of a 9 to 5 job Rupali quit and joined her mother to set up Choc Le’.

From my mother who  created this baby to my entrepreneurship professor

“This sinful indulgence was lurking somewhere as my mum delved into it in the early 90’s, whereas I moved on to do my masters and take up a job in the professional world. However, few years into my stint, realization surfaced to build a 'chocolate' business professionally, thanks to my mum,” says Rupali in an interview with SheThePeople.

“The inspiration came from my mother who  created this baby - her first child. She seeded the business segments and strengths into me,” Rupali reckons.

She grew up in a family of three strong women led by her mom. They were determined to build a business with hardwork, and dismiss notions that women can't lead businesses. She defines her mother as - determined, with gratitude and undying strength. "She learnt how to balance a lot in her life to bringing alive her passions and dreams from her mom."

Moms Mean Business

Achievements at Choc Le’ got 'shaped' in multiple packages. "Creating niche products and international premium chocolates like soft fills (with flavours like orange, citron, hazelnut) and almond pralines. Designing a professional manufacturing setup with being one of the first ones to import a machine from Belgium for chocolate production, hence creating large capacities that of 800 kgs per day. Eventually building clients in the corporate and restaurant space for our customised options.

Moms Mean Business: More in this series

In the 1st year of my business, we backed an order of almost 3 tonnes from VW for their launch of Beetle with customised beetle shaped chocolates. Our capacity and professional approach to being a chocolatier helped us build this credibility with renowned clients."

Here's to Rupali and her mom for finding their calling and chasing their dreams.