Ratlam Masala Store

Ratlam Masala Store is right near the Sitla Mata Mandir in Jawahar Nagar. Being so close to the temple means we see a lot of people every single day, especially during the festivals. Our shop, A140, is small and packed from floor to ceiling with jars and bags. We have to squeeze past each other just to reach the back shelves. The smell of the spices is very strong here, and sometimes people stop just to take a breath of it. We do everything ourselves, from weighing the powders to sealing the little plastic bags. It’s a lot of repetitive work, but we’ve gotten fast at it over the years. The bell from the mandir rings throughout the day, which gives the place a nice feel. We don't have a computer system or anything like that; we just write everything down in a notebook with a blue pen. Sometimes we run out of change and have to go to the shop next door to ask for some. It’s just how things work in this neighborhood. We are not some big brand you see on TV. We are just a local store that’s been in the same spot for a long time. People trust us because they see us working here every morning when they go for their prayers. It is a simple life and we don't need much more than this.