A Cuppa Chai with Jyoti Singh Rathore

– Farvi Wadhwa

When you walk into Happy Homes, nestled in the calm of Dehradun, you’re not entering a typical store — you’re walking into Jyoti Singh Rathore’s world. With the scent of chai in the air, hand-embroidered linen all around and the hum of warm conversations, you feel less like a customer and more like an old friend dropping by for a chat. At 50+, Jyoti isn’t just defying age stereotypes — she’s rewriting the rulebook on what it means to be a modern entrepreneur with old-school values.

Daughter of an army officer, wife to another, and a true Indian at heart, Jyoti’s journey wasn’t mapped out on a business plan. It was sparked in a moment of emotional awakening — in a school interview with her daughter. What followed was a beautiful unfolding of passion, purpose, and personality — now known as Happy Homes Curated Home Decor. We sat down with this spirited, sentimental and savvy entrepreneur for a chat as warm as her home decor,

Who is Jyoti Singh Rathore beyond Happy Homes?

A happy-go-lucky army girl at heart. Emotional, empathetic, trustworthy, and forever multitasking. My world is my family and friends. I believe in going the extra mile — not for profit, not for recognition — but simply for love. That’s me. And that’s Happy Homes too.

You started Happy Homes not from ambition, but from a moment that deeply stirred you. Tell us about that turning point.

Honestly, it wasn’t planned. I was 42, a happy homemaker. My daughter was born when I was 38, and my life revolved around her and my family. During her school interview, when the principal asked her what her mother does, she said, “She watches TV and drinks chai.” That hit me hard. Not because I wasn’t doing enough, but because I wanted to be more — for her. That one sentence changed the course of my life. I wanted her to see me as a creator, a contributor, not just a caregiver. That was my spark.

And from there, how did Happy Homes take shape?

It began small — a kindergarten in Selaqui. Then one thing led to another. I set up a stall at an exhibition with some home linen, and a customer hugged me saying, “You make our homes happy.” That moment gave me my name: Happy Homes. I didn’t start with a blueprint. It was love, instinct, and the desire to create something that felt personal and warm. Just like a home.

Your store isn’t like a traditional setup. Why was it important to break that mold?

Because I don’t see my customers as “clients” — I see them as friends. When someone walks in, they should feel like they’ve come home. No dull counters, no stiff sales people. There’s a cozy corner for chai, and we talk. Laugh. Share stories. That vibe is everything. We sell comfort, so how can the experience be uncomfortable?

There’s a lot of talk around luxury being inaccessible. But your pricing model seems to have a beautiful philosophy.

Yes — my mantra is simple: “Prices should be like salt in your food — not too less, not too much.” I believe in fair pricing. Handwork takes time, skill, and patience. But it shouldn’t cost a fortune. I want people to use beautiful linen daily, not keep it locked away for guests. Every day with your family should feel special.

You’re reviving hand embroidery and working closely with artisans. How do you manage creative differences?

We don’t have any. I respect their skill, and I bring my vision. We meet halfway. I find inspirations on Pinterest or Instagram, we discuss, adapt, and co-create. It’s a partnership, not a hierarchy. My artisans are the soul of Happy Homes.

And your photography style — no filters, no disclaimers — that’s bold in a social-media obsessed world. Why so?

Because I trust my products. I don’t do color correction or fancy shoots. What you see is what you’ll get. No surprises. My photos are real because my brand is real. I want customers to know exactly what they’re bringing home — warmth, texture, color, truth.

You’re settled in Uttarakhand now, but your identity is pan-Indian. How do you see your role in the local ecosystem?

I may not be originally from Uttarakhand, but I live here and I give back here. I hire local staff, create employment and build connections. But I don’t limit myself to promoting only local crafts. I work with artisans across India — Rajasthan, Bengal, South India — because my heart belongs to India, not just one state. I don’t understand these boundaries. Beauty is everywhere.

You’ve gone global digitally — is a physical store abroad on the cards?

Not at the moment. I’m content. Expansion often changes the intimacy of a brand, and I don’t want to lose that. I want to grow in depth, not in square feet. If I can revive the love for embroidery, inspire people to make their homes happier, and stay true to myself — that’s success for me.

You’re over 50, running a successful business, full of energy and style. What would you say to women who feel it’s too late to start?

There is no age to start. Passion doesn’t come with a deadline. If you feel something spark inside you — follow it. I started at 45. And now at 50+, I feel younger, more driven, and more alive than ever. Your story isn’t over until you say it is.

In a world obsessed with fast trends and flashy marketing, Jyoti Singh Rathore reminds us of the power of purpose, patience, and personality. She doesn’t just curate decor — she curates joy. One embroidered napkin, one conversation, one cup of chai at a time.