One of our core values here at Acanela Expeditions is ‘Impact’. We have the opportunity to create a positive impact as we travel the world and immerse ourselves into cultures and experiences as we work with local artisans.

Meet Our Artisan and Friend, Shashi

Shashi lives in Udaipur, a city located in the state of Rajasthan, India, with her three sons in their one-room metal hut on the edge of the city.  Her children (ages 10, 8, and 3) have never attended school and instead spend their days helping Shashi with her daily tasks. She was widowed at the young age of 35 and was ostracized by society. She tried to care for her children, but with the little she had, it was hard. She didn’t have a formal job but had a passion for cooking and wanted to share it with those few who would listen.

It took her years to start a local cooking class out of her house, but through her talents and abilities, her cooking class has developed into a sustainable business with our help. We are able to continually support her business as we send her travelers who want to immerse themselves in the culture (and flavors) of India.

While someone visiting Udaipur could find a cooking class and master the intricacies of Indian cuisine at a more formal cooking school (a good experience I’m sure), how much richer of an experience is it to learn from Shashi, hear her story, and come away with memories of a person and an experience unique to any other!

Shashi loves art and paints beautiful Indian henna designs on her friends and family for festivals, weddings, funerals, or other major Hindu events. While art is an important part of her life, Shashi will not shy away from telling you that her real passion lies in cooking. She finds that cooking gives her the opportunity to make people happy. She enjoys making people smile with the smell of delicious food, the taste of spiced curries, and the warm feeling of food in their bellies.  Her favorite dishes to cook include a variety of Indian curries, such as Aubergine and Tomato Masala, Naan with cheese and tomato, and Paneer Masala.

Help us empower Shashi and other local artisans around the world, bring the flavors into your kitchen and preorder your India spice blend today!