We had the good fortune of connecting with Alak Nanda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alak, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The journey to founding PODI life began with a deep appreciation for the flavors and culinary traditions of South India, where food is not just nourishment but a bridge between cultures and family. As someone who grew up with the rich tastes of South Indian cuisine but saw how it was often overshadowed in the global food scene, I was inspired to share these vibrant, wholesome flavors with the world. The versatility and simplicity of PODIs (/poh-dees/) lentil seasonings, a staple in South Indian homes but unfamiliar in many kitchens outside of the region, seemed like the perfect way to do that. It wasn’t just about launching a product; it was about preserving and celebrating a culinary legacy. PODIs are very flavorful while being fiber-rich, low in sodium and sugar. They are the perfect blend of functional spices, fiber-rich lentils, healthy nuts and aromatic herbs.

At the heart of PODI life is the belief that food should be both flavorful and convenient. We wanted to offer products that could fit seamlessly into busy modern lives without sacrificing taste or health. With the support of my mother’s time-honored recipes, and my professional background in management consulting and product development, I saw an opportunity to create pantry staples that could bring the joy of easy, wholesome and healthy cooking to homes. Ultimately, it was a desire to share the culture, foster inclusivity, and elevate everyday meals that fueled the birth of PODI life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Throughout my career, I’ve taken a somewhat unconventional path. I started with a background in Chemical Engineering and Economics, and my early career spanned the pharma, healthcare, and consulting sectors. I spent over a decade in leadership roles, helping companies with product development, sales, and marketing strategies, and I learned a lot about lean operations and customer success. While I was building that foundation in more structured industries, I always had a passion for food, culture, and the ways they bring people together.

Starting PODI life wasn’t an easy decision, but it was a calling I couldn’t ignore. My family and I have deep roots in South India, and the kitchen is where we always found ourselves bonding. I grew up with my mom’s PODIs (seasonings), which are such a vital part of South Indian kitchens but were largely unknown to the broader world. After moving around and traveling, I realized how unique and underrepresented this part of our culture was, especially in the global food scene. That realization, coupled with the desire to build something meaningful with my mom, led to the birth of PODI life.

What sets me apart, I believe, is the fusion of my analytical business experience and my deep personal connection to the product. I understand how to build a brand thoughtfully, ensure sustainable business practices, and create a product that not only tastes amazing but is made with integrity—preservative-free, gut-friendly, and with a commitment to supporting small-scale farmers.

Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Transitioning from consulting to food manufacturing and retail came with a steep learning curve. Scaling production while keeping the artisanal quality intact was tough, and there were countless moments of doubt. But I leaned into the values of adaptability and resilience that I’ve held throughout my life. Every challenge became an opportunity to innovate and grow, whether it was solving supply chain issues or figuring out how to communicate the story of our brand authentically.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that community is everything. I’m proud of how we’ve built a brand that’s not just about selling a product but about sharing a culture and creating connections between people. That’s really the heart of PODI life. We don’t just want to sell seasonings and meal kits—we want to inspire people to come together over food, to understand the origins of their ingredients, and to experience the beauty of South Indian cuisine in an accessible way.

What I want people to know is that PODI life is built on a foundation of family, culture, and care. We are committed to creating high-quality products that honor tradition while embracing innovation. We are equally passionate about sustainability and social impact, and I see this company as a vehicle for positive change—both in the way we eat and in the way we connect with each other.

I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, and I’m even more excited about what’s next for PODI life. We’re just getting started!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Atlanta for a week, I’d want to give them a true taste of what makes the city so vibrant and unique. Here’s how I’d plan our itinerary to make the most of the visit:

Day 1: Explore Midtown and Piedmont Park
Morning: We’d start with a walk in Piedmont Park, Atlanta’s crown jewel of greenspace. It’s perfect for people-watching, and if we’re feeling active, we could rent e-scooters and explore the Atlanta Beltline, a multi-use trail that loops around the city. There are always cool murals, street art, and quirky shops to check out along the way.
Afternoon: Head to the Atlanta Botanical Garden—a gorgeous spot with blooming seasonal flowers, a canopy walk, and beautiful sculptures. If we’re lucky, we’ll catch one of the seasonal exhibitions like the Garden Lights.
Picnic Lunch: After shopping for picnic snacks at Ponce City Market or a nearby farmer’s market, we’d grab a shaded spot under the trees at Piedmont Park and enjoy a relaxing picnic, complete with card games and chilled drinks.
Evening: We’d grab dinner at The Vortex in Midtown for some of Atlanta’s best burgers, or if we’re in the mood for something lighter, hit up Mezcalito’s Cocina & Tequila Bar for tacos and cocktails.

