From Chai to Change: How Shobhit Soni Brewed a ₹3 Crore Business from Kulhads

Ajmer, Rajasthan – In a time when startups are chasing cutting-edge technologies and digital innovations, 29-year-old Shobhit Soni has taken a refreshingly traditional route—one crafted from clay. A Computer Science engineering graduate from Ajmer, Soni has built a thriving business around kulhads, the iconic Indian clay cups, turning a humble idea into a ₹3 crore enterprise.

The seed for his startup was planted during his college days. Frequenting roadside tea stalls, Soni noticed the unsanitary practice of reusing glass cups. With the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic, his concerns around hygiene only intensified. Seeking an eco-friendly and cleaner solution, he zeroed in on kulhads as a safer, more sustainable alternative.

In 2019, he launched Cutting Meri Wali Chai, a mobile tea shop operating from an electric vehicle, offering high-quality tea in kulhads for just ₹10. The initiative aimed to bridge the gap between premium tea and affordability while ensuring hygiene. However, a major roadblock emerged—consistent kulhad supply.

Instead of stepping back, Soni took a bold step forward. During the nationwide lockdown in 2020, while many businesses stalled, he established his own kulhad manufacturing unit. Despite initial hurdles like high breakage rates and delayed deliveries, his persistence paid off. He soon expanded operations to manufacture kulhad-making machines, scaling his vision across states.

Today, his company Mittisa manufactures and supplies these machines throughout India. So far, the enterprise has helped set up over 40 kulhad production units, particularly in rural areas. Soni is also working closely with state governments, including those of Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu, to promote small-scale pottery businesses and boost rural employment.

Armed with an MBA in International Business and a diploma in Tea Tasting and Blending, Soni has blended grassroots innovation with business acumen. His company now clocks an annual turnover nearing ₹3 crore.

But for Soni, success isn’t just about numbers. “I always dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur,” he says. “This journey hasn’t been easy, but I believed in my idea and never gave up.”

From roadside chai stalls to nationwide impact, Shobhit Soni’s story is a testament to how big change can come from the smallest of cups.