Parul Chauhan, was born in Kenya, her family moved to UK in 1970 when she was 2 years old. Her father and mother, Purshottam and Lilawati Sachdev, started a business in 1972 called Ashton-Sweet-Mart. A small, sweet shop, selling Indian groceries. Parul’s Mum made delicious savouries and desserts. Her brothers joined the business and she worked there from age of 6. As time progressed, they moved to a premises known as ASM Cash & Carry. Everyone worked united as a family, a tradition installed in them as children.
Her nephew wished to open a restaurant, hence Lily’s Vegetarian Indian cuisine. Her dad lovingly called her mother Lily, the name represents the loving legacy she left behind. They have won several awards and recently opened their new Lily’s Deli in Chorlton. She has also started a Freedom Formula coaching business to help those who are living in fear, help them see they have a voice and can speak up.
1 Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
I feel most at home in Manchester, as I have grown up, studied and lived here since the age of 2. It has everything, it is a vibrant city that I love.
2 What are your proudest achievements?
One of my proudest achievements is the birth of my 3 daughters (the eldest is my favourite). Another is the pride I take in the awards we have worked hard to achieve for Lily’s, such as Best Vegetarian Restaurant in the North West.
3 What inspires you?
I am inspired by life. There is so much that we can do and we can achieve anything we want. Having experienced difficult times where I thought this wasn’t possible, I am now inspired to help others as I have found my own freedom and voice.
4 What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
At times, others did not support or have faith in my ideas, and this was a limitation for a long time. Luckily now I am stronger and am following my dreams.
5 Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
The biggest influence has been both of my parents. Together they were a high driving force in the family and business and provided strong teachings for the family to learn from.
6 What is the best aspect about your current role?
In Lily’s as a manager and in my coaching business, I get to meet lots of lovely people with lots of different stories to tell.
7 And the worst?
There is no such thing as ‘worst’, because even with contrast we can always learn new things.
8 What are your long-term goals?
To have Lily’s branches all across the country. In my coaching, to help countless women find their freedom and voice, to build them up and provide a support system for them.
9 If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I will decide that when I get there!
10 If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
I would love to spend time with Shirdi Sai Baba, as his teachings of faith, patience and humanity refer to the basics of what it is to be a kind human. They provide valuable insight to the lives we live.
