The Power Of Originality

A few months ago, as I was on my evening walk, I saw renovation work being carried out in one of the most famous shops in our locality. The interiors were completely dismantled within a day. This shop was "Vijayalaxmi - Mahila Udyog". Many people were standing near the shop. The first thing that struck my mind was if Vijayalaxmi had closed down. I moved a couple of steps ahead and saw a flex saying, "Vijayalxmi is shifted to a nearby building and will be operating from there henceforth.

I let out a sigh of relief!!!!

Vijayalxmi Mahila Udyog - a kitchen set up within a commercial space of barely 75-90 square feet, has been operational in our locality for the last 15 years. They take orders for pooja as well as other small functions of up to 500 people. This place sells one of the best homemade Vegetarian foods I have ever had. No fancy business - you could choose from Dal, Rice, Chapati, and 6 to 7 Sabji's. (popularly known as Poli-bhaaji Kendra in Maharashtra)

I asked myself, "If Vijayalxmi has shifted to some other place and this place is also getting renewed then what is going to open here?"

This question arose because this new place was getting a nice revamp and was looking like a similar setup as Vijayalxmi. I went to the new location where Vijayalxmi had shifted and asked about the change of place because no smart business person would change a well-known and well-set location.

The old aunty, who was the Head of Vijaylaxmi, told me that their landlord had seen the business booming over the past few years and hence wanted to start a similar business of his own at that very place. He had asked them to find a new place to operate from.

I returned from a trip after 15 days and saw a brand-new board reading "Aneesha Cloud Kitchen" with its grand opening that weekend. A sparkling new place with all the latest equipment and professional-looking staff along with a listing on all the major food delivery apps.

I felt a bit sad for Vijayalxmi, which had been moved to a nearby location that was a bit on the inside part of the lane as opposed to its previous location which was at a crossroads.

It has been almost a month since this entire makeover. I went for a trip and when I came back and went for a walk, I was shocked to see the new cloud kitchen empty on the day of a festival. I walked further and saw Vijayalxmi with an absolute mob at their counter waiting for their respective orders.

I just smiled and moved ahead.

Moral of the story -

1. A fancy place doesn't always guarantee great food.

2. The one who knows how to produce quality results will produce them irrespective of the location, amenities, facilities, equipment, or staff.

3. If a new, fancy, better-looking someone tries to replace you, do not worry. Just keep working; they can take your place but not your talent or work ethic.

4. If people look at your performance and try to take your position thinking it's a piece of cake, just because you made it look so; let them have it with a smile. Excellence is not everyone's cup of tea.

Please feel free to add your learnings from the story.