At a time when stable jobs are scarce in the media and communication sector, Nikunj Umaretiya’s pivot towards dhandho is nothing but inspiring. Just two years ago, he was sitting in the comfort of his balcony while working for a software development firm. He wasn’t ready to match the company’s requirement to move to Bengaluru. Instead, he decided to start his own venture. 

Market Research 

This is when his market research began. He was clear about building a franchise business but unsure about which brand to choose. His first choice was to set up a Kabhi-B franchise store, but that quickly fell off his list as the bakery only had occasional business. He was targeting a more robust franchise model where goods could not only be brought in credit but it also created a room for growth. 

“I wanted to start a business because my brother (Hitesh) is already involved in business. Starting a business will give us a good idea about which areas we can operate in. I had a franchise business in my mind. Initially, I saw a few Kabhi-B bakeries, and there were occasional businesses,” Umaretiya tells Gupreneur over the phone.  

Taking The Leap Of Faith 

Umaretiya observed that the Kabhi-B bakeries only operate at full capacity during birthdays and other occasions. After determining the risk and other factors, he sat down with his brother, who came up with the idea of buying the Vipul Dudhiya and Sweets franchise.

“My brother suggested Vipul Dudhiya’s franchise. I spoke with them, went to the store, and saw how it was going for them. After that, I thought that we could do this

“In all, we needed 28-30 lakh, which was paid by my brother. I started in May 2023,” he adds.

Minor Hiccups

Soon after inaugurating the shop, Umaretiya was dealt with a minor jolt. “The first hit we had was when the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation dug out the road just adjacent to my shop. Then no one came to repair that. So, in the first six months, I was completely unsure whether this business would run or not,” he recalls. 

Sweets are NOT for every season

Setting up a franchise business needs utmost courage, especially when you know the cards you’re dealt with. Umaretiya knows sweets are an occasional choice during festivals or pujas. This is where its accompaniments, shrikhand and matho, come into play. 

“People don’t eat sweets every day. The higher orders are during festivals or the weekends. Mohanthal and Kajukatri are the highest-selling businesses in the 250gms category, while Kesar Penda and Motichur Ki Laddoo are the most popular sweets served,” Umaretiya points out.  

“In cold items, even during the off-season, Rajbhog Srikhand sells the most, along with Matho’s. Around 5 to 6 kgs are sold at this time,” he adds. 

Eyeing Higher Turnover

After achieving their break-even recently, the Umaretiya-run business is eyeing a higher turnover in Raksha Bandhan, i.e., August 9, 2025. 

“Our turnover is set to increase in Raksha Bandhan. But then, comparing last year and over the previous three months, I can see a rise of INR 75,000,” he says

Blessed With A Daughter 

In November, Umaretiya turned into a father for the first time, and it was a blessing to his family. He believes that his daughter not only brought happiness to his family but also gave him the strength to withstand the hurdles in business. 

“I work throughout the day, and then there’s hope to see your child. Sometimes we don’t get to sleep at night, but we never feel tired in the morning,” he fondly mentioned.  

Conclusion 

After over five years of experience as a journalist, Umaretiya has shown those who are looking to change career paths that entrepreneurship is an available choice. The Ahmedabad-based businessman has maintained a low profile about his business strategies as he continues to build on his empire. Choosing a prominent name in the franchise business is a decision that he doesn’t regret yet. He wants the store, Vipul Dudhiya and Sweets franchise, to spread its wings and cater to more Amdavadis, not only from his locality in the coming five-year cycle.

If you like such stories that give you an option in direction, then stay tuned with Gujpreneur for more!