Meet the 21-year-old Malappuram student serving healthy breakfasts at dawn to fund her education

If you take an early morning stroll along the Puthoor Bypass in Malappuram, Kerala, you might spot a smiling 21-year-old serving chilled smoothies and nutrient-rich chia seed puddings to weary morning walkers. Afna Sherry, a resident of Randathani in Marakkara, has become a familiar face in the area after launching her unique food venture, Wholesome Bowl. What started as a modest morning setup has quickly turned into a favourite stopover for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious locals seeking a light, complete breakfast.

A fresh alternative to traditional morning fare
Moving away from heavy traditional breakfast options, Afna spotted a growing demand for clean, nutritious eating in her community. Her curated menu features avocado sandwiches, peanut butter sandwiches, overnight oats, chia seed puddings, and signature chilled smoothies. Every item is prepared without artificial colours, harmful ingredients, or refined sugar, relying solely on natural honey for sweetness. Interestingly, Afna mastered these recipes entirely through online tutorials and self-guided research.

Driven by self-reliance and pride
Behind the popular food stall lies a compelling story of determination and financial independence. Afna, a BA Sociology student at Mundaparamba College in Malappuram, was clear that she did not want to burden her family with her college fees. Resolved to fund her own degree, she decided to step into entrepreneurship. Her day starts long before sunrise at 4 am, when she cooks and packs everything freshly at home before transporting the items to her stall site.

Balancing books and breakfast
The stall operates from 6.15 am to 8.15 am on weekdays, ensuring Afna can wrap up business well in time for her morning lectures. On Sundays, operations extend until 10 am. Public response has been encouraging from day one, with Afna working 11 consecutive days without a single day off after opening. Supported wholeheartedly by her husband, Jabeer, and her family, Afna is determined to keep growing her business alongside her studies.