What if the business idea you've been thinking about could become something much bigger than you ever imagined? For HGA member Spice Kitchen, it all began with a simple conversation around the family Christmas table.

In a special episode of re:WORKING with Tim Campbell, produced in partnership with Tesco Mobile, Spice Kitchen founders Sanjay Aggarwal and his mother Shashi share the remarkable story of how a retirement hobby became an award-winning business.

Joining Tim Campbell MBE, entrepreneur, business adviser and the first-ever winner of The Apprentice, the mother and son duo explore what it really takes to turn a passion into a paycheque, the importance of starting small and why it's never too late to try something new.

Every business has a beginning

A Christmas Conversation That Changed Everything

After spending 38 years running a shop alongside her husband, Shashi found that retirement wasn't quite as exciting as she'd hoped.

On Christmas Day, she asked her family what she could do to keep herself busy. Sanjay suggested selling the spice tins that her own mother had made in India, using the internet to see whether there might be a market for them.

By Boxing Day, they'd made their first sale.

What started as a way to keep Shashi occupied soon developed into something neither of them could have fully anticipated. That small family idea became Spice Kitchen, a business now recognised for its distinctive spice collections and beautifully presented gifts.

It's a brilliant reminder that not every business begins with a detailed plan, a large investment or a dramatic career change. Sometimes, it begins by giving an idea a chance.

Lessons from the interview

Starting Small, Dreaming Big

One of the central themes of the conversation with Tim is that starting a business doesn't have to mean immediately walking away from everything else.

Sanjay and Shashi explore the value of testing an idea before investing too heavily, allowing a business to develop naturally and recognising when the time might be right to commit to it more fully.

For anyone considering launching a brand, particularly in the home and gift industry, it's an encouraging message. You don't necessarily need to have every answer before getting started.

The discussion also touches on one of the biggest decisions many entrepreneurs face: knowing when to leave the security of a day job and dedicate themselves to building their own business.

It's a familiar challenge for founders who begin by juggling their business ambitions with existing work and family commitments.

Never too late

Why Age Should Never Be a Barrier to Trying Something New

Another particularly inspiring part of the episode is Shashi's outlook on learning and trying new things.

Now 75, she's still involved in the business and continuing to learn, proving that entrepreneurship isn't something reserved for people at the beginning of their careers.

Her story offers a refreshing perspective on retirement, ambition and the opportunities that can come from following an interest, whatever stage of life you're at.

And while Spice Kitchen may have started as a hobby, its growth demonstrates just how far a good idea can go when combined with enthusiasm, determination and a willingness to learn along the way.

Taking opportunities

From the Kitchen Table to National Recognition

Since that first Boxing Day sale, Spice Kitchen has gone on to achieve some remarkable milestones.

Its products are now stocked by major retailers including Selfridges, Whole Foods and Lakeland, alongside independent shops across the UK.

The family has also appeared on Dragons' Den and worked with the Hairy Bikers, taking their story and products to audiences far beyond their original online customers.

In the interview, Tim explores the importance of saying yes to opportunities that might initially feel daunting, and how stepping outside your comfort zone can become an important part of growing a business.

For independent brands, it's an especially relevant conversation. Whether it's approaching a major retailer, attending a trade show for the first time or taking part in a media opportunity, growth often involves doing something unfamiliar.

Family at the heart

Building a Business Together

Working with family can bring its own unique rewards and challenges, and it's another topic Sanjay and Shashi discuss with Tim.

The conversation explores what makes a family business successful, including the importance of understanding individual roles and allowing everyone to contribute their own strengths.

For Spice Kitchen, family isn't simply part of the brand's backstory. It's at the heart of how the business began and continues to develop.

That personal connection is also part of what makes the brand so memorable. Behind the colourful spice tins and gift collections is a genuine family story that customers and retailers can connect with.

An inspiring watch

A Conversation Worth Watching

Whether you're thinking about starting your own business, navigating the challenges of growth or simply looking for a little entrepreneurial inspiration, Sanjay and Shashi's conversation with Tim offers plenty to reflect on.

It's a story about family, finding purpose, taking chances and discovering that something which begins as a small idea can become a much bigger adventure.

And for the home and gift community, it's a wonderful example of how a distinctive product, a personal story and a willingness to embrace new opportunities can help a business grow.

Watch the full episode above to hear Sanjay and Shashi share their experiences in their own words.