Finding the Courage to Begin Again: Meet the Founder of Unmatched Club
A STORY FROM THE LADIES OF CORDEZA
In the heart of Hertfordshire, Unmatched Club has become more than just a cafe. Known for its vibrant matcha creations and nourishing açai bowls, it’s a place where community and ambition intersect. Behind it all is Manisha, a mother, entrepreneur and living proof that it’s never too late to try something new.
So where did it all begin?
After her parents moved to the UK from India, Manisha describes her upbringing as deeply rooted in family and culture, recalling them as strict but fair while instilling values of generosity and togetherness. "They very quickly adapted to the needs of this country and how their children would fit in."
“They taught me to respect other people, to help others and not always to receive it in return.”
Manisha embodies these values today, installing both resilience and strength in her approach to entrepreneurship; it was an upbringing grounded in discipline, but more importantly, in values that would later become the backbone of her business and her character.
The reality of building something meaningful is rarely as effortless as it may appear. Running a successful cafe might look glamorous from the outside, but Manisha is candid about the reality.
“I work 6-7 days a week. There is no time to switch off, I’m always thinking about staff, what new drinks are needed and how marketing can be improved.” It’s a constant mental loop, one familiar to anyone who has built something from the ground up. The work continues after the doors close and yet, her most important role begins when the workday ends.
Balancing motherhood and a business, proven by a multitude of female entrepreneurs today, is possible, but it doesn’t come without compromise. Manisha shares the difficulty in balancing both motherhood and entrepreneurship. “I don’t have much time in the day, so it is important that I make sure to put my phone away and put my business thoughts aside and prioritise cooking in the evenings to allow for quality time with my two daughters."
Many people view motherhood, especially single parenting as a barrier to entrepreneurship, but Manisha has transformed it into a powerful source of motivation and inspiration.
“There is nothing more precious to me than making my children proud, knowing they know the journey I’ve been on. I want them to be proud. I’m inspired by them everyday. I’m inspired by their resilience, their happiness, their ability to call out what’s right and wrong and the time we have together.”
Her position as a role model to her two girls extends to other women who look to pursue a life goal or are afraid to start due to the fear of change, failure or an overload of responsibility. Her advice isn’t trying to reach perfection but rather is refreshingly direct:
“Any women who are unsure about their life and who they are, or unsure about starting something, never live with regret. If you have got the means to do it, do it, because you will always wonder what if. What if is a killer, because you can’t take anything away with you when you die. We should take those risks, risks are meant to be made to be taken. Sometimes we over think things. We just need to put our foot in the door and we just need to make a start. “
Alongside Manisha’s drive is a mindset that embraces both the highs and the challenges of entrepreneurship. Being a founder means learning to navigate both praise and pressure. Not everyone will support your journey, and criticism, fair or not, is inevitable. But the difference between those who stagnate and those who grow, lies in how that resistance is received. The most successful entrepreneurs don’t shy away from opposition; they use it as fuel for progress. Manisha embodies this mindset fully.
“I’m a lover of constructive criticism.”
“We should learn to deal with challenges as lessons learnt. What has it taught you?”
Manisha’s outlook shows strength, transforming setbacks into stepping stones and challenges into catalysts for growth.
What’s a mantra, quote, or lesson that guides you right now as you enter a new chapter in your life?
‘Shit happens. Shit happens in life. It's okay to lash out and do whatever makes yourself feel better, to recognise your own feelings and to know when you’re going through something. As we move on and go into new chapters of our life, I think it is important to acknowledge that we’re learning life lessons and these are extremely valuable in shaping the next actions we make.”
Surround yourself with people who will hold you accountable, tell you the truth and not always champion you. You want people who want the best things for you. Give yourself time to breathe, to love and enjoy every single day.
If you could give one piece of advice to other women/mothers looking for change in their life, what would it be?
When you’re at your lowest or looking to change an element of your life, just do it. Don’t think about it. As women we have such amazing abilities to juggle so many things at once. Simply put one leg in front of the other and walk towards your goals.”
“I am actually really proud of myself. At the age of 42 I came back to myself. I have flourished, I have sacrificed and I have moved forward.” And in doing so, Manisha hasn’t just created a café, but a reminder that it is never too late to begin again.
Find out more from Manisha and Unmatched Club here