{
  "id": 3545986,
  "title": "One dependent visa, 12 restaurants: The Indian entrepreneur who built a new life in US",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/one-dependent-visa-12-restaurants-the-indian-entrepreneur-who-built-a",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-26T16:51:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Mint",
    "slug": "live-mint",
    "url": "https://www.livemint.com/news/trends/one-dependent-visa-12-restaurants-the-indian-entrepreneur-who-built-a-new-life-in-us-11787756067790.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "An Indian entrepreneur, Lavanya Mahate, recounted her inspiring journey to becoming one of the successful restaurateurs in the US, despite landing there on a dependent visa 25 years ago. Mahate, the founder of Saffron Valley Restaurants, Bix Bakery & Café and RISE Culinary Institute, shared her story on Instagram, motivating many readers.\n\nAt first, Mahate arrived in the US unable to work and unsure of her place. However, she pushed herself through various activities, including volunteering, learning, building, and taking risks with new opportunities. She realized that much of her life was shaped by taking small steps, even when she couldn't see the entire path ahead.\n\nMahate faced self-doubt and setbacks, but she eventually found her true purpose as an entrepreneur by shifting her focus to the life that was calling her. She has achieved numerous milestones, including being named the Utah Business Person of the Year in 2024 and a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation's Outstanding Restaurateur award. Mahate also launched the RISE initiative to create opportunities for women in society.\n\nShe emphasized that her journey wasn't planned 25 years ago and that purpose isn't always found all at once. Instead, it's discovered by having the courage to keep growing and becoming. Mahate concluded her post by encouraging others to take the next step, even if the entire path isn't clear. Her words resonated with many, who praised her for her inspiring journey and the impact she has had on others.",
  "summary": "The woman who shifted from India to the US opened up about her journey of 25 years and how she found her purpose in life after some ‘soul searching.’ Her story has received a warm response from the internet.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}