Imagine walking away from a thriving global finance career to take on one of the world’s biggest challenges—food waste. That’s exactly what Aditi Jhala did, alongside her mother, Vinita Ji. Together, they built The Misfits, a brand that transforms discarded food into nutritious products while empowering communities. This is a story of resilience, innovation, and meaningful change.
Aditi’s passion for food followed her everywhere, even as she navigated the high-paced world of finance. But what she couldn’t ignore was the staggering amount of food waste she witnessed across countries. The numbers were horrifying—perfectly edible food discarded while millions went hungry. The contrast gnawed at her.
Burned out from the relentless corporate grind and disillusioned by the wealth disparities she saw around her, Aditi knew she had to do something more meaningful. The decision to leave her stable career wasn’t easy—doubt crept in, family and friends questioned her choice, and financial insecurity loomed large. But her conviction was unshakable. With her mother’s support, she took the plunge into uncharted territory, determined to redefine sustainability in the food industry.
The Misfits takes what others see as waste—imperfect and surplus produce—and turns it into high-quality, delicious products. Their mission goes beyond reducing food waste; they ensure fair wages for farmers and create employment opportunities for women in agriculture-dependent communities.
Operating on a direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce model, The Misfits delivers sustainable food products directly to customers, making conscious consumption both convenient and impactful. With options like subscriptions and bulk purchases, they make it easy for customers to support a greener future.
The Misfits’ journey is a powerful reminder that businesses built on purpose can drive real change. By solving a pressing issue, they’ve created a profitable and meaningful venture. For startup founders, the takeaway is clear: when your passion aligns with a genuine problem, success and impact go hand in hand.
