In the spring of 2023, Sujit Acharya, a student at Acadia University, faced a daunting situation with thousands of dollars in tuition fees to pay, while having only a meager $300 to $400 in his possession. Struggling financially and relying on a monthly food bank pickup for sustenance, Acharya took a leap of faith by investing in himself, despite harboring numerous doubts.
Hailing from Nepal and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Acharya utilized his limited funds to purchase food steamers and ingredients to craft Nepalese dumplings known as momos. He then ventured to sell his creations at a mural festival in Kentville, N.S. The decision paid off as his momos quickly became a hit, selling out within hours and generating $1,500 in sales. This success not only brought financial relief but also instilled in Acharya a newfound self-belief.
Transitioning from humble beginnings where some rent payments were covered by church connections, Acharya’s venture evolved into MomoNepal, a business now retailing vegetarian dumplings and chutney at four stores and farmers’ markets. Despite juggling mental health challenges, academic commitments, and restrictive work policies for international students, Acharya persevered and is set to graduate soon.
Acknowledged for his entrepreneurial spirit, Acharya is among the recipients of the prestigious Frank H. Sobey scholarship, a $50,000 award presented to business students in Atlantic Canada. With plans to utilize the scholarship to establish a kitchen in Halifax for business expansion, Acharya’s journey reflects resilience and determination.
While Acharya had no culinary background growing up, he identified a market niche for momos in Nova Scotia, targeting a broader customer base beyond South Asians. Through trial and error, and leveraging resources like YouTube, he honed his recipes and expanded his business presence from local festivals to farmers’ markets.
Commended for his proactive approach and willingness to learn, Acharya’s business now boasts a full-time head chef and part-time staff. Empathetic to student struggles, he prioritizes hiring students without prior experience, drawing from his own challenges in securing employment during his studies.
As Acharya navigates the complexities of work regulations and pursues permanent residency, he remains undeterred by setbacks, viewing life with a philosophical lens that emphasizes seizing opportunities despite uncertainties. In the face of adversity, he continues to embody resilience and a philanthropic ethos, sharing his success to uplift others in need.
Ryan MacNeil, Acharya’s entrepreneurship professor at Acadia, highlights the transformative impact of winning the Sobey scholarship on Acharya’s entrepreneurial journey. Despite the limitations international students face in accessing entrepreneurial support, Acharya’s unwavering determination and adaptability position him for future growth and success.