Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder that affects millions of women worldwide. It’s a condition that can manifest in a variety of symptoms—irregular periods, weight gain, acne, hair loss, and even fertility issues. What makes PCOS particularly challenging is its intricate connection with lifestyle and nutrition. The foods we consume can either alleviate or exacerbate these symptoms, making dietary choices crucial for managing this condition effectively. This understanding of nutrition’s pivotal role in managing PCOS symptoms has led to a growing interest in food that heals, and in India, few have pioneered this movement quite like The Cinnamon Kitchen.
Founded by Priyasha, a woman who knows all too well the struggles of living with PCOS, The Cinnamon Kitchen is a trailblazer in making hormonal nutrition accessible and available to the masses. What began as a personal journey of healing and discovery has now blossomed into a business that touches the lives of countless individuals dealing with not just PCOS but a range of dietary needs.
In an exclusive interaction with Priyasha, we delved deep into her personal battle with PCOS, the inception of her business, her experiences on Shark Tank, and her vision for the future. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and an unyielding desire to help others navigate the often confusing landscape of health and wellness.
The Genesis Of The Cinnamon Kitchen
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Priyasha’s journey with PCOS began at a young age, marked by symptoms that were both physically and emotionally challenging. “The most challenging thing with PCOS is that there was not as much conversation around it as there is today,” she reflects. Starting at the tender age of 13, she experienced early symptoms like excessive hair growth, which led to bullying and a sense of helplessness. “Kids during the teenage years can be brutal, and at that age, you can’t even go to beauty parlours and get very expensive treatments,” she adds, highlighting the isolation that often accompanies such conditions.
It wasn’t just the physical symptoms that were difficult to manage; the lack of understanding and guidance only added to the frustration. “I didn’t understand what was causing the symptoms, and there wasn’t much guidance available at the time,” Priyasha recalls. However, as she grew older, she began to take control of her health through diet and lifestyle changes. This personal experience laid the foundation for what would eventually become The Cinnamon Kitchen.
The turning point came about 4 to 5 years ago, when Priyasha began experimenting with healthy cooking and sharing her recipes on Instagram. Her passion for creating nutritious meals resonated with many, leading to a growing following and increasing demand for ready-made healthy options. “I realised that many people didn’t have the time or desire to bake for themselves; they wanted something ready-made,” she explains. This realisation spurred her to create The Cinnamon Kitchen, where she could offer food that not only helped manage her own PCOS symptoms but also catered to others with similar needs.
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Unveiling The Magic Of Nutrition
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When asked about the superfoods or ingredients that have made a significant difference in managing her PCOS symptoms, Priyasha was quick to emphasise that there’s no “magical solution.” Instead, it’s the consistency in maintaining healthy habits over time that truly works.
For Priyasha, one of the most impactful changes was cutting out dairy, which helped clear her skin and boost her energy levels. She also limited her carb intake to just one meal a day, a change that drastically improved her energy, reduced bloating, and even helped with weight loss. “Another secret for managing PCOS is having a grain-free breakfast,” she reveals. By starting the day with a high-protein, low-carb meal, she found that she could better manage insulin resistance, a common issue for those with PCOS.
This approach to nutrition, focussing on what works best for her body, is at the heart of The Cinnamon Kitchen’s offerings. The menu is designed to support not just those with PCOS but anyone looking to improve their health through mindful eating.
The brand offers a range of products, each thoughtfully crafted to support various dietary needs. Among her personal favourites are the flourless almond butter cookies, which are not only delicious but also packed with healthy fats that keep you full for a long time. Another top pick is the fudge (my absolute personal favourite)—a light, perfectly portioned treat that Priyasha reaches for after every meal. The Strawberry, Banana, and Cacao Crunch Granola is another underrated gem on the menu. Made with amaranth puffs, which are lighter and nutritionally superior to oats, this granola offers a nutritious upgrade from the usual.
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The Shark Tank Experience, A Game-Changer
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The Cinnamon Kitchen’s success reached new heights when Priyasha pitched her business on Shark Tank India. The experience was nothing short of exhilarating. “Pitching on Shark Tank was a truly exhilarating experience,” she recalls, describing the four-day journey filled with intense rounds of finance, set design, and, of course, the pitch itself.
