Biography of Parul Sharma: Founder and CEO of Gladful- Entrepreneur
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Parul Sharma's Journey to Gladful
A New Beginning:
Parul Sharma’s path to founding Gladful began with a
personal challenge. As a seasoned professional in the food industry with 15
years of experience at Mondelez International, she believed she had mastered
the art of nutrition. However, a routine health check-up for her child revealed
a significant protein deficiency. This moment of realization was a catalyst for
Parul, prompting her to rethink her family's diet and explore ways to enhance
its nutritional value.
Inspiration from Family: A Shared Struggle
Parul's brother Manu, a passionate foodie and accidental
chartered accountant, joined her in this quest. Manu had been navigating life
with diabetes and pancreatitis since childhood. Their shared experiences and
struggles with health issues inspired the creation of Gladful. The idea was
born from a genuine need to address protein deficiency, a challenge that they
both understood deeply.
Grandma’s Wisdom: A Timeless Insight
During their journey, Parul and Manu recalled their
grandmother’s wisdom. She had always emphasized the importance of protein and
had made sure they consumed sprouts daily. This traditional knowledge provided
a foundation for their venture, reinforcing the idea that solutions often lie
within our own kitchens.
Building Gladful: The Trial and Error Process
With their family’s wisdom as a guide, Parul and Manu
embarked on the journey of creating Gladful. They experimented with various
recipes and ingredients to develop a breakfast range that was both nutritious
and appealing. The process involved numerous trials and adjustments, but their
persistence paid off as they crafted products that combined taste with
essential protein content.
Core Values: Nutrition and Taste
Gladful was built on a core principle: to offer everyday
vegetarian foods that are rich in protein and fiber while avoiding harmful
ingredients like maida, trans fats, cholesterol, and refined sugar. This
commitment to health and quality became the brand’s hallmark and set it apart
in a crowded market.
A Leap of Faith: Leaving Corporate Life
In 2020, Parul made the bold decision to leave her
successful corporate career and dedicate herself to Gladful full-time. This
transition was a significant step, driven by her desire to address the
nutritional needs she had discovered and to make a meaningful impact on
families like hers.
Family Support and Initial Skepticism
Launching a new venture came with its share of challenges,
including skepticism from Parul and Manu’s parents. The decision to quit stable
jobs and pursue an entrepreneurial path was met with concern. Despite this,
Parul and Manu pressed on, driven by their vision and belief in Gladful’s
mission.
Biography of Parul Sharma: Founder and CEO of Gladful- Entrepreneur/Age/Net worth/ Parul Sharma story/Gladful story/protein-rich, vegetarian foods
Securing Investment: A Major Milestone
Gladful’s breakthrough came when it received a substantial
investment of Rs 50 lakh on the business reality show Shark Tank India.
Investors Aman Gupta, Amit Jain, and Namita Thapar recognized the potential of
Gladful and supported its mission to address protein deficiency in the urban
population. This endorsement was a significant boost for the brand.
The Power of Protein: Addressing a Hidden Challenge
Through Gladful, Parul and Manu aimed to tackle a widespread
but often overlooked issue: protein deficiency. Despite its critical role in
health, many people are unaware of how much protein they need and how to
incorporate it into their diets effectively. Gladful sought to bridge this gap
by offering tasty, protein-rich options for families.
Educational Efforts: Overcoming Myths and Misconceptions
One of Gladful’s major challenges was educating consumers
about protein. Many people held misconceptions about protein consumption, such
as it leading to weight gain or digestive issues. Parul and Manu worked
diligently to dispel these myths and inform parents about the importance of
adequate protein intake.
Developing Products: A Journey of Innovation
The product development process involved experimenting with
different ingredients like soy, whey, and various legumes. Parul and Manu
tested around 36 recipes to perfect the taste and nutritional profile of their
products. Their efforts resulted in a breakfast option that offers about six
grams of protein per serving, compared to just 0.8 grams in some market
alternatives.
Growing the Brand: Expanding Reach and Impact
Since its inception in December 2021, Gladful has
experienced remarkable growth, with an 8x increase in its reach and impact. The
founders are optimistic about the future and continue to work towards expanding
their brand and making a difference in the nutrition space.
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Balancing Family and Business: A Personal Touch
Balancing the demands of running a startup with family life
has been a significant aspect of Parul’s journey. Her motivation to create a
better, healthier future for her children and others drives her efforts. This
personal connection to the mission of Gladful adds a layer of authenticity and
dedication to the brand.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Lessons Learned
Parul’s entrepreneurial journey has taught her valuable
lessons about resilience and innovation. Starting a business from scratch
involves overcoming numerous obstacles and challenges, but the ability to adapt
and persevere is crucial. Her experience underscores the importance of passion
and commitment in achieving success.
Future Aspirations: Continuing the Mission
Looking ahead, Parul and Manu aim to continue their mission
of improving protein intake for families. They are dedicated to expanding their
product range and further educating consumers about the benefits of protein.
Their vision is to create a lasting impact on public health through their
innovative products.
A Legacy of Change: Making a Difference
Gladful represents more than just a business venture; it is
a testament to Parul and Manu’s commitment to improving lives through better
nutrition. Their journey reflects a deep desire to address a critical health
issue and to provide families with convenient, nutritious options. Through
Gladful, they are leaving a positive mark on the world.
A Final Reflection: Embracing the Challenge
Parul Sharma’s story is one of courage, innovation, and a
deep-seated commitment to making a difference. From her successful career at
Mondelez to founding Gladful, her journey highlights the power of turning
personal challenges into opportunities for change. Her experience serves as an
inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and a reminder of the impact one can have
by pursuing a meaningful mission.
Timeline of Parul Sharma’s Journey to Gladful:
Pre-2020 - 15 years at Mondelez International, expertise in
the food industry.
2020 - Discovered significant protein deficiency in her
child, prompting a reevaluation of family diet.
2020 - Decision to leave corporate career and co-found
Gladful with her brother Manu.
December 2021 - Launch of Gladful, focusing on protein-rich,
vegetarian foods.
2022 - Secured Rs 50 lakh investment on Shark Tank India
from Aman Gupta, Amit Jain, and Namita Thapar.
2024 - Gladful experiences significant growth, expanding its
reach and impact.
Future Aspirations - Continued mission to improve protein
intake and educate consumers on nutrition.
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