October letter from Barkha

It's always been hard to talk about what brought Cardoz Legacy into existence. Because while our origin story is full of love and gratitude… it started with grief. 

I have always been a hardworking, curious, and ambitious human being—ever since I was a little girl. I dreamed big things for myself, and didn’t want to settle for a life decided by others. I didn’t know what that life would look like, but I knew it wasn't going to be ordinary.

Then I married Floyd, and my dreams became his dreams, and our dreams as a family. I lost that part of me that was a feisty girl, as she grew into what was best for all of us as a whole.

But five years ago, my world was turned upside down. With Floyd’s passing, I didn’t even know how to breathe alone, let alone create new dreams for myself. Somehow, I got out of bed, stood up, and started looking for ways to honor Floyd and his memory.

Without realizing it,  I was also looking to find that feisty little girl inside myself again.

First, I decided that I needed to do what I knew—and that was to continue developing the masala recipes Floyd and I had started working on with Burlap & Barrel. And while there were some trials and tribulations, with imposter syndrome lurking at every turn, that feisty girl showed up and showed me the way. So many amazing human beings believed in me, too—believed that I had it in me not only to carry Floyd’s legacy forward, but that I could stand tall on my own, creating what I want to share with the world. 

This belief—from others and that growing part inside me—has shaped these last five years and given me the confidence to create all we have at Cardoz Legacy.

The masalas, the cookbook, the chocolate and chai, teaching cooking classes, hosting pop-up dinners… all of it happens because of the community that rallies, encourages, and supports it all.

So, sitting here five Octobers after we launched our first products, I can reflect and realize that even though the road has often felt so long and so slow, I have come a long way. That grief somehow turned into a motivation to do more… To create spaces of kindness and gratitude… To teach others about Indian flavors and pay it forward by donating a portion of our masala products to help others.

So whether you’re here in a spirit of grief or gratitude today (or if you’re just here for cooking tips!), I’m genuinely thankful for your presence.

If these last five years have taught me anything, it’s that community is everything. That showing up for ourselves and each other matters the most when we’re feeling almost knocked out for the count. That even the small things—the phone calls, the emails, the quick visits, the outstretched hands—can feel transformative to someone who’s struggling to just get through the day… or to bring their wildest dreams to fruition. 

Thank you for being part of this community—and any community. For one week, one year, or these last five. Let’s keep the good things going, together.

With love (and masalas) from Barkha 

Over the last five years, we have donated $1 from every jar of Cardoz Legacy masalas sold online to non-profit and community-based organizations. With your support, tens of thousands of dollars have been donated to groups including:

Thank you!