Biography of Asha V M: Founder & CEO of Nutricook- Entrepreneur
Biography of Asha V M:
Asha V M, a passionate entrepreneur from Hyderabad, has made
significant strides in the cookware industry as the co-founder of Nutricook
India. Her journey is marked by a commitment to health and wellness, aiming to
revolutionize how people prepare their meals. Featured on Shark Tank India
Season 2, Asha’s innovative approach to cooking has captured the attention of
many, turning her vision into a thriving business.
The Birth of Nutricook
Nutricook India specializes in creating unique cookware that
operates without the need for oil and water. Made from high-quality 316L
surgical steel, this cookware allows home chefs to preserve essential nutrients
in their food, making meals healthier and more flavorful. Asha’s mission is
clear: to make nutritious cooking easy and accessible for everyone, thereby
enhancing the quality of meals across households.
From Education to Entrepreneurship
Asha’s educational background began at BES School in
Hyderabad, where she developed a strong foundation in both academics and
extracurricular activities. This early education ignited her curiosity and
entrepreneurial spirit. After her schooling, Asha ventured into the corporate
world, where she gained experience that would prove invaluable in her future
endeavors.
Building Experience
Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey with
Nutricook, Asha worked at Recall Ancient Solutions as a Business Development
Manager. Here, she honed her skills in strategy and management, learning the
ins and outs of running a business. This role provided her with critical
insights into market dynamics and customer needs, equipping her with the tools
necessary to launch her own venture.
Early Career Challenges
Asha’s early career included a role as an HR assistant at
Suraj Diamonds & Jewellery, where she was responsible for managing HR
activities for a workforce of over 1,500 employees. This experience taught her
about organizational management and the importance of effective communication.
Balancing the diverse needs of employees in a large company was challenging,
but it also sharpened her problem-solving skills and prepared her for the
complexities of running her own business.
A Mission for Nutrition
The inspiration behind Nutricook was rooted in Asha’s desire
to address malnutrition and promote better cooking methods. She was motivated
by the ancient cooking techniques she discovered during her work with
foreign-based companies. Realizing the potential of oil-less and water-less
cooking to enhance health, Asha set out to make these methods accessible and
affordable to Indian households.
Facing Obstacles
Launching Nutricook was not without its challenges. Asha
faced difficulties in sourcing the right technology and raw materials. With
limited suppliers for the specialized cookware, costs became a significant
hurdle. However, Asha’s determination led her to seek out local distributors,
which helped manage expenses while still maintaining high-quality standards for
her products.
Shark Tank Spotlight
The turning point for Nutricook came when Asha participated
in Shark Tank India. This platform provided her with a unique opportunity to
present her product to a national audience. Securing investment from Ms.
Vineeta Singh not only boosted her company’s visibility but also validated her
business model. The exposure from the show generated significant interest in
Nutricook, resulting in increased orders from across India.
Recognitions and Awards
Asha’s leadership has not gone unnoticed. Nutricook has
received several prestigious awards, including the Innovative Product award
from MSME and the Women Leadership Award from Hybiz TV. These accolades
celebrate Asha’s impact on the cookware industry and her commitment to
empowering others through healthy cooking practices.
Expanding Horizons
Asha’s ambition extends beyond the Indian market.
Nutricook’s products are now available in international markets, including the
USA, UK, and parts of Europe. Asha envisions making her cookware more
affordable in Dubai, where demand is high, and is also exploring potential
markets in Africa, especially given the growing need for healthier cooking
options.
Biography of Asha V M: Founder & CEO of Nutricook- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/oil-less and water-less cookware/Nutricook story
An Inspiring Community
Asha is not just focused on her business; she actively
engages with her community. She frequently speaks at colleges and participates
in organizations like eMERG and BYST, where she shares her entrepreneurial
journey. Asha’s efforts to empower women through job training and opportunities
in the cookware industry reflect her commitment to social change and economic
development.
Keerthana’s Story
Another inspiring figure in the realm of health-focused
entrepreneurship is Keerthana V, who founded 9Nutz. Her journey began during
her recovery from COVID-19, when she discovered the health benefits of
millet-based meals. This experience motivated her to create a business centered
around nutritious, millet-based products, aiming to promote healthier eating
habits among her customers.
A Focus on Health
Keerthana’s passion for nutrition aligns with the growing
awareness of the health benefits associated with millets, especially after the
declaration of the International Year of Millets. Her venture, 9Nutz, focuses
on creating delicious and accessible millet-based foods, catering to families
looking for healthier alternatives to traditional junk food.
Overcoming Challenges
Like Asha, Keerthana faced her share of challenges in
establishing her brand. Financial constraints were a significant hurdle, as was
the task of convincing consumers to embrace a fresh, natural product in a
market dominated by longer-lasting, preservative-filled options. Keerthana’s
resilience and dedication to educating consumers about the benefits of natural
foods became key to her success.
Embracing Freshness
Keerthana believes in the importance of educating consumers
about the advantages of fresh, natural foods. She emphasizes that her
millet-based products are not only healthy but also delicious, aiming to change
the perception of healthy eating. By promoting her offerings as tasty
alternatives to junk food, she hopes to inspire families to make better dietary
choices.
Building a Sustainable Future
Looking ahead, Keerthana plans to expand her product line
and increase production capacity, aiming to create over 1,000 jobs in the
process. Her commitment to sustainability and health drives her mission to make
nutritious food more accessible to a broader audience, contributing to the
overall well-being of society.
A New Approach to Nutrition
Dr. T Neelima, another innovative entrepreneur, founded
Cocotang, focusing on offering exclusive tender coconut milkshakes. Her journey
began when she realized the health benefits of coconut water during her
pregnancy. Inspired by her experience, she aims to provide nourishing and
refreshing beverages that celebrate natural ingredients.
A Collective Vision
Together, Asha, Keerthana, and Neelima represent a growing
movement in India toward better nutrition and healthy living. Their stories
inspire many to embrace innovative solutions that prioritize health and
wellness. Through their entrepreneurial journeys, they are making a lasting
impact on the food landscape, encouraging others to adopt healthier lifestyles
and celebrate the power of nutritious cooking.
A timeline for Asha's story and the associated
entrepreneurs:
2021 - Asha co-founds Nutricook India, focusing on oil-less
and water-less cookware.
2022 - Asha gains experience in business development and HR,
preparing for entrepreneurship.
March 2023 - Nutricook appears on Shark Tank India, gaining
national visibility.
April 2023 - Secures investment from Vineeta Singh, leading
to increased orders.
June 2023 - Nutricook receives the Innovative Product award
from MSME.
September 2023 - Expands product availability to
international markets (USA, UK, Europe).
October 2023 - Asha engages with community initiatives to
empower women.
2022-2023 - Keerthana V establishes 9Nutz, focusing on
millet-based products post-COVID recovery.
2023 - Keerthana promotes health benefits of millets,
overcoming market challenges.
2023 - Dr. T Neelima launches Cocotang, offering tender
coconut milkshakes inspired by her pregnancy experience.
2024 - Asha, Keerthana, and Neelima collectively advocate
for healthier cooking and nutrition in India.
