Journey of Nidhi Gupta: Founder & CEO of Shades of Spring- Entrepreneur
Biography of Nidhi Gupta:
Nidhi Gupta is a passionate entrepreneur known for founding
Shades of Spring, an innovative online flower delivery service based in
Bengaluru. With a strong vision to make fresh flowers an integral part of
everyday life rather than just special gifts, she has successfully carved a
niche in the floral industry. Nidhi's story is one of determination and
creativity, reflecting her commitment to bringing joy and beauty to people's
lives through flowers.
Academic Foundations
Nidhi's educational journey began with a Bachelor of
Technology in Information Technology from Jaypee University of Information
Technology, where she was an active member of the volleyball team. After
completing her undergraduate studies in 2010, she pursued a Master of Business
Administration (MBA) at the Institute of Management Technology in Nagpur,
specializing in operations and marketing. During her MBA, she not only excelled
academically but also engaged in various sports activities, showing her enthusiasm
for teamwork and leadership.
Early Career Experiences
Nidhi's professional journey started with Bajaj Auto Finance
Ltd as a management trainee, where she implemented projects related to data
analysis and communications. This early experience laid the groundwork for her
future roles in marketing and brand management. She later worked as a marketing
manager at MyHealthMate, where she initiated innovative marketing strategies
and managed social media efforts, further enhancing her skills in brand
development and customer engagement.
Key Roles in E-commerce
In her pursuit of growth, Nidhi joined Snapdeal, where she
worked for over three years in various managerial roles. Initially serving as a
Senior Key Account Manager for FMCG products, she eventually advanced to
Manager of Strategic Brand Partnerships. This experience honed her strategic
thinking and deepened her understanding of the e-commerce landscape. Her next
significant role was as the Ecommerce Head