In the heart of Goa, a mother-daughter duo, Devika and Sheetal Sudin Sambari, has embarked on a journey to redefine the traditional Indian sweet, bringing together the rich flavors of nostalgia and modern health-conscious living. Their venture, The Laddoo Co., specializes in creating gourmet laddoos that offer the indulgence of sweets without the guilt. With a focus on health, authenticity, and innovation, The Laddoo Co. has become a standout name in the artisanal food space.
A Resilient Beginning
Devika, an Assistant Professor by profession with a creative flair as a dancer, actor, and writer, and her mother, Sheetal, a talented actor with a natural affinity for culinary operations, combined their distinct strengths to create The Laddoo Co. Their journey into entrepreneurship began in 2021, when Devika and her sister launched a baking business, only to face significant setbacks. However, the passion for entrepreneurship never waned.
In 2025, witnessing the global shift towards health-conscious living, the duo found a gap in the market for nutritious yet indulgent sweets. They recognized that while traditional Indian sweets were beloved, there was a growing demand for healthier alternatives. This inspired the launch of The Laddoo Co., with a mission to create “guilt-free” happiness using jaggery and a range of fusion flavors that cater to individual preferences.
Crafting the Perfect Laddoo: Tradition Meets Health
The Laddoo Co. specializes exclusively in crafting laddoos, a staple in Indian culture, especially during celebrations like Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali. For Devika and Sheetal, laddoos are more than just food; they represent tradition, joy, and culture. Their brand is built on core values of Authenticity and Health, focusing on keeping the essence of traditional Indian sweets alive while adapting them to meet modern-day health-conscious demands.
At The Laddoo Co., every laddoo is made using pure ghee and fresh, high-quality ingredients. The company prides itself on creating sweets that not only taste indulgent but are also nutritious. By using jaggery as a natural sweetener and incorporating superfoods like Makhana (fox nut) and oats, they cater to a younger generation and fitness enthusiasts seeking healthier alternatives to the refined sugar-laden treats typically found in stores.
Overcoming Early Challenges
Like many small businesses, The Laddoo Co. faced its share of challenges in the early stages. As a bootstrapped home-based business, resource management was a significant hurdle. With no hired staff, the mother-daughter duo was responsible for everything, sourcing ingredients, managing storage, designing packaging, and handling logistics. Time management became their most valuable skill, and their disciplined planning allowed them to maintain strict quality control, ensuring that every laddoo met their high standards.
Despite the difficulties, the duo remained resilient, sharing the workload between themselves and maintaining a focus on quality, customer satisfaction, and attention to detail. Their commitment paid off, as their consistent sales and the joy their customers expressed helped them push forward during tough times.
Innovation and Staying Ahead of the Curve
In an industry steeped in tradition, The Laddoo Co. has managed to stay relevant by constantly innovating. The brand’s tagline “Traditional Roots, Modern Shoots” reflects its commitment to honoring the classics while also introducing unique fusion flavors. By experimenting with flavors like Chocolate, Makhana, and Oats Laddoos, they’ve tapped into the growing demand for healthier, functional foods that cater to modern tastes.
These innovations have helped The Laddoo Co. stand out in a crowded market, attracting a younger, health-conscious audience that seeks the texture and taste of laddoos without compromising on their wellness goals. The continuous introduction of new and exciting flavors ensures that their menu remains fresh, exciting, and relevant.
Leadership and Vision
Devika and Sheetal’s leadership style is rooted in collaboration and mutual respect. As co-founders, they each bring unique skills to the table, Devika with her educational background and creative talents, and Sheetal with her deep understanding of culinary operations. Their partnership has been instrumental in ensuring that every decision aligns with their vision of purity, quality, and customer satisfaction.
With no external team members at this stage, the mother-daughter duo works seamlessly together, ensuring that their vision remains focused and their products maintain the highest standards. Their leadership is about setting an example and staying true to their values, from the production process to customer service.
The Power of Networking
Networking has played a pivotal role in the success of The Laddoo Co. Through Devika’s involvement in the education and arts communities, the brand has built a network of trust that has been vital for word-of-mouth marketing. They see every customer as more than just a transaction; they view their clients as relationships to nurture. Satisfied customers, in turn, become their most powerful advocates, helping to spread the word about The Laddoo Co.’s unique offerings.
Scaling with Quality
As The Laddoo Co. continues to grow, the brand has adhered to a simple yet powerful strategy: Zero Compromise on Quality. Each laddoo is made fresh to order, using only pure ingredients and no preservatives. The company’s commitment to quality is reinforced by their policy of replacing products that don’t meet customer expectations, ensuring that trust remains at the forefront of their customer relationships.
To scale effectively, they prioritize customer satisfaction, keeping the focus on quality control and ensuring that the expansion doesn’t come at the cost of the brand’s values. The Laddoo Co. is built on the understanding that growth must be carefully managed to maintain the integrity of their product.
Balancing Work and Life
While running The Laddoo Co., Devika juggles multiple roles as an Assistant Professor, a dance choreographer, and a theatre artist. For her, the key to maintaining work-life balance lies in passion. Switching between the academic, creative, and entrepreneurial worlds allows her to recharge and stay grounded. She credits her family, especially her mother and father, for their unwavering support and motivation, which enables her to manage her many roles effectively.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Devika’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: Start from Zero. She believes that entrepreneurship doesn’t require a massive investment; it requires courage and passion. She emphasizes that challenges should be viewed as learning opportunities, and success will come with consistency, dedication, and a strong product.
Future Goals and Expansion
Looking ahead, The Laddoo Co. envisions expanding beyond its home business model. The duo plans to open a dedicated storefront and hire a team to manage the growing demand. Their goal is to establish The Laddoo Co. as a go-to destination for healthy, artisanal Indian sweets, offering a space where customers can experience the best of traditional sweets with a modern twist.
Conclusion
The Laddoo Co. stands as a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and authenticity. Devika and Sheetal Sudin Sambari have taken a beloved traditional treat and redefined it for the modern, health-conscious consumer. Their journey is one of passion, family, and a relentless pursuit of quality, values that will continue to guide The Laddoo Co. as it grows and evolves into a brand that represents the best of both tradition and innovation.
