From Family Pressure to Entrepreneurship: How a Jodhpur Woman Built Miss Cheesecake

Jodhpur Woman Launches Miss Cheesecake and Achieves Rs 1.20 Crore Revenue

In the heart of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Pooja Balani turned personal pressure into an entrepreneurial triumph. Facing family expectations to marry at 25, Pooja discovered a sweet solution in cheesecakes—a dessert barely known in her city. What started as a home experiment in 2023 has now grown into Miss Cheesecake, a thriving dessert brand that clocked Rs 1.20 crore in annual revenue in 2025 and even caught the attention of Shark Tank India.

Discovering a Passion in Jaipur

Pooja’s journey began with a trip to Jaipur. There, she tasted her first cheesecake and instantly became fascinated by its texture, flavor, and artistry. Returning home, she immersed herself in learning the craft, exploring YouTube tutorials, baking books, and trial-and-error experimentation.

“I had no formal experience, but I became obsessed with making cheesecakes,” Pooja recalls.

Her home kitchen became the first lab for Miss Cheesecake, where she experimented with recipes and presentation. With an initial investment of just Rs 5,000, Pooja purchased basic ingredients and small 225 ml jars for her no-bake cheesecakes.

The Beginning: From Hobby to Business

Encouraged by friends and early tasters, Pooja officially launched Miss Cheesecake in 2023. Her friend Narpat Singh Rathore joined to manage the business and operations, forming a dynamic co-founding team.

The brand now operates two physical outlets: a dessert store in Jodhpur and a cloud kitchen in Jaipur for delivery. Despite its humble beginnings, the brand has grown rapidly, demonstrating the power of passion-driven entrepreneurship.

Overcoming Challenges: A Rollercoaster Journey

Before her entrepreneurial breakthrough, Pooja faced several personal and professional hurdles:

• Graduated with an MCA in Computer Science during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Struggled with low job opportunities and market uncertainty

• Experienced low traction in YouTube vlogging in 2020

• Worked briefly in marketing but quit after six months in 2023

“From July to November 2023, I felt lost and depressed. I didn’t know which direction to take,” she says.

The discovery of cheesecakes provided a new focus, reigniting her confidence and creative drive.

Scaling the Brand: Revenue and Recognition

By 2025, Miss Cheesecake achieved Rs 1.20 crore in annual revenue, proving the potential of niche dessert markets in smaller cities. Its appearance on Shark Tank India brought national recognition, highlighting how innovative ideas paired with determination can overcome societal pressures.

The brand’s success is attributed to:

1. Quality Products: Fresh, no-bake cheesecakes with innovative flavors.

2. Smart Marketing: Leveraging social media and word-of-mouth in local markets.

3. Lean Operations: Starting small with a home kitchen and scaling sustainably.

4. Support System: A co-founder handling the business side, allowing Pooja to focus on product quality.

Inspiring Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Pooja Balani’s journey underscores several key lessons for budding entrepreneurs:

• Passion Can Begin Anywhere: A casual encounter with a dessert sparked a thriving business.

• Start Small, Scale Smart: Initial investments and home kitchens can launch profitable ventures.

• Overcome Personal Pressure: Societal expectations can be converted into motivation.

• Seek Mentorship and Collaboration: A strong co-founder or mentor can strengthen operations.

• Visibility Matters: Platforms like Shark Tank India can amplify brand recognition.

FAQs

1. Who founded Miss Cheesecake?
   Pooja Balani, with Narpat Singh Rathore joining as co-founder.

2. When was Miss Cheesecake established?
   In 2023.

3. What was Miss Cheesecake’s revenue in 2025?
   Rs 1.20 crore annually.

4. Where are the brand’s outlets located?
   A dessert store in Jodhpur and a cloud kitchen in Jaipur.

5. Did Pooja have prior baking experience?
   No, she learned through YouTube tutorials and baking books.

6. What inspired Pooja to start the brand?
   Family pressure to marry and discovering cheesecakes in Jaipur.

7. Has Miss Cheesecake appeared on national platforms?
   Yes, the brand appeared on Shark Tank India.

8. What type of cheesecakes did Pooja initially make?
   No-bake cheesecakes in small jars.

9. What lessons can entrepreneurs learn from her journey?
   Passion, persistence, starting small, and collaboration are key.

10. Is Miss Cheesecake focused only on local markets?
    Currently yes, with plans to expand regionally through cloud kitchens.