Biography of Vinod Kulhari: Founder of SweeDesi- Entrepreneur
Biography of Vinod Kulhari:
Vinod Kulhari, a mechanical engineer turned entrepreneur,
co-founded SweeDesi, a brand focused on delivering traditional Indian sweets
and snacks. The idea for SweeDesi sparked when he and his wife, Dr. Suman
Choudhary, found themselves craving the delicious sweets from their hometown of
Jaipur while living in Pune. The long wait for deliveries during festive
seasons motivated Vinod to think of a more efficient way to bring these treats
to their doorstep.
The Entrepreneurial Spark
With a strong background in supply chain management from his
years in the automotive industry, Vinod realized he could leverage his
expertise to improve the delivery process for traditional sweets. He believed
that enhancing packaging and logistics could significantly reduce the time it
took to receive these beloved delicacies. Thus, the concept of SweeDesi was
born, aiming to create a platform for fast, reliable delivery of authentic
sweets.
Launching SweeDesi
SweeDesi Technologies was officially founded in December
2018 in Pune. Vinod began testing the delivery model by coordinating with local
vendors in Jaipur, ensuring that the sweets maintained their quality during
transit. Initial pilot runs were encouraging, prompting Vinod to refine his
processes and establish partnerships with reliable suppliers.
Successful Trials
During the trial phase, Vinod received positive feedback
from friends and family about the product quality and packaging. Customers
expressed a desire for more traditional sweets from various regions, prompting
him to expand the product offerings. This validation confirmed that there was a
market for a service like SweeDesi, inspiring Vinod to push forward with his
business plans.
Building Connections
To facilitate efficient deliveries, Vinod worked to
strengthen relationships with logistics providers and suppliers. He recognized
the importance of having good connections within the airline and cargo
industries to optimize transportation routes. Collaborating with industry
professionals, he secured agreements that would enable SweeDesi to operate
smoothly.
The 24-Hour Delivery Promise
SweeDesi adopted a unique 24-hour delivery model, ensuring
that sweets were delivered to customers within a day of preparation. This fast
service aimed to capture the essence of traditional sweets while making them
accessible to a wider audience. By focusing on hyperlocal deliveries, SweeDesi
sought to connect regional producers with customers eager for authentic
flavors.
Expanding Horizons
Initially focusing on Jaipur, Vinod gradually expanded
sourcing to include other cities known for their iconic sweets, such as Agra
and Mathura. This growth allowed SweeDesi to offer a wider array of regional
delicacies, all while ensuring that the products came from reputable vendors
known for their craftsmanship.
Navigating the Pandemic
As SweeDesi began to gain traction, the COVID-19 pandemic
struck, forcing the business to pause operations. However, Vinod used this time
to market SweeDesi through social media and WhatsApp, keeping customers
engaged. When restrictions eased in mid-2020, SweeDesi relaunched and received
enthusiastic support from customers eager for traditional sweets.
The Experience Store Concept
In an effort to enhance customer interaction, Vinod opened
an experience store near an IT hub in Kharadi, Pune. He believed that the
influx of diverse crowds would resonate with SweeDesi's offerings.
Unfortunately, the second wave of the pandemic led to another closure,
prompting a shift back to an online-only model.
Biography of Vinod Kulhari: Founder of SweeDesi- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/traditional Indian sweets/Vinod Kulhari story/SweeDesi story
Embracing Online Sales
With many customers still working from home, Vinod decided
to pivot SweeDesi's focus to an online business model. He developed a
user-friendly website and mobile app, but discovered that many customers
preferred ordering through WhatsApp. This insight guided his approach,
emphasizing the importance of convenience in the shopping experience.
Community Engagement
Vinod leveraged customer feedback and community connections
to grow SweeDesi's presence. Customers formed micro-groups to share their love
for SweeDesi, helping to connect the brand with new communities across Pune.
This grassroots marketing approach proved effective, generating substantial
interest and sales without external funding.
A Chance at Stardom
In a bold move to elevate the brand, Vinod and Suman applied
to a popular business reality show. After a rigorous selection process, they
made it to the final rounds, preparing for a four-day shoot in Mumbai. This
opportunity was not just a platform for visibility but a chance to showcase
their passion for traditional sweets and the innovative approach behind
SweeDesi.
A timeline for Vinod Kulhari and SweeDesi:
2018-12: Vinod and Suman co-found SweeDesi in Pune to
deliver traditional Indian sweets.
2019: Launches pilot deliveries, focusing on quality and
efficient logistics from Jaipur.
2020-03: COVID-19 pandemic forces a temporary pause;
marketing shifts to social media and WhatsApp.
2020-06: SweeDesi relaunches with strong customer support
after lockdown easing.
2021: Opens an experience store in Kharadi, Pune, but
reverts to online sales due to the second wave.
2021-09: Develops a user-friendly website and mobile app,
responding to customer preferences for WhatsApp orders.
2022: Engages with community feedback for grassroots
marketing, expanding brand presence.
2023: Applies to a popular business reality show, reaching
the final rounds for increased visibility.
