Biography of Deepa Muthukumarasamy: Founder and CRO of Some More Foods-Entrepreneur
Biography of Deepa Muthukumarasamy:
Deepa Muthukumarasamy’s journey into the food industry was
sparked by motherhood. After completing her Master’s degree in Foods and
Nutrition from Women’s Christian College in Chennai, she married in 2007 and
moved to Tirupur, Tamil Nadu. When her son was born in 2008, she began making
organic millet-based health mixes for him. Little did she know that these
homemade recipes would lead her to become a successful entrepreneur.
Crafting Healthy Mixes
As Deepa prepared nutritious mixes for her son, which
included ingredients like sprouted ragi and pulses, her family and neighbors
took notice. They were impressed by her commitment to hygiene and the quality
of her homemade products. Soon, requests began to pour in, and by 2009, she was
supplying health mixes to her growing circle of customers. This early success
motivated her to explore the idea of starting a business.
Identifying a Market Gap
Deepa realized that the existing baby food options on the
market were overly processed and laden with sugar. Understanding the needs of
parents who sought healthier alternatives, she conducted market research. This
led her to formally establish Some More Foods Pvt Ltd in 2013, focusing on
nutritious products that filled a critical gap in the baby food market.
Launching the First Product
Her first product was the Complete Health Mix, made from
millet and pulses, designed for all age groups. These millets, known for being
gluten-free and high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, positioned her
products as healthier alternatives. She partnered with a local organic store,
which helped distribute her products to around 200 stores across Tamil Nadu,
marking a significant milestone for her business.
Expanding the Product Line
With positive feedback from customers and pediatricians,
Deepa expanded her offerings. She created the First Spoon brand, dedicated to
providing ready-to-cook porridge mixes that were organic, sugar-free, and
preservative-free. As her product range grew, so did her reputation in the
market, and she began receiving monthly orders from pediatricians who endorsed
her products to new parents.
Building a Community
Deepa’s entrepreneurial spirit was further fueled by her
family’s legacy of business. Despite coming from a conservative background
where women typically managed household responsibilities, she was determined to
be financially independent. She learned the ropes of entrepreneurship by connecting
with local farmers to source quality ingredients, which further strengthened
her community ties.
Navigating Challenges
Initially, Deepa faced numerous challenges, from sourcing
raw materials to marketing her products. She began her business journey with
personal savings and small jobs like tutoring and selling clothes. This
experience taught her the importance of financial management and building a
sustainable business model, even while juggling family responsibilities.
Gaining Recognition
In 2017, Deepa attended a workshop by The IndUS
Entrepreneurs (TiE), which proved to be a game changer. This six-month program
provided her with mentorship and insights into business operations, branding,
and marketing. Armed with new skills and knowledge, she revamped her packaging
and branding, which made her products more appealing to retailers and consumers
alike.
Biography of Deepa Muthukumarasamy: Founder and CRO of Some More Foods-Entrepreneur/age/net worth/baby food market/Complete Health Mix/Deepa M
Weathering the Storm
The business thrived until the COVID-19 pandemic hit in
2020. Instead of succumbing to the crisis, Deepa pivoted her strategy. With
more people becoming health-conscious during the pandemic, she added new
products like millet pasta and noodles to her lineup, catering to changing
consumer preferences. Remarkably, she received her first export order during
this time, which opened new doors for her business.
Embracing Digital Tools
Deepa embraced digital tools to expand her reach and improve
customer engagement. By converting her website into an e-commerce platform, she
enhanced the visibility of her products. Utilizing social media for marketing,
she connected with customers more personally and gathered valuable feedback
that helped her refine her offerings.
Expanding Horizons
Today, Some More Foods offers a diverse range of
millet-based products, including noodles, pasta, cookies, and natural
sweeteners. Deepa’s commitment to quality means that all her products are
preservative-free and made with minimal processing, ensuring that they retain
their nutritional value. The brand has gained traction across pediatric
hospitals and organic stores, making healthy eating accessible to many.
Empowering Others
Deepa’s success is not just about personal achievement; she
aims to create a positive impact on her community. She plans to mentor and
support 500 micro-entrepreneurs over the next decade, sharing her knowledge and
experiences to help others establish sustainable businesses. Her vision is to
foster entrepreneurship among women, breaking traditional barriers.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Deepa is focused on scaling her operations
and enhancing product visibility in both domestic and international markets.
She is currently setting up a manufacturing plant in Tirupur, which will have a
daily production capacity of three tonnes. This expansion will allow her to
meet the growing demand for her innovative products.
Staying Grounded
Despite her achievements, Deepa remains grounded and
committed to her original mission of providing nutritious, high-quality food.
Her family has become increasingly supportive of her entrepreneurial journey,
reflecting a cultural shift in their views on women in business. She is
determined to inspire other women to pursue their passions, proving that
success is attainable with hard work and perseverance.
A Legacy of Health
Deepa Muthukumarasamy’s story is a testament to the power of
determination, innovation, and a desire to make a difference. Through Some More
Foods, she is not only reviving traditional food practices but also promoting
healthier eating habits for future generations. As her business continues to
grow, Deepa remains dedicated to her core values, ensuring that her products
enrich the lives of families across India.
A timeline of Deepa Muthukumarasamy’s journey with Some More
Foods:
2007 - Deepa completes her Master’s in Foods and Nutrition
and marries, moving to Tirupur.
2008 - After her son’s birth, she begins making organic
millet-based health mixes at home.
2009 - Demand grows as family and neighbors request her
health mixes, prompting her to consider a business.
2013 - Deepa establishes Some More Foods Pvt Ltd, addressing
a gap in the baby food market.
2013 - Launches the Complete Health Mix, partnering with a
local organic store to distribute her products.
2017 - Attends The IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE) workshop,
gaining mentorship and revamping her branding.
2020 - Adapts to COVID-19 by adding millet pasta and
noodles, receiving her first export order.
2023 - Expands product range to include diverse millet-based
products, focusing on domestic and international markets.
Future Aspirations - Plans to mentor 500 micro-entrepreneurs
and set up a manufacturing plant in Tirupur.
