In an era where social media glorifies the idea of leaving the 9-to-5 grind for the “freedom” of entrepreneurship, one Noida professional’s candid video has struck a chord with thousands of salaried Indians. The message is simple yet powerful: running a small business, even something as seemingly straightforward as a ₹15 cup of chai, is far harder than it appears.
The man, identified as Vishwas Verma (also referred to as Vishwas Kumar in some reports), shared his personal experience of experimenting with a side hustle that eventually made him rethink the romanticised notion of easy self-employment. He set up a small outlet outside a gym in Noida, selling health-focused items such as fresh juices, boiled eggs, protein shakes, and Maggi. The location seemed promising at first — targeting fitness enthusiasts — and the rent was attractively low at around ₹10,000 per month in the basement area.
However, reality quickly set in. In his widely circulated video, Verma detailed the daily struggles that eroded his margins and enthusiasm. Raw material costs fluctuated wildly; a pineapple bought for ₹90 often yielded little profit after cold-pressing, wastage, and other overheads. Eggs purchased at ₹7–8 each frequently broke during boiling, turning potential sales into losses. Protein shakes, priced at ₹150, had high ingredient costs and surprisingly low demand. Even the humble Maggi, sold at ₹30 against an ₹11 cost price, left minimal earnings once utilities, labour, and other expenses were accounted for.
One of the biggest challenges was the location itself. The basement spot suffered from poor visibility and limited footfall, attracting only 30–40 regular gym-goers. Without steady customer traffic, scaling the business proved nearly impossible. Perishable items went to waste, pricing decisions became a daily headache, and the operational grind left little room for the “passive income” many dream about.
Verma’s core takeaway — “Rs 15 chai looks easy, but it’s not” (or in Hindi, “Itna asaan nahi hota”) — has resonated deeply. He clarified that he is not against entrepreneurship but wants to caution people against impulsive decisions. Many salaried professionals, especially in tech-heavy areas like Noida, do quick mental math while buying street food and assume they can replicate that model profitably. In truth, small vendors survive on razor-thin margins, relentless hard work, and years of experience navigating uncertainty.
The video has sparked widespread discussions online. Supporters hail it as a much-needed reality check in a time when Instagram reels showcase only the glamorous side of business ownership. Critics argue that success is possible with better planning, market research, and patience — perhaps by starting small while retaining a stable job. Common advice emerging from the conversation includes validating demand first, maintaining a financial buffer, tracking every hidden cost (including one’s own time), and choosing the right location.
This story is particularly relevant in India, where millions aspire to self-employment amid job market pressures. From roadside chai stalls in Assam to health kiosks in metropolitan cities, the fundamentals remain the same: small businesses demand resilience, adaptability, and a clear-eyed understanding of risks. They are rarely the effortless escape they appear to be.
Verma’s experience does not discourage ambition — many do succeed through perseverance and smart execution. Instead, it serves as a grounded reminder: respect the quiet hustle of everyday entrepreneurs, and approach any new venture with thorough preparation rather than rose-tinted optimism. Before quitting that stable paycheck, it might be wise to test the waters carefully. The ₹15 chai, after all, carries years of unseen struggle in every sip.
About The Author
