Meet the Founder: Malvika Mohan
From Mumbai to New Jersey: Finding My Footing in a New World
Hi, I’m Malvika, co-founder of Humble Origins Superfoods.
This brand is more than just a business to me. It’s a reflection of my journey, my roots, and the deep belief that food can be both simple and special when it’s made with intention.
I grew up in Mumbai, India, until I was twelve. Those early years still hold some of my most cherished memories: sunsets on Carter Road, playing outside until my mom called me in, and the vibrant, flavorful food that was just a part of everyday life. Everything felt connected: family, nature, community. It all flowed naturally.
When we moved to New Jersey, everything changed. A new culture, a new pace, and the challenge of starting over. It was overwhelming at first, but over time I learned to adapt, to embrace the shift, and to carry pieces of home with me. My parents, my sister Namrata (still my best friend), and our two dogs were my safe space during that transition. And those dogs? They taught me about love and loyalty in ways I’ll never forget.
Love, Growth, and Choosing an Intentional Life
After college, I worked in telecom for a few years and then I met Retash, who would later become my husband. He had grown up in Georgia, and from the start, something about our connection just felt grounded. We shared similar values and dreams of a simple, intentional life. After we got married, we traveled, explored, and when I became pregnant with our first child, we decided I’d stay home full-time. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was the right one for us.
Motherhood changed me. It slowed me down and made me notice the little things: the warmth of the sun through the trees, slow mornings with a cup of chai, and the way a shared meal brings people closer. It made me more connected to nature and to what really matters.
The Turning Point: Paying Attention to Where Food Comes From
As a family, we gravitate toward mindful living. We hike, travel, and try to spend as much time outdoors as we can. My kids, Ishaan and Diya, are full of curiosity, and our dogs, Sammy and Pippen, bring just as much love and energy into our home. Watching them so joyful and free reminds me that all living beings deserve care, dignity, and respect.
Around 11 years ago, our family shifted to a vegetarian lifestyle. We didn’t eat out much, and when we did, we tried to choose thoughtfully. It wasn’t about being perfect, it was about being intentional.
Something clicked when we traveled abroad. We were eating well and everything just tasted better. That’s when I realized: the quality of our ingredients makes a difference. I started paying closer attention to what we were eating and, more importantly, where it came from.
My Grandmother’s Wisdom and the Power of Real Ingredients
I thought often of my grandmother, Ajee, a phenomenal cook who always said, “Don’t worry about dieting, just eat fresh, good food.” My mom did the same, cooking every day with ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and ghee. Back then, we didn’t ask why these foods were part of every meal. They simply were.
Over time, I began to appreciate those traditions and how far our modern food systems have drifted from them. That realization sparked something in me. I didn’t want to just feed my family well, I wanted to help others do the same.
That’s when Humble Origins Superfoods truly started to take shape.
My friend Ushma, whom I’ve known for over 21 years, shared that same desire. We joined forces, blending our unique strengths but rooted in a shared purpose: to make honest, everyday superfood spices accessible to more people.
To me, Humble Origins Superfoods isn’t just about products; it’s a return to what matters. Real ingredients, simple cooking, and a connection to the earth and our heritage.
I believe good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with awareness, simplicity, and a little intention. You don’t need to overhaul your entire life, you just need to start paying attention.
I hope my story inspires you to slow down, to reconnect with your roots, and to enjoy food that is as comforting as it is delicious. Shop our spices.
