Biography of Supriya Donthi: Founder and CEO of Leafy Affair- Entrepreneur
Biography of Supriya Donthi:
Supriya Donthi's journey began with a deep-rooted love for
nature, which has been a constant in her life since childhood. Growing up, she
often helped her mother in the garden, fostering a fascination with plants that
would later shape her career. This lifelong passion inspired her to establish
Leafy Affair, a brand that celebrates the beauty of nature through innovative
products. Launched in June 2016, Leafy Affair was born out of Supriya's desire
to bring people closer to nature in a fashionable and meaningful way.
Academic Foundations
Supriya’s academic background laid the groundwork for her
entrepreneurial endeavors. She pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Business
Management with a focus on Marketing from Symbiosis Centre for Distance
Learning and later participated in the WSP 3.0 program at the Indian Institute
of Management Bangalore (IIMB). This education equipped her with the necessary
skills and insights to navigate the complexities of starting and managing a
business in a competitive environment.
Professional Experience
Before founding Leafy Affair, Supriya gained valuable
experience in project management. She worked with companies like BioQuest
Solutions and MedTrix Healthcare, where she honed her skills in planning,
coordination, and resource management. Her roles involved overseeing project
deliverables, managing timelines, and working with vendors, all of which
prepared her for the challenges of entrepreneurship. This diverse experience
allowed her to develop a comprehensive understanding of business operations.
The Birth of Leafy Affair
The idea for Leafy Affair emerged from Supriya’s love for
botany and her desire to create something unique. She envisioned a brand that
would combine aesthetics and functionality, offering products that reflect the
serene beauty of nature. With an initial investment of just INR 25,000, she set
out to craft a niche for herself in the lifestyle market, focusing on preserved
botanical jewelry and decor that tells a story.
Crafting a Unique Brand
Leafy Affair is India’s first preserved botanical lifestyle
brand, specializing in handcrafted jewelry made from real flowers, seeds, and
plants. Each piece is designed to capture the essence of nature, allowing
customers to wear a piece of the earth’s beauty. Supriya’s attention to detail
is evident in every product, which is not only visually stunning but also rich
in narrative, reflecting the journey of the botanicals used.
Expanding the Product Line
Starting with terrarium jewelry, Leafy Affair has expanded
its offerings to include stationery and plans to delve into home decor.
Supriya's vision is to create a comprehensive lifestyle brand that embraces the
beauty of nature in various forms. Each product is meticulously crafted,
ensuring that the natural elements are preserved and showcased in a way that
highlights their uniqueness.
The Power of Nature
Supriya believes that nature has the power to heal and
inspire. By creating products that embody this philosophy, she aims to foster a
deeper connection between people and the environment. Her brand serves as a
reminder of the beauty that surrounds us, encouraging individuals to appreciate
and celebrate nature in their daily lives.
Building a Community
Leafy Affair is not just a brand; it’s a community of nature
lovers who appreciate the artistry of preserved botanicals. Supriya encourages
her customers to share their experiences with Leafy Affair products, fostering
a sense of belonging among those who cherish nature. This community-driven
approach has helped the brand cultivate loyal customers who resonate with its
mission and values.
Biography of Supriya Donthi: Founder and CEO of Leafy Affair- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/botany/gardening/Supriya Donthi story
Achieving Recognition
The brand's visibility skyrocketed after its appearance on
Shark Tank India, where it captured the attention of both investors and the
audience. The exposure led to a surge in website traffic, with the platform
averaging 7,000 daily views and 1,500 monthly orders. Supriya’s entrepreneurial
spirit and her commitment to quality have earned Leafy Affair recognition in the
competitive D2C market.
Financial Growth and Projections
Leafy Affair has seen impressive growth since its inception, with a turnover of INR 1.1 crore in the fiscal year 2021-2022. Supriya has ambitious plans for the future, projecting a turnover of INR 3 crore for the fiscal year 2022-2023. Her focus on expanding product lines and enhancing customer experiences positions the brand for continued success in the coming years.
Navigating Challenges
Starting a business is never without its challenges, and
Supriya has faced her share. The intricacies of sourcing botanicals, many of
which are imported, have required careful planning and resource management.
However, Supriya's resilience and determination have allowed her to navigate
these hurdles and turn them into opportunities for growth and innovation.
A Sustainable Approach
Leafy Affair emphasizes sustainability by using eco-friendly
materials and practices in its production processes. Supriya is committed to
minimizing the environmental impact of her brand while providing customers with
high-quality, unique products. This dedication to sustainability resonates with
a growing number of consumers who prioritize eco-conscious choices.
Looking Ahead
With plans to introduce a new home decor brand and expand
the range of products available, Supriya is excited about the future of Leafy
Affair. Her vision includes opening an offline store in Bangalore, which would
allow customers to experience the brand in person and explore the beauty of
nature through its products.
The Essence of Leafy Affair
At its heart, Leafy Affair is about more than just jewelry;
it is about storytelling and connecting with nature. Each piece crafted by
Supriya carries a narrative, a reminder of the beauty that exists in the world.
As the brand continues to grow, it aims to inspire others to embrace their love
for nature and express it through unique, meaningful products.
A Legacy in the Making
Supriya Donthi's journey as a nature-loving entrepreneur
exemplifies the power of passion and perseverance. Through Leafy Affair, she
has created a brand that not only reflects her love for the environment but
also fosters a community of like-minded individuals. As she works towards her
goals, Supriya remains committed to building a legacy that celebrates the
ethereal beauty of nature, one exquisite piece at a time.
Timeline for Supriya Donthi's Journey
Childhood: Developed a love for nature while gardening with
her mother.
June 2016: Launched Leafy Affair, inspired by her passion
for botany.
IIMB Participation: Joined the WSP 3.0 program for
entrepreneurial insights.
Pre-Leafy Affair Experience: Gained project management
skills at BioQuest Solutions and MedTrix Healthcare.
2016-2020: Crafted a unique brand with preserved botanical
jewelry and decor.
Shark Tank Appearance: Gained national visibility,
significantly increasing customer engagement.
2021-2022: Achieved a turnover of INR 1.1 crore, marking
strong business growth.
2022-2023 Projections: Aiming for a turnover of INR 3 crore
with expanded product lines.
2024: Intent to launch a home decor brand and open a
physical store in Bangalore.