Despite the high stakes, Priyasha remained calm and confident, a testament to her deep understanding of her business. “I was representing a business that I had created and had been working on day in and day out for the past four years,” she says. This familiarity with her work allowed her to be her authentic self on stage, a quality that clearly resonated with the sharks. Her pitch became the most viewed across all seasons, a feat she attributes to being true to herself and her brand. “I was just myself, and everything else flowed naturally from there,” she reflects.
Being approached by sharks like Aman, Vineeta, and Anupam was incredibly validating for Priyasha. Their belief in her vision provided not just financial backing but also a vote of confidence that affirmed she was on the right path. The experience also offered valuable feedback, which she views as essential for growth. “Feedback isn’t a personal attack but a chance to further refine and improve your business,” she notes.
While the experience was exhilarating, it also opened up new possibilities for The Cinnamon Kitchen. Although she received offers from Aman Gupta, Vineeta Singh, and Anupam Mittal, Priyasha had her sights set on another Shark: Deepinder Goyal. “His deep understanding of the market, consumer behaviour, and the data-driven insights he brings from leading teams at Zomato and Blinkit would have been incredibly valuable,” she noted. Unfortunately, due to potential conflicts of interest, this partnership wasn’t possible.
Priyasha’s Approach To PCOS And Diet
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One of the most common misconceptions about PCOS, Priyasha shares, is the idea that women need to completely eliminate carbohydrates from their diet. This, she explains, is not only misleading. but can also be harmful. “It’s not about cutting out carbs altogether but rather being mindful of the type of carbs you consume,” she clarifies. Whole grains and millet, for instance, can be beneficial when eaten in controlled portions, providing essential nutrients without the blood sugar spikes caused by refined carbs.
Another myth she often encounters is the belief that hormonal pills can solve all PCOS-related problems. “While hormone pills might offer a quick fix on the surface, they don’t address the root causes of PCOS and can often lead to deeper issues over time,” she warns. Instead, she advocates for a holistic approach that includes diet, exercise, stress management, and mindful living.
Priyasha is not just focused on her business but also on the evolving trends in health and wellness. “Consumers have largely realised that healthy doesn’t have to be a completely Western concept,” she observed. There’s a growing trend of people embracing slow living, mindful eating, and traditional Indian dietary practices. This shift is reflected in the food industry, where menus are becoming more experimental, featuring regional cuisines and authentic Indian flavours. “We can now see Ragi cookies and millet cakes hitting the shelves,” Priyasha pointed out, highlighting the fusion of Western and Indian palates that are becoming increasingly popular.
The Future Of The Cinnamon Kitchen
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As The Cinnamon Kitchen continues to grow, Priyasha is excited about the future. The business is transitioning to a much larger factory, a move that will not only increase production capacity but also open doors to new opportunities and innovations. “This move isn’t just about increasing our production capacity; it’s about laying the foundation for the future growth of The Cinnamon Kitchen,” she says with enthusiasm.
Expanding into a larger facility will allow The Cinnamon Kitchen to meet the growing demand for its products while continuing to explore new ways to serve its customers better. For Priyasha, this is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter, one that promises even more delicious and nutritious offerings tailored to help people manage their health with ease and enjoyment.
Priyasha’s journey from a young girl struggling with PCOS to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to helping others. Through The Cinnamon Kitchen, she’s not just offering food; she’s providing a lifeline for those navigating the complexities of hormonal health. Her story is a powerful reminder that, with the right support, guidance, and determination, it’s possible to turn personal challenges into opportunities that benefit others.
As The Cinnamon Kitchen continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a beacon of hope and inspiration for women dealing with PCOS and other health conditions. Priyasha’s vision for the future is clear: to create an inclusive environment where everyone can make informed choices and take control of their health in an empowering way. “With The Cinnamon Kitchen, I aim to provide solutions for holistic healing to everyone,” she said. And with each new product and initiative, she’s doing just that—one delicious, nutritious bite at a time.
Cover Image Courtesy: The Cinnamon Kitchen/Instagram and Press Release
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