When Lakshmi Muralidhara lost her mother, she also lost her anchor. Her days in Kerala were suddenly filled with quiet voids—spaces where laughter, love, and homemade aromas once lingered. Amid the grief, she stumbled upon a treasure that would eventually change her life: her mother’s handwritten recipe book.

That book, filled with smudged ink and kitchen memories, became the foundation of ‘Lakshmi’s by GSB’, a food startup that now earns her over Rs 12 lakh a year. What began as an emotional journey to preserve her mother’s memory has blossomed into a thriving business offering authentic homemade snacks and traditional syrups.

Lakshmi’s mother, a proud member of the Gowda Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) community, was known for her meticulous, flavorful dishes. Her recipes—passed down through generations—were more than instructions. They were living stories. After her mother’s passing, Lakshmi found solace in recreating these dishes in her own kitchen. But more than that, she felt compelled to share them with others.

Initially, her family’s food business was faltering. Orders were drying up, and the pandemic had left them struggling. It was then, amidst the chaos, that Lakshmi decided to rebrand and rebuild, centering the brand around her mother’s legacy. She poured heart and soul into crafting products like jackfruit chips, banana halwa, kokum syrup, dry chutneys, and pickles—each rooted in authenticity, made with care, and packaged with stories.

The brand name, ‘Lakshmi’s by GSB’, serves a dual purpose. It honors her mother, while also paying homage to the rich culinary heritage of the GSB community. With the help of social media and a small circle of loyal customers, the venture began gaining traction. Orders soon came in from other parts of Kerala and eventually, across India.

Her kitchen soon became a small production unit, and what started as a personal project evolved into a full-fledged home-based enterprise. Lakshmi now employs local women to help meet demand, offering them flexible work and an opportunity to become part of her story.

Her products are handmade, free from preservatives, and focused on quality over quantity—a rare trait in today’s fast-paced food market. Her syrups, in particular, made from traditional ingredients like kokum and lemon, have become a signature product among health-conscious buyers and nostalgic food lovers alike.

For Lakshmi, this venture is more than a business. It’s an emotional lifeline. Every jar sealed, every snack packed, is a tribute to her mother’s love—a way to keep her spirit alive in kitchens far and wide.

As she continues to expand and reach new markets, Lakshmi remains rooted in her mission: to honour her roots, empower others, and feed both hearts and bellies with tradition and love.