This Acadia student didn't like cooking. Now his Nepalese dumplings are in demand
Summary:
Sujit Acharya, a 23-year-old Acadia University student from Nepal, struggled financially during his studies, even relying on food bank pickups. Despite not liking cooking initially, he started making and selling momos (Nepalese dumplings) at local festivals in Nova Scotia to earn money, which quickly gained popularity. His business, MomoNepal, now sells vegetarian dumplings and chutney at several stores and farmers' markets.
Acharya balanced his business with full-time studies and mental health challenges, while facing work restrictions as an international student. He recently won the prestigious Frank H. Sobey scholarship worth $50,000, which he plans to invest in expanding his business by purchasing a commercial kitchen in Halifax.
His entrepreneurial journey was supported by learning from YouTube and community connections, and he is committed to giving back through his business. Acharya's professor described the scholarship as life-changing and highlighted the challenges international students face in accessing funding. Despite setbacks like a failed kitchen deal, Acharya remains determined to grow MomoNepal and continue supporting fellow students.
Archive: https://archive.is/2k6i8
Sujit Acharya, a 23-year-old Acadia University student from Nepal, struggled financially during his studies, even relying on food bank pickups. Despite not liking cooking initially, he started making and selling momos (Nepalese dumplings) at local festivals in Nova Scotia to earn money, which quickly gained popularity. His business, MomoNepal, now sells vegetarian dumplings and chutney at several stores and farmers' markets.
Acharya balanced his business with full-time studies and mental health challenges, while facing work restrictions as an international student. He recently won the prestigious Frank H. Sobey scholarship worth $50,000, which he plans to invest in expanding his business by purchasing a commercial kitchen in Halifax.
His entrepreneurial journey was supported by learning from YouTube and community connections, and he is committed to giving back through his business. Acharya's professor described the scholarship as life-changing and highlighted the challenges international students face in accessing funding. Despite setbacks like a failed kitchen deal, Acharya remains determined to grow MomoNepal and continue supporting fellow students.
Archive: https://archive.is/2k6i8