Day 2: History and Culture
Morning: We’d kick things off with a visit to the Atlanta History Center, where we’d dive into the city’s rich civil rights history and enjoy the sprawling gardens. It’s an informative and inspiring way to learn about the city’s past.
Afternoon: Lunch at Mary Mac’s Tea Room, a classic spot for Southern comfort food. Evening: Head to Krog Street Market for dinner, a trendy food hall with options ranging from ramen to BBQ. Then, check out the street art at Krog Street Tunnel, where vibrant murals tell Atlanta’s ever-evolving story.

Day 3: Nature and Outdoors
Morning: Take a scenic drive up to North Atlanta for a day of hiking. I’d suggest the Sawnee Mountain Trail for stunning views at the top or head a little farther to the Appalachian Trail if we’re feeling adventurous.
Lunch: We’d pack a picnic to enjoy mid-hike, surrounded by Georgia’s stunning natural beauty.
Evening: After hiking, we’d reward ourselves with the best chicken wings in town at J.R. Crickets or The Local—no trip to Atlanta is complete without sampling the city’s wings.

Day 4: Art and Innovation
Morning: Spend the morning at the High Museum of Art, exploring both modern and classical art exhibits. Atlanta’s art scene is eclectic and growing, and the High is a great place to see it.
Afternoon: Visit Ponce City Market to shop local artisan goods, enjoy rooftop views at The Roof (with mini-golf and carnival games), and savor great kati rolls and chai at Chai Pani
Evening: Shop for groceries at Buford Highway Farmers Market, come home and cook a meal. Nothing is as fun as cooking and sharing a meal together.

Day 5: Civil Rights and Culture
Morning: No trip to Atlanta is complete without a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. We’d visit his childhood home, the church where he preached, and the civil rights museum.
Lunch: Eat at one of the city’s wonderful Ethiopian restaurants for a filling meal. I really enjoyed Feedel Bistro last time I was there.
Afternoon: Explore Sweet Auburn Market/The Curb, where we’d sample more local food and shop for unique goods.
Evening: Wrap up with a night at Fox Theatre or Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema for a show.

Day 6: Shopping and Chillin’
Morning: Spend the day exploring Little Five Points, Atlanta’s funky, artsy neighborhood with great thrifting spots, record stores, and quirky cafes.
Lunch: Grab lunch at a local restaurant, where we can enjoy craft beers and pub fare.
Evening: Grab a pizza at Antico.

Day 7: Relax and Recharge
Morning: Start with a relaxing brunch at Buena Gente Cuban Bakery. I love their Cuban coffee and guava-filled pastries.
Afternoon: A bike ride on the Silver Comet Trail. Also carry The Bagel Hole bagels for a quick lunch break during the ride.
Evening: For our last evening, we’d wind down at home with take-away pizza from Campania in Alpharetta.
This itinerary offers a perfect mix of nature, food, history, and Atlanta’s rich cultural diversity—showcasing why Atlanta is such an exciting city to explore!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
At PODI life, our community is the heart of everything we do, and I couldn’t reflect on our journey without recognizing the incredible support we’ve received, especially through Instagram. Early on, we connected with a tight-knit community of food enthusiasts, fellow entrepreneurs, and influencers who believed in what we were building. Their shoutouts, reviews, and shared love for our products helped amplify our voice and bring PODI life into the homes of so many.

A special shoutout has to go to our early adopters and Instagram followers who engaged with us from day one, offering feedback, participating in polls, and tagging us in their posts. Their enthusiasm really fueled our momentum and shaped our product offerings.

Moreover, it’s the spirit of collaboration that has made this journey so fulfilling. Whether it’s our partnerships with small farmers and artisans or working with grassroots organizations to raise funds for causes like trans advocacy and disaster relief—each of these relationships has been a building block in our story. Our customers, too, play an integral role in spreading our message, and I’m endlessly grateful for the constant outpouring of love and support from this extended PODI life family.

Their encouragement is a reminder that we’re not just a business; we’re part of a larger community that believes in the same values—connection, inclusivity, and cultural appreciation through food. It’s been a collective effort, and we’re just getting started!

People like @ashagomez or a whole host of fellow CPG entrepreneurs have been a source of constant inspiration. They helped bring attention to the significance of our products and expanded our reach beyond what we could have done alone.

Website: https://www.podilife.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podi.life/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaknanda/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PODI.life/

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