SHE’S A CONFESSED bibliophile. And, Sonali Lakhotia’s brainchild, Potboiler, serves not only some great coffee, but also has a few great reads to go with your cuppa. Book lovers can find their cosy corners, pick up new reads, and sip on some speciality coffee at her three-month-old, 45-seater café on Purna Das Road.
Hailing from a traditional Marwari family, and with no experience in the hospitality sector, this spunky 24-year-old, armed with a Masters in publishing, found her true calling as a foodpreneur during one of her many Sunday brunches, at an Oxford City café. “After coming back, I even worked in Gurgaon and freelanced for some time, but then I wanted to do something for myself,” she reflects, stressing that she will soon get back to writing, after getting her venture on a sound footing.
The challenges were many for the youngster. “I had to win my parents’ trust. Also, I wanted to live life on my own terms,” she recalls, adding that the biggest challenge was to convince herself that things would work out well. Sonali tells us how her venture means more than just a successful business to her. She points out, “I have grown up as a person. Earlier, every small thing was an issue, and I used to panic so much. Now, it’s just another challenge.”
The young entrepreneur also plans to start a book club soon at the café, to further engage with patrons. “At other similar cafés, books are more a part of the décor. But here, we want people to pick up a book, and get immersed in the pages. It’s like a blind date with a book,” she offers