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In the vibrant world of food entrepreneurship, Momita Nongmaithem, the founder of Mom’s by Goo Goo Foods, stands out for her dedication to preserving traditional flavors while ensuring quality and innovation. Her journey from a family business to a recognized brand offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of being an entrepreneur in the food industry.

The Genesis of Mom’s by Goo Goo Foods

Mom’s by Goo Goo Foods specializes in ready-to-eat meat products inspired by traditional Kabui recipes. This fusion of traditional and modern cooking techniques appeals to a wide audience. The company prioritizes quality, sourcing meat from well-maintained farms in Manipur and focusing on thorough seasoning and dehydration processes. Their product line includes Shinjus, Pickles, and Snacks, each category featuring various flavors and ingredients that reflect the richness of local cuisine.

Shingjus: A Signature Offering

Shingjus are seasoned and dehydrated meat shreds, available in five varieties: Chicken Shingju, Spicy Chicken Shingju with Hawaijar, Pork Shingju, Beef Shingju, and Spicy Beef Shingju with Ngari. These products are fast-moving and well-loved for their unique flavors.

Expanding to Pickles

Responding to customer demand, Momi introduced Pickles made from small meat chunks. The three types of Pickles—Chicken, Pork, and Beef—are prepared with minimal ingredients and have become a staple for those who enjoy preserved foods.

Snacks: The Latest Addition

The latest additions to their product line are Chicken Cracklings, Chicken Isaw, and Beef Jerky. Chicken Cracklings offer a crunchy texture, while Chicken Isaw, made from chicken innards, and Beef Jerky, rich in protein, provide healthy and tasty snack options.

The Entrepreneurial Journey

Inspiration and Beginnings

Momi’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2015, rooted in a family business started by her mother. With a background in accounting but a desire to avoid corporate and government jobs, Momi chose to continue her mother’s legacy. Despite initial challenges in obtaining necessary licenses and understanding meat processing, she persevered with the support of her family and mentors.

Overcoming Early Challenges

The early stages of her business were marked by difficulties in documentation and meat processing. The breakthrough came in 2019 when she participated in a meat processing training program in ICAR, Umiam, Meghalaya. 

Key Management Practices

Momi attributes her success to several key management practices:

1. Never Give Up Attitude: Persistence in the face of challenges has been crucial.

2. Positive Outlook: Maintaining a positive attitude helps in navigating difficulties.

3. Resilience and Persistence: Continuously pushing forward despite setbacks.

Company Mission and Differentiation

Initially focused on survival and earning money, Momi’s mission has evolved to prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing. Mom’s by Goo Goo Foods aims to educate people on proper meat processing and convert waste into wealth. Their commitment to not competing directly with other players but instead focusing on unique meat products sets them apart in the market.

Staying Ahead and Fostering Innovation

Momi stays ahead in the market by constantly researching global trends and following relevant social media pages. She fosters a culture of innovation and creativity within her company by encouraging initiative, participative decision-making, and flexibility among her team.

Leadership and Decision-Making

Momi’s leadership style is inclusive and motivational. She values the participation and initiative of her team members. One of the toughest decisions she faced was letting go of skilled team members who did not fit the company culture. Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, Momi has developed effective time management strategies to enhance productivity.

The Importance of Networking

Networking has played a significant role in Momi’s entrepreneurial journey. From securing investments to finding customers, building strong relationships has been essential. Her experience with the Startup Manipur scheme highlighted the importance of having a robust network.

Connecting with Mom’s by Goo Goo Foods

For those interested in learning more or connecting with Mom’s by Goo Goo Foods, they are active on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/momsbygoogoofoods/ and have a website at www.googoofoods.com.

Conclusion

Momi Nongmaithem’s journey from a family business to a thriving entrepreneurial venture exemplifies the power of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to quality. Her story inspires aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their passions and turn challenges into opportunities.