In the midst of life’s turmoil back in 2016, Dheep Vora found herself at a crossroads. The demands of daily life, coupled with the monotony of a decade-long finance career, left her feeling drained and unfulfilled. She needed an outlet—a challenge that would reignite her passion for life. That’s when she stumbled upon running—not by design, but out of sheer desperation to find something that could anchor her in the chaos.
Her first attempt at running was far from impressive. She vividly remembers gasping for breath, her legs feeling like lead, as she struggled to jog even a few meters. It was humbling, to say the least. But rather than deterring her, those early struggles ignited a fire within—a determination to push beyond her perceived limits and discover what she was truly capable of.
Running quickly became more than just exercise; it was a way for her to reclaim her sense of self and confidence. Each step built not just physical strength but the courage to face the unknown and break free from the constraints holding her back.
Crossing her first 10K finish line was a defining moment—not just for the race itself, but for the journey that led her there. It taught her discipline, perseverance, and resilience—qualities that soon became essential in every part of her life. The distance kept increasing, and so did her level of resilience.
But it wasn’t just about the physical milestones. Running became her therapy and her greatest teacher. In those solitary moments on dark, open roads, running her usual 10K route at 5 AM, she found clarity. The quietude of the early morning, the rhythm of her breath, and the steady cadence of her footsteps provided the perfect backdrop for introspection. It was during these runs that she began to ask herself the tough questions: What does she really want from life? Is she truly happy with the path she’s on? Is she being honest with herself? And perhaps most importantly, if she could conquer these unknown roads without fear, why couldn’t she explore new paths in her professional life as well?
This line of questioning led her to a bold decision—one that would change the course of her life. She decided to leave behind her stable career in finance, a decision met with skepticism and concern from friends and family. After all, who in their right mind would trade a comfortable paycheck and job security for the uncertainty of entrepreneurship in an entirely new industry? But for her, the answer was simple: She wanted to make a difference. She wanted to create something that would not only fulfill her but also have a positive impact on the lives of many. And that’s how HACHI was born—a snacking venture driven by a passion for creating good-for-you snacks that not only taste good but feel good too.
The transition from a marathon runner to a snack entrepreneur was anything but smooth. The early days of HACHI were filled with challenges that tested her resolve at every turn. As the only employee, breaking into a crowded market without a formal background in the food industry was no small feat. She faced numerous rejections, struggled to be taken seriously, and constantly grappled with the overwhelming pressures of running a business for the first time. But just as she had learned from running, she realized that perseverance was key. She told herself, ‘Let’s take every setback as a lesson; every challenge as an opportunity to grow and make me stronger and better than what I am today.’
Running had taught her that progress isn’t always linear. There are ups and downs, moments of triumph, and moments of doubt. The same was true for HACHI. There were days when she questioned her decision, when the obstacles seemed insurmountable, and the path ahead unclear. But she reminded herself of the resilience she had built through running—the ability to push through pain, to keep going when everything in her wanted to quit. And so, she kept moving forward, one step at a time.
As time went on, the hard work began to pay off. What started as something where people saw her as just a girl making granola in Matunga evolved into those same people asking how the business is going these days and what her plans are for the future. It became about meaningful partnerships, and word-of-mouth buzz slowly transformed into a loyal customer base. But the road to success was far from straightforward. There were countless late nights spent poring over spreadsheets—planning recipes, operations, purchasing, business development, and so much more. Some mornings, she was fueled by sheer willpower, and at times, she had moments of doubt that threatened to derail everything. Running a business without any partners or external funding presented its own set of challenges, but it also gave her the freedom to stay true to her vision for HACHI and to run it with the belief that every little thing mattered in creating the brand she envisioned.
Through it all, she remained steadfast in her belief that HACHI could be more than just a snack brand. She envisioned it as a beacon of health, happiness, and hope in a world dominated by processed foods and empty promises. Dheep wanted HACHI to stand for something more—to inspire people to make better choices, prioritize their well-being, and find joy in nourishing their bodies.
Reflecting on her journey, she is filled with gratitude for every stumble, every setback, and every small victory that brought her to where she is today. Because in the end, it’s not just about the destination—it’s about the journey. Her journey, with all its twists and turns, challenges, and triumphs, has been nothing short of extraordinary. She wouldn’t trade this experience for anything else. No paycheck could ever compare to the fulfillment she’s found in building HACHI from the ground up.
So here’s to the road ahead—to the countless miles still left to run, the dreams yet to be realised, and the legacy still to be written. Dheep’s story is far from over, and she can’t wait to see where this journey takes her next.
