Meet Monika Celly

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monika Celly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monika, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
For me, starting my business wasn’t just about food-it was about connection. Growing up in India, food was always more than nourishment; it carried culture, traditions, and love. When I moved to Colorado Springs, I realized there was so much curiosity about Indian cuisine, but also a gap in authentic, approachable ways to experience it. That’s what sparked Polka Dots & Curry.
My thought process was simple: I wanted to create something that blended two of my passions- teaching and cooking.I asked myself—how can I help people feel comfortable cooking Indian meals at home, while also sharing the deeper cultural stories behind the spices and traditions? That’s how I started with cooking classes. At the heart of it, my mission has always been about empowerment-empowering people to cook, to eat mindfully, and to see food as a joyful, cultural bridge. Every class, every spice blend, every event is about building community through food. Be it a cooking class, or the Indian Food Festival

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m most proud of creating a space where people feel welcomed, whether it’s through a cooking class, a spice blend, or a community event. Seeing someone taste chai they’ve made with my blend or watching a child light up at a cooking class-that’s what excites me the most.
Getting here wasn’t easy. Like many entrepreneurs, I faced self-doubt, limited resources, and the challenge of introducing something new in a community unfamiliar with it. But I leaned on creativity, resilience, and my belief that food has the power to bring people together. Each obstacle became a lesson: to trust my instincts, to grow step by step, and to never lose the ‘why’ behind my work.
What I want the world to know about Polka Dots & Curry is that it’s more than a cooking school. it’s a bridge. A bridge between cultures, between wellness and flavor, and between tradition and modern life. My story is one of blending, not just spices, but people, ideas, and experiences.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Colorado Springs for a week, I’d want them to experience the mix of nature, culture, and food that makes this place so special.
We’d start with the classics: Garden of the Gods for a morning hike among those incredible red rocks, then brunch at a cozy local spot downtown. One day would be dedicated to Pikes Peak,whether driving up or taking the Cog Railway,for breathtaking views that never get old.
I’d take them to Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs for strolling, shopping, and people-watching. A day trip to Glen Eyrie Castle or the Broadmoor would add that touch of Colorado elegance.
Evenings would be for food and fun: we would go to a few of our local favorite restaurants and of course, I’d cook them an Indian feast at home too. I’d also want to show them live music or a cultural event, since Colorado Springs has such a vibrant community spirit. Also, a day trip to Estes park depending upon what season they are visiting.
And because I love wellness, one day would be a slower pace-yoga, a visit to a local spa, and mindful meals to recharge.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people and influences behind my journey with Polka Dots & Curry. First and foremost, my parents who instilled in me a deep respect for Indian traditions and flavors, which inspires everything I do today.
I’m also incredibly grateful to the Colorado Springs community. From the very first cooking class I hosted in 2017, people welcomed me with open hearts and an eagerness to learn. Their support and word-of-mouth encouragement helped me grow from a small kitchen idea into community events.
Lastly, I’d like to recognize my family here – my husband & our boys.
So while I may be the face of Polka Dots & Curry, it’s really a shared story of family, community, and cultural connection.

Website: https://polkadotsandcurry.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/polkadotsandcurry

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