/shethepeople/media/media_files/2025/01/21/RecaVxUTC6wMVpqjXttE.jpg)
When we think of desserts, cheesecakes often stand out as a symbol of indulgence and creativity. For Pooja Balani, the founder of Miss Cheesecake, they symbolise something even more profound: defiance and the courage to carve her own path. Her journey from a small-town girl facing familial pressures to a thriving entrepreneur featured on Shark Tank is a story that inspires.
She and her co-founder Narpat Singh Rathore pitched for ₹30 lakh for a 5% equity stake in their business, valuing it at ₹6 crore. Although they didn't get a deal, they certainly made an impression on the "Sharks," especially OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal.
From Content Creation to the Big Leap
When SheThePeople asked about her journey, Balani laughed, a mix of humility and pride shining through. "It all happened so suddenly," she says. "We started our shop just three months before applying to Shark Tank. It wasn’t pre-planned; we honestly didn’t think we’d make it." Her business partner, Rathore, decided to take a chance and submitted their application. To their surprise, they advanced through the rounds, making it to the Delhi auditions. "We just told our story honestly," she recalls. "I guess they liked it, and that’s how we got here."
Overcoming Family Expectations
Growing up in a conservative small town, Balani faced immense pressure to conform to societal norms, particularly regarding marriage. "For years, my family kept telling me to get married," she shares. "They thought my content creation work wasn’t substantial. But I knew I had to do something meaningful before settling down."
In 2023, her parents set a December deadline for her marriage, even shortlisting potential suitors. "That’s when I decided enough was enough. By October, I’d learned how to make cheesecakes. Within a month, I mastered it and opened my shop." Her determination gradually won her family over. "At first, they didn’t believe in me. But when they saw the love my shop was receiving, they became my biggest supporters."
The familial pressure wasn’t just about marriage—it was rooted in a belief that women couldn’t run businesses successfully. "Every day, I’d hear discouraging comments," she recalls. "But I kept convincing them, showing them small successes, and eventually, they started believing in me." Her father, who once doubted her venture, closed his own shop to attend her shop’s opening. "That was a turning point. Seeing their pride made all the struggles worthwhile."
Taking Miss Cheesecake to New Heights
Miss Cheesecake has become a household name in Jodhpur, known for its unique focus on cheesecakes. "Our aim was simple: to create a space dedicated to one thing and do it exceptionally well," Balani explains. The brand’s popularity has even reached international markets, with customers carrying their cheesecakes to Dubai and the USA.
Expanding into new cities comes with its challenges, but she remains undeterred. "I still feel fear, but I’ve learned to move forward despite it. Our products are unique, and I’m confident in our brand’s ability to stand out."
A glance at Miss Cheesecake’s social media reveals a journey of transparency and authenticity. From choosing furniture to experimenting with flavours, the brand’s story unfolds organically. "I’ve been a content creator for years, but I never planned to make vlogs," Balani says. "We’re honest about our journey—the good and the bad—and I think people connect with that."
Her social media journey began with just 5,000 followers, built during her content creation days. "Initially, I shared videos for myself—to document our journey," she explains. "But one video went viral, and everything changed. People loved our honesty and started connecting with our story."
Managing social media alongside running a business is no small feat. "Uploading videos is the hardest thing," she admits. "I’ve tried outsourcing, but I’m very particular about maintaining that personal connection. That’s why I still edit everything myself."
Her audience’s engagement motivates her. "When people comment about how inspired they are by my journey, it makes all the late nights and hard work worth it," she says. "Social media has become a bridge between me and my customers, and I’ll always cherish that."
Lessons for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs
In her seven-month entrepreneurial journey, Balani has learned valuable lessons she hopes to pass on to others:
Consistency is Key: "No matter what people say, stay consistent in your efforts."
Strength in Adversity: "As a woman, you’ll face many challenges. Be strong and don’t let doubt deter you."
Fear as a Motivator: "It’s okay to be afraid. Use that fear to push yourself forward."