Introduction:
After my schooling from Almora (Uttarakhand), I graduated with BTech in Electronics and Telecommunication from Pune. I also did Diploma course in Network Securities and a PG diploma in Import Export Management from Pune. Pursuing my love for Mother Nature and penchant for scents, I did Post Graduate Diploma in Aroma Technologies. I like designing too. So, to keep it alive I haven’t hired anyone for the designs required for our products, website etc. Aromazeia is an initiative taken in July 2015 to bring people closer to the benefits of nature through this product. We have blended this excellence of nature with our expertise thus providing you with the most effective product.
What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture? My family has been in the field of manufacturing essential oils, aromatherapy oils & attar since 1911. Born into a family involved in manufacturing business of essential oils and attars for more than 100 years,I grew up amid flowers and fragrances. Somehow, I always felt connected to nature. It has hidden treasures that need to be unearthed and made available to the common mass. The idea of getting Aromazeia in frame started with our first product “Aromazeia Pain Relief Oil”, which has its own story. Almost 16 years back, my father met with an accident and broke his shoulder that caused unbearable pain even after the plaster had been removed. After trying all kind of solutions and pain killers, he decided to make a pain relief oil on his own. His dexterity and excellent domain knowledge finally resulted in him making a perfect blend of oils. The oil not only did wonders as pain relief to him, but also, to our friends and relatives. The feedback was amazing and the oil was a runaway success in its own way. We had been distributing this product for free for a long time and after getting positive reviews from the people using it, we chose it to be the flag ship product of our company and decided to get into its mass production to make it accessible to people all over. Thus, started my new venture.
How has been your entrepreneurial journey been so far? It took three long years of struggle, hard word & patience to get everything on board. When things got sorted and there was just a month left for the launch, I realized that I was having some issues while walking. My parents took me to the doctor who advised me to leave all the work and get hospitalized at once. With only a month to go, a lot of work had to be put in for the launch. And all of sudden I was forced into 3 months bed rest. I felt like I have been caged. This period of gloom was over soon as it decided to take it as a challenge. I made a promise to myself that come what may; I am not going to give up and re-schedule the launch of our brand. I kept working from the hospital. My mom, dad and my entire family have always been the biggest source of strength I have. I was well supported by my team. And as we say, hard work always pays. It paid off quiet well. We launched the product as scheduled and advertisements were all over the city. And within a few months I recovered completely. Sometime, when things don’t seem to be in favor, it’s our will power that turns the table. And finally, that is what matters.
What all challenges did you face and what were your strategies to overcome them? Quite a few, I must say. To give our products a pollution free environment we decided to establish the manufacturing unit in Uttarakhand. This was one of the biggest challenges for us. It took a lot of time to set up the unit and get the drug license for our products. Another one was unavailability of resources, which is due to the place I belong. Being a small town, it has its own challenges in terms of supply and networking. There are certain things where you just can’t compromise, especially when it comes to Branding, you have to take care of a lot of things.
Please share your future goals? Our vision is to make people aware of the abundance of treasure Mother Nature holds for us and ensure that the affection is spread all across the globe as nature’s gift in the form of Aromazeia.
What are your new products you are coming up with? After our pain relief oil, which has been a runaway success, we are ready with a range of essential oils, aromatherapy blends, absolutes and floral waters. Soon we’ll be up with more products required for our daily needs.
Did you face any financial challenges whilst starting Aromazeia? No, and yes!! No, because I had and continue to have my father’s support throughout. And yes because, purposefully, I was given a low budget. In a start-up, money management is one of the most important aspects what could make or mar the project. I was given a very limited budget in which I had to manage everything, be it advertisement, website, ad shoots and everything else.
What piece of advice would you like to give to the aspiring youth who wish to pursue their dream of becoming an entrepreneur? Come out of your comfort zone. Take risk. Make mistakes. No teacher, no management school can ever teach you better than your own mistakes. Let your imperfections make you perfect.
What are your views and opinions towards the ambiguous need to promote women entrepreneurship and women empowerment in India? For me, more than women empowerment it’s about empowerment of an individual. Every individual should be given equal rights and equal opportunities, whether it’s a woman, man or transgender. Gender inequality in one of the biggest issues developing countries are facing. Opportunities should be given on the bases of a person’s caliber, and not gender.
According to you, what are the top three essential skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? - First and the most important, your love for your work. If you enjoy doing your job, you will never get bored of it.
-Believe in yourself and have faith in your dreams.
-Don’t fear failure. Give your best and keep trying.
Words for IWIL.
I really appreciate IWIL for finding my story worth enough to get inspired from. Thanks a lot. You are doing a great job. Keep up the good work.
