In 2021, as the world grappled with the pandemic, I found myself at crossroads. The lockdowns and restrictions imposed a pause on my career as an educationist and motivational speaker, prompting me to explore new avenues. This exploration led me back to my long-held interest in natural products. The decision to create soaps using aloe vera from my own garden and other natural ingredients was initially a way to engage my time productively. It quickly became apparent that these homemade products had potential beyond personal use. The positive feedback I received from friends and colleagues was the nudge I needed to venture into the world of business with Athveda Herbals.
Athveda Herbals’ initial product range focused on handmade soaps, utilizing natural ingredients like neem and aloe vera. As the business grew, so did our product line. We expanded into shampoos, recognizing the popularity. Our approach to manufacturing evolved as well. We had initially considered in-house production but eventually decided to collaborate with third-party manufacturers, allowing us to focus on product development and quality control. This strategic decision enabled us to maintain high-quality standards while scaling up our operations.
My association with the Walmart Vriddhi program began in April 2022 and marked a significant milestone in Athveda Herbals’ growth. The program offered more than just business insights; it transformed the way I approached product refinement, placement, and marketing. As a Ph.D. in management and a law graduate, I was no stranger to learning, but the Walmart Vriddhi program offered a different dimension of education – one that was practical, hands-on, and immediately doable.
Our involvement in Walmart Vriddhi’s initiatives, including the MSME summit in New Delhi and various webinars provided invaluable lessons in online business operations. This deep understanding helped us to double our revenue and expand our product range significantly. Before joining Walmart Vriddhi, we had about 8 to 10 SKUs, today this number has increased to around 20, including our expanding range of handmade soaps and organic shampoos.
The program also emphasized the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. Through various webinars and interactive sessions, I was constantly exposed to new ideas and perspectives, fuelling my ambition to grow and evolve Athveda Herbals.
The biggest leap for Athveda Herbals post Walmart Vriddhi was our foray into the digital marketplace. The program’s emphasis on eCommerce platforms led to our successful onboarding on Flipkart. This was a new sales channel and a gateway to a national audience.
Our presence on Flipkart catapulted us from a local brand to a name recognized across India, leading to regular orders, and simultaneously expanding our customer base.
Athveda Herbals stands out in the herbal cosmetics and supplements market for its unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability. Our products, ranging from handmade soaps to red onion shampoos, are crafted with the utmost care, ensuring they meet the highest standards of purity and effectiveness. This dedication to quality has earned us a loyal customer base and sets us apart as a brand that truly cares about its impact on both people and the planet.
Our product line at Athveda Herbals currently boasts of different flavors of handmade soaps, several shampoos, and we are now venturing into organic face washes. Maintaining a commitment to organic and handmade products has been central to our ethos.
The product range, along with the skills and insights gained from the Walmart Vriddhi program, has allowed us to enhance our product presentation and marketing, resulting in a consistent increase in sales and a growing base of repeat customers.
As I reflect on the journey of Athveda Herbals, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the past and excitement about the future. The resilience and innovation shown throughout this journey, catalyzed by the support and learning from the Walmart Vriddhi program, have set the stage for continued growth and expansion. Our focus remains on crafting high-quality, sustainable products that resonate with our customers, and we are constantly exploring new opportunities to expand our product range and reach.
