Musthafa PC, the CEO of iD Fresh Food, has a remarkable story that begins in a remote village of Kerala. Born into a family where his father was a daily wage worker and his mother was uneducated, Musthafa’s early life was marked by struggle and hardship.

How Education Changed His Life

Growing up, Musthafa’s family barely earned ₹10 in daily wages1. Eating three meals a day was a distant dream, and at one point, Musthafa decided to drop out of school after failing Class 6 to join his father on the farm1. However, a teacher saw potential in him and convinced him to return to school. This teacher even tutored him free of charge, and as a result, Musthafa topped his class in math. Encouraged by this, he went on to become the school topper.

When it was time for him to go to college, his teachers paid his fee1. After college, Musthafa got placed and earned his first salary of ₹14,000, which he gave to his father1. His father was moved to tears, saying, “You’ve earned more than I have in a lifetime!”.

How He Started iD Fresh Food

Despite having a well-paying job abroad, Musthafa yearned to start his own business1. The idea of iD Fresh Food came about when Musthafa’s cousin saw a supplier selling idli-dosa batter in a plain pouch1. The customer was complaining about the quality of the product1. This led to the birth of iD Fresh Food1.

Musthafa initially invested ₹50,000 in the company and let his cousins run the show1. They started in a 50 square foot kitchen with a grinder, mixer, and a weighing machine1. It took them over 9 months to sell 100 packets a day1. Along the way, they made plenty of mistakes and learned from them.

How He Overcame Challenges

After three years, Musthafa realized that the company needed him full-time1. So he quit his job and invested all his savings into his business1. For years, the company struggled and faced severe losses1. There were times when they could not afford to pay their employees.

However, Musthafa never lost hope. He promised his 25 employees that one day he would make them crorepatis1. Today, iD Fresh Food is one of the most successful fresh food companies in the country.

Musthafa PC’s journey from a remote village in Kerala to the helm of a successful company is a testament to his resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. His story serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with hard work and perseverance, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve success.