We were lucky to catch up with Sanjeevani Varadharajan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sanjeevani , thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

“Veni’s Catering Services LLC”

Naming a business is indeed a challenging but exciting process, and for me, it was deeply personal. Growing up, I always dreamed of owning a business that could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. After moving to the US, I rediscovered the joy of cooking and realized how much of my culinary skills I had inherited from my mother, an incredible cook. She taught me the secrets of creating delicious, wholesome meals, especially a wide variety of South Indian vegetarian dishes that hold a special place in my heart.

Living in Austin, I noticed a significant gap – there weren’t many options for authentic, home-style South Indian vegetarian food for the growing Indian Communities. I thought about the people who could benefit from such a service, like students, bachelors, and working women who juggle busy schedules and often don’t have time to prepare healthy meals for themselves and for their family. I wanted to create something that catered to their needs, offering the comfort of home-cooked food with the quality and care that’s often hard to find in restaurants and all this at a very nominal cost.

When it came to naming my business, it felt natural to use something familiar and memorable. Since everyone knows me as ‘Veni,’ I thought, why not ‘Veni’s Catering Services’? The name reflects not just who I am but also my dedication to serving authentic, delicious South Indian vegetarian dishes made with love. It’s simple, personal, and meaningful – just like the food I aim to provide.

Through Veni’s Catering Services, my mission is to serve the Indian community with love and care, helping families find more time to spend together while enjoying authentic South Indian vegetarian food.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

About Veni and Veni’s Catering Services

I’m Sanjeevani Varadharajan, known to most as Veni, and I am the founder of Veni’s Catering Services. My business specializes in providing authentic South Indian vegetarian dishes, prepared in the traditional way to cater to a wide variety of occasions. Whether it’s housewarmings, religious poojas, family get-togethers, or large community parties, I pride myself on delivering delicious, wholesome meals that bring people together and make their events special.

What We Offer:

At Veni’s Catering Services, we focus on creating authentic dishes that honor South Indian culinary traditions. Our menu features a diverse range of vegetarian dishes, from classic comfort foods to festive delicacies, tailored to the unique needs of each event. For religious occasions, we also specialize in Saatvic food, prepared without onion, garlic, or certain spices, while ensuring that the quality, taste, and essence of the meal remain uncompromised.
Some of the highlights of our service include:

• Traditional South Indian Cuisine: Prepared using time-honored recipes to deliver an authentic taste.
• Customizable Menus: Dishes crafted to suit the occasion, whether it’s a simple pooja or a grand celebration.
• Reliability: Flexible and punctual delivery at any time – whether it’s 6 AM for an early morning pooja or late evening for a community event.

The Problems We Solve:

Many of my clients have faced challenges finding traditional, home-style vegetarian food that meets their specific needs. For instance:

• Families hosting religious poojas often require Saatvic food but struggle to find options that maintain taste and quality. I’ve helped numerous customers by providing customized Saatvic meals, meeting dietary requirements without compromising on flavor.
• Working professionals organizing family events often struggle with the logistics of food preparation. My service alleviates that stress by ensuring timely delivery of fresh, delicious dishes that feel homemade.

What Sets Us Apart:

What makes Veni’s Catering Services stand out is my unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity, and customer satisfaction. Every dish is prepared as if it’s for my own family, with an emphasis on taste, presentation, and punctual delivery. My flexibility to meet the unique needs of my clients, whether it’s an early morning delivery or accommodating special dietary preferences, ensures that their events are seamless and memorable.

What I’m Most Proud Of:

I’m most proud of the trust and loyalty I’ve earned from my clients. Their heartfelt feedback and the referral efforts they put in to recommend my services to others mean the world to me. My business growth has been largely driven by word-of-mouth and referrals from satisfied clients, as I don’t rely on any separate marketing for business development. This organic growth is a testament to the quality of my food and the positive impact my service has on their events. Knowing that my clients not only love my food but also actively share their experiences with others makes me feel truly valued and motivates me to continue delivering my best.

Why Choose Veni’s Catering Services?

When you choose Veni’s Catering Services, you’re not just ordering food – you’re investing in a tradition of care, authenticity, and excellence. Every dish I prepare is crafted with the intention of bringing back the cherished flavors of South Indian cuisine, evoking memories of your childhood and those special meals you enjoyed growing up. Whether it’s the aroma of freshly steamed idlis, Crispy Vadas , Fresh Chutneys and the perfect spice blend in a Sambar, or the comforting taste of a traditional sweets, my goal is to bring the authentic, nostalgic flavors of South India to your table.

My mission is to make your special moments even more memorable with food that feels like home. I look forward to serving you and creating experiences that not only delight your taste buds but also warm your heart with a touch of nostalgia.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of clients for me has been a combination of word-of-mouth referrals, social media, and community engagement. My journey began with satisfied clients who not only came back for more but also enthusiastically referred me to their friends and family. This referral network has been the backbone of my business growth and a true testament to the quality of my food and service.

Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have also played a significant role. By sharing photos of my dishes, client testimonials, and updates about my services, I’ve been able to reach a wider audience and connect with potential clients who resonate with my offerings. These platforms give me a space to showcase not just my food but the passion and care that go into every meal.

Additionally, WhatsApp community groups and local community events have been invaluable. Being an active part of these groups allows me to engage directly with people in the community, respond to inquiries, and build genuine relationships. Participating in community events has also helped me showcase my food to a larger audience, giving them a taste of the authentic South Indian flavors I bring to the table.

Each of these sources – referrals, social media, community groups, and events – has helped me grow my business organically, without the need for formal marketing strategies. They reflect the trust and appreciation of my clients, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support that continues to fuel Veni’s Catering Services.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Staying connected with my clients and fostering brand loyalty is at the heart of Veni’s Catering Services. Here’s how I ensure lasting relationships with my clients:

1. Personalized Communication: I make it a point to maintain open and personalized communication with my clients. Whether it’s checking in after an event to hear their feedback or sending a quick thank-you message, I value every opportunity to connect with them on a personal level.

2. Social Media Engagement: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are not just marketing tools for me but also a way to interact with my clients regularly. I share updates about new dishes, showcase highlights from events, and celebrate milestones, which keeps them informed and engaged.

3. Exclusive Offers and Updates: For my regular clients, I share exclusive offers and early updates about my services through WhatsApp and other direct communication channels. This makes them feel valued and appreciated while encouraging them to stay connected.

4. Exceptional Service: I believe that actions speak louder than words. By consistently delivering high-quality food, being flexible with delivery times, and customizing dishes to their needs, I demonstrate my commitment to their satisfaction. Clients appreciate this reliability, which naturally fosters loyalty.

5. Community Presence: Being actively involved in local events and community groups helps me stay visible and connected. Clients often feel a sense of pride in supporting a business that is an active part of their community.

6. Client Feedback and Implementation: I take client feedback very seriously and use it to improve my offerings. When clients see their suggestions reflected in my service, it strengthens their trust and loyalty.

7. A Moment of Pride: One of the most fulfilling moments in my journey is when clients adjust their event schedules based on my availability. This demonstrates the trust they have in my ability to meet their expectations and shows how much they value my contribution to making their events memorable. Another proud moment is being invited by clients to their personal family events beyond the scope of business. These gestures of appreciation and inclusion go beyond transactions and reflect the strong relationships I’ve built with my clients over time.

At the core of everything I do is my genuine care for my clients. It’s not just about serving food but about creating a relationship built on trust, consistency, and shared values. My goal is to ensure that every client feels valued and becomes a part of the Veni’s Catering Services family.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanjeevani.varadha