How One Woman’s Chai Masala Became a Brand – The Long Elachi Journey

By Priyanka Puppala, Writer & Curator at AIWB - as the curator of AIWB’s HerSToryBegins series, I have the unique opportunity to capture and share the inspiring journeys of Indian women entrepreneurs who transform their passions into purposeful ventures. In this edition, I’m thrilled to spotlight a woman who turned her love for chai into a thriving brand—Pallavi Mathur, founder of LaungElachi.

From Dentistry to Deliciousness: "I made my happy choice that I want to be at home looking after my kids."

Meet Pallavi Mathur, the visionary founder behind the Texas-based brand LaungElachi, whose entrepreneurial journey is as unique as the flavor of her signature chai masala. A former dentist by profession, Pallavi holds a deep-rooted passion for culinary arts and wellness. After practicing dentistry in India and moving to the United States, she decided to step back from clinical practice and focus on raising her children. But her creative spirit and desire to contribute meaningfully to the community led her to explore her love for cooking more purposefully.

What began as a kitchen experiment with flavors and spices soon turned into a full-fledged food brand driven by authenticity, quality, and cultural heritage. Pallavi’s transition from the medical field to food entrepreneurship wasn't just a career shift—it was a bold decision to align her lifestyle with her values of nurturing, creativity, and balance. The inception of LaungElachi reflects her deep desire to create preservative-free, health-conscious products that carry the essence of Indian tradition with a modern twist.

Her passion project quickly gained traction as she perfected her signature chai masala blend and began offering unique, handcrafted food items—from artisanal cookies and eggless cakes to gluten-free options and decaffeinated spice mixes. Today, LaungElachi is a beloved brand among the Indian-American community and beyond, admired for its sincerity, craftsmanship, and cultural richness. Through LaungElachi, Pallavi is redefining what it means to be a modern woman entrepreneur—fusing health, heritage, and hustle with every blend she crafts.

The Philosophy Behind LaungElachi

“LaungElachi aims at bringing spiced indulgence to those who really value and care for quality and authenticity.”

Every LaungElachi product is a celebration of authenticity. Pallavi ensures her creations are preservative-free, crafted with premium ingredients, and rooted in traditional Indian flavors. From decaffeinated masalas to healthy, indulgent treats, she redefines what “clean” and “flavorful” can mean together.

Facing Self-Doubt & Building Confidence

“Self-doubt came from a medical background and entering into a very new industry with no experience.”

Transitioning from dentistry to entrepreneurship was daunting. Without formal business training, Pallavi questioned her direction. Yet, with each batch she perfected and every customer she delighted, confidence grew. Her story is proof that reinvention is possible—with passion and grit.

Signature Products That Tell a Story

Pallavi’s line includes cookies in three standout varieties—chai masala, gluten-free, and savory spice. She also offers artisanal cakes sweetened naturally and spiced with her house blends. Each item reflects her culinary creativity and commitment to health-forward indulgence.

Support from Family & Community

“My family has been my biggest support; they would be the first to tell me if I went wrong.”

With honest feedback and unwavering belief in her, Pallavi’s family helped her shape LaungElachi into a brand of trust and taste. Their support underscores the power of a strong personal network in entrepreneurial success.

From sourcing premium Indian spices to carefully packaging and delivering each order, Pallavi's approach is thoroughly hands-on. Her founder journey prioritizes quality, personal connection, and customer trust. She has managed operations herself, from ingredient vetting to establishing supplier relationships. Even as she plans to scale, she remains intentional about preserving the essence of her brand.

Growing Through Authentic Promotion

Through Instagram content, WhatsApp community engagement, and personal word-of-mouth referrals, Pallavi has built a loyal and steadily growing customer base. Her authenticity shines in every detail—each post, customer message, and delivery is an opportunity to reflect her dedication as both a chef and a mission-driven entrepreneur.

LaungElachi: Where Heritage Meets Indulgence

For Pallavi, chai is far more than a beverage—it embodies tradition, healing, and childhood nostalgia. LaungElachi was founded to bottle that sentiment into every experience. The brand delivers:

Premium, unprocessed Indian spices
Handcrafted, preservative-free chai masalas
Eggless bakes that cater to both health and indulgence

Challenges & Triumphs

Breaking into a competitive market while staying rooted in authenticity was no small feat. Without formal business training and coming from a medical background, Pallavi faced the dual challenge of learning industry mechanics while confronting self-doubt. She overcame stereotypes about women in business, educated her audience on premium pricing, and consistently proved that quality speaks for itself. Her recognition as the Best Business Pitch winner by SheSight Global Magazine is a testament to her perseverance and the value she brings.

Lessons Learned

Pallavi’s journey reveals that success lies in unwavering authenticity, continuous learning, and deep resilience. Building strong support systems—particularly family support—has helped her evolve both as a founder and as an individual. She emphasizes the importance of consistency and advises aspiring entrepreneurs to start small, stay focused, and lead with purpose.

What’s Next for LaungElachi?

The future holds exciting growth opportunities for LaungElachi. Plans are underway to diversify the product line with more spice-infused offerings, expand into retail outlets, and pursue strategic brand collaborations. Sustainability, community building, and customer delight will remain core to its evolution.

Pallavi Mathur’s journey is an inspiring story of reinvention, grit, and purpose. At AIWB, we are proud to showcase her entrepreneurial spirit and the warmth she brings to every cup of chai and every bite of her handcrafted treats.

A Message to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

“Create with passion, grow with purpose, and always stay true to what you love.”

Pallavi's advice to women: Don’t wait. Start with what you love. Trust yourself. Be consistent. And above all, stay authentic—it’s your greatest strength.