Raised in a family with an artistic heritage in Jaipur, my early years were spent in various cities, each contributing to my growing understanding of different cultures. This blend of cultural experiences shaped my outlook on life and fostered a deep appreciation for artistic expression. These diverse influences played a crucial role in my entrepreneurial path. My background, rich in art and community values, later became a vital part of my business journey. It was during my travels around the world as a yoga teacher in 2017 that I encountered various health and wellness trends, sparking a crucial realization about a largely ignored issue in India – menstrual health and hygiene.
I first met Martha, my UK-based friend, during a community workshop in Jaipur. Our shared interest in sustainable practices and women’s health issues laid the foundation for a collaboration that transcended geographical boundaries.
It was from this connection, rooted in the vibrant community of Jaipur and extending to Martha’s perspectives from the UK, that Sanitree was born.Our idea was simple yet impactful: to create eco-friendly, cloth-based menstrual pads, merging traditional Indian craftsmanship with insights from our international experiences.
Launching Sanitree certainly had its challenges. In a society where menstruation is often veiled in misconception, our initial efforts to educate and spread awareness were met with resistance and scepticism. Despite these hurdles, our commitment to the cause only grew stronger. We conducted workshops, engaged with local communities, and slowly started changing perceptions about menstrual health.
The partnership with the Walmart Vriddhi program marked a turning point for Sanitree. The program provided us with more than just business insights; it offered a comprehensive framework to scale our vision. Under the mentorship of Walmart Vriddhi experts, we learned to refine our business model, focusing on sustainable growth and scalability. We re-evaluated our operational strategies, streamlining processes to improve efficiency.
The insights we gained from the Walmart Vriddhi program were pivotal in understanding market dynamics and consumer behaviour, especially in the realm of digital expansion. Leveraging online marketing and eCommerce platforms, we were able to significantly broaden our reach, connecting with customers across India and beyond. This was particularly impactful as our primary audience—local communities often marginalized in terms of menstrual health education and resources—gained access to our eco-friendly cloth pads through these digital channels.
Platforms like Flipkart, with their strong penetration in tier 2 and 3 cities, played a crucial role in this expansion, making our products accessible to a wider audience in areas traditionally underserved by eCommerce. This shift was crucial in aligning our product development and quality control with market needs and customer expectations, ensuring our cloth pads were not only eco-friendly but also resonated with the broader market.
The impact of the program on Sanitree was profound and multi-dimensional. We witnessed a remarkable 25% increase in business compared to the previous year. Our online presence grew, allowing us to reach diverse markets and demographics. But beyond these numbers, the real success of Sanitree lay in its social impact.
Our enhanced training programs not only educated women and girls about menstrual hygiene but also included men and boys, broadening our reach, and deepening our community impact. This inclusive approach emphasized the importance of shared understanding and support across all genders, making our message stronger and more resonant. The employment of more women workers not only fostered economic empowerment but also uplifted communities, fostering a broader impact on societal well-being. These women have now become advocates for menstrual health, inspiring others and breaking long-held taboos.
Our enhanced training programs not only educated women and girls about menstrual hygiene but also included men and boys, broadening our reach, and deepening our community impact. This inclusive approach emphasized the importance of shared understanding and support across all genders, making our message stronger and more resonant. The employment of more women workers not only fostered economic empowerment but also uplifted communities, fostering a broader impact on societal well-being. These women have now become advocates for menstrual health, inspiring others and breaking long-held taboos.
As I look to the future, my vision for Sanitree goes beyond mere business growth. It’s about creating an ecosystem where menstrual health is not just a conversation but a fundamental right. I envision Sanitree as a beacon of empowerment, sustainability, and social change.
With the continued support and mentorship from the Walmart Vriddhi program, I am confident in our ability to scale new heights. Our focus will be on innovating further, expanding our product line, and reaching out to more communities. I see Sanitree not just as a business, but as a movement – one that champions eco-friendly menstrual solutions and empowers women, one pad at a time.
