We had the good fortune of connecting with Devi Ramprasad and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Devi Khanna Ramprasad is proof that age is not an excuse for not going after what you want. At just 13 years old, Devi experienced entrepreneurship in its entirety, from branding, promoting, customer service, supply chains, profits, losses, TV, and community appearances. She boldly faced a rebranding when her business was no longer fueled by passion and used the knowledge she learned along the way to recreate herself and intentionally design her young life, all while navigating middle school. Alright, so let’s jump right in and learn more about the journey you’re on! 

 

What was it like starting a business at such a young age? Tell us the good and the bad.
It was an exhilarating experience. So here I was, nine years old, at home learning how to make my family’s recipe for chaat masala, and I just loved it so much I wanted to sell it on the side of the road like lemonade. My mom made a Facebook post instead, and we got 60 orders almost instantly. I sold to family, strangers, and celebrities. My spices were being used in new ways; I was on TV shows and loved introducing Indian spices to other cultures. I connected with so many people and enjoyed swapping recipes, sharing in the excitement with everyone, and just wallowing in the masses’ love and support. 

But eventually, it consumed me. It felt like I had lost my identity. People only knew me for my business, and the only things we talked about were cooking or Devi Masala. School and extracurriculars got more demanding, and I found myself stressed. But I also felt conflicted. Devi Masala created so many opportunities for me, which I am beyond grateful for. I could have never imagined it would have lasted three years, be as successful as it is, gain over 10k followers on Instagram, yet I was stressed. 

Conversations about prioritizing mental health were becoming popular, and one day I decided that I needed to take the pressure off. So, with my mom’s help, we decided we should stop Devi Masala. 

Reinventing ourselves is something that grown-ups even struggle with. It’s not easy to show up and say, “I’m no longer the person you knew.” Is that what it felt like for you?
Reinventing myself felt like a huge risk, but it was best for me and my mental health. I am a communications major at BAK Middle School of the Arts. I felt my passion shift towards media and took inventory of what I wanted to do now. I’ve met so many exciting people along the way, and I have a wonderful, supportive audience. So the answer was clear! I wanted to give back to the supporters that had given so much to me. I started Khanna House, a podcast about all the really exciting things you would imagine happening in the life of a 13-year-old entrepreneur, influencer, and personality. I want to help teens like me find and grow their passion through the interviews of my guests. With the help of my brother and sister, who are also in communications, we’ve recorded podcasts on location, virtually, and in my home. Since no one is relying on me, I can create on my own time and outlet my creativity. I’ve already learned so much from the guests I’ve had on my show. I’ve had America’s Favorite Mindfulness Trainer Akai Jackson, author Sheila Cunningham, skincare experts Palm Beach Anti-aging, Fit with Randa, and many more.  It’s just so amazing! 

What do you want people to know about who Devi is today?
I really want everyone to know that I appreciate them so much. That my decision to end Devi Masala was a hard but necessary one. I am enjoying my time between middle school, starting lacrosse soon, working out, prioritizing my health, and casually creating Khanna House. I am learning how to invest, hack (ethically, of course), and just enjoying a new vision of life. I still love meeting new people, and I think everybody has a story to tell. 

How can people stay in touch or connect further? Who do you accept on your show?
Great question because I want you all on my show! You can send pitches to Deviduckram@gmail.com, follow us on Facebook or Instagram and check out the show on Spotify. My main account is @iamdevikhanna on IG. 

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