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Lajina Leal

How can embracing roles as a home cook and entrepreneur transform your daily family life into a harmonious blend of peace, love and respect to flow calmly.

Lajina Leal is a British-born Indian entrepreneur and educator, founder of Lajina Masala— dedicated to making Indian cuisine accessible and fostering community through cooking. Her journey from a constrained upbringing to a successful businesswoman exemplifies resilience, passion, and the transformative power of self-belief.

Early life and Education:
Born into a traditional Indian family, Lajina faced cultural restrictions that limited her educational opportunities. Despite a natural aptitude for English and a love for reading, she was discouraged from academic pursuits due to her gender. Her childhood home was tumultuous, marked by aggression, further stifling her personal growth.

Home Economics:
However, during Home Economics classes, she discovered a talent for baking, igniting a passion for cooking that laid the foundation for her future.

Professional Journey:
Lajina's career commenced with a Youth Training Scheme placement at a bank—a position considered suitable as it enhanced her marriage prospects. This opportunity led to a career in finance, where she worked diligently despite lacking confidence and formal qualifications. Her arranged marriage to Krish, a man she barely knew, became a turning point; together, they built a loving and supportive household, contrasting with her own upbringing.

Motherhood brought immense joy to Lajina's life. She embraced the role, creating a nurturing environment for her family and honing her culinary skills. Her son, Sam, now thrives in his dream career, a testament to the strong foundation she helped establish.

Determined to further her education, Lajina pursued accountancy qualifications and secured a great career in finance, despite it not being an ideal match for her dyslexia and people-oriented nature, it instilled resilience and discipline, qualities that later proved invaluable in her entrepreneurial journey.

Entrepreneurial Venture
In October 2013, Lajina founded Lajina Masala, combining her love for cooking with a desire to make Indian cuisine healthier and accessible. Her business offers handmade spice blends and interactive cooking classes, emphasizing human connection.

Personal Resilience
Lajina's journey includes overcoming health challenges, such as managing a pituitary gland condition affecting her hormones and mental health. Through a dedicated healthy lifestyle, she successfully lost five stones and avoided surgery, underscoring her commitment to self-care—a principle she passionately shares in her workshops.

Lajina Leal's story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and the unifying power of food. Her work continues to inspire individuals and communities, proving that entrepreneurship can indeed bring peace, family, and love together as a superpower.

Testimonials from Teachers

"As part of our teaching and learning strategy the college (Walsall) supports employer engagement activities and encourages each department to develop employer links and partnerships through work experience and masterclasses.

Lajina has been instrumental in providing masterclasses for our leaners over the past three years at level 1, 2, and 3 professional cookery.
Lajina has played a vital role in introducing our learners to the culture and style of cookery demonstrated as part of her spice business and the extensive knowledge she holds, she is more than happy to share with all she comes into contact with

Always cheerful and enthusiastic, Lajina embraces the group and always puts them at ease with her teaching style and knowledge, the learners have always respected her masterclasses with excellent feedback, usually along the lines of “That’s the best dish we’ve made!”

I can champion Lajina’s approach to creativity, learning and guidance."

– Lynn Sargeson, Lecturer in Hospitality and Catering, Walsall College

"Lajina brings a profound understanding of Indian vegetarian cooking, coupled with an infectious enthusiasm that resonates with all our participants. Lajina makes everyone feel welcome in her classes. Her customer service is exceptional. Her classes are well planned, ensuring that each session is both educational and enjoyable.

The feedback from attendees is always positive. Many have expressed how friendly and fun Lajina’s classes are. The delicious dishes prepared under Lajina’s expert instruction have not only delighted taste buds but also highlighted the incredible diversity and richness of Indian vegetarian cuisine.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Lajina as part of our team. Their passion for vegetarianism and commitment to demystifying cookery align perfectly with our mission to promote healthy, sustainable, and compassionate eating."

– Sam Linford-Platt, Head of the cookery school, The Vegetarian Society

"An exciting (and mouth-watering) staff development day. Lajina is highly skilled and professional, but has all the warmth and patience to make you feel at home in the kitchen. Everything was provided for us and we spent the day preparing a colourful variety of delicious Indian dishes. We were encouraged to communicate, solve problems and work collaboratively with others –as well as learning to make an amazing curry of course! We would highly recommend this workshop to teams and food-lovers alike."

“From the custom-made aprons to the takeaway goodie-bags, Lajina went above and beyond to making our cooking experience one to remember. I unlocked new confidence in the kitchen thanks to Lajina’s guidance and the food really did taste amazing. I think I’m still full!”

– Sam Jones, Little Hearts Matter