Laxmi Hiremath of Laxmi’s Delights

What inspired you to start your business?

I was looking for ways to create healthy school lunches for my children. I combined flaxseed with other ingredients and smeared them on sandwiches. They turned out to be a favorite with my children as well as their PBJ-loving friends. So much so that they began trading their turkey sandwiches to our sandwiches. A unique line of exquisitely delicious Flaxseed Spreads was born. My business is an accidental business!

What three traits define you?

I am focused, very energetic, and of course very mindful of just about everything. It has made me a better person.

What do you love about being a business owner?

My space and my own time. I do find time to volunteer when I can and give back to the community, as that’s very important to me.

As a business owner, what keeps you up at night?

I am driven and very creative! I am always thinking and innovating several things at the same time in my mind.

How has being a WBENC-Certified WBE helped your business?

It has most definitely helped me getting into large accounts such as Costco Wholesale, Kroger, and Safeway.

What's your favorite career moment?

When my business was selected by the San Francisco Super Bowl 50 Host Committee as a preferred business; designated as Small Business Advocate and Leadership Council at the National Small Business Association (NSBA); and awarded a scholarship by Google to attend the Tuck Executive Education. Laxmi’s Delights is also a two-time recipient of Outstanding Product Innovation, Specialty Food Association, and recipient of Best New Functional Food Gulf Food International Awards, Dubai. These are my favorite moments!

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

I am a workaholic. I have been one of the San Francisco Chronicle’s most popular food writers for two decades. My highly acclaimed cookbook is called "The Dance of Spices," and published by Wiley. I would use the extra time to write more books. My first hobby, however, is oil painting and I have created over 200 paintings as a youngster. I would love to immerse myself with paints, palette, and canvas!

What’s the best way to start your day?

First, I remind myself of the awareness, then gratitude and mindfulness of my surroundings. My morning drink consists of hot water with fresh lime juice, ginger juice and tad honey. I continue my day with yoga and meditation. In meditation or in silence I find most inventiveness and originality.

Fill in the blank:

When I face a challenge, I...pause first and think it through.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself... be that carefree teenager.

The one thing I couldn’t live without is... bread, all kinds, French sweet loaf, croissants, herb laced focaccia and biscuits!

By this time next year, I will be... expanding with more product lines!

The best thing that happened to me last week was... it was my special day, birthday, and my family surprised me with celebrations!

To get my creative juices flowing, I... take the time out to be with nature, jog during the day and get refreshed!

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About Laxmi's Delights

Laxmi’s Delights manufactures award winning, unique food product lines that are nutritious and delicious! At Laxmi’s Delights, our mission is simple — We Value Wellness! We manufacture diverse all natural, gluten free, organic, non-GMO, gourmet lines of one-of-a-kind Flaxseed Spreads, Sweet Spiced Roasted Nuts and Specialty Curries. Products are proudly made in California. Learn more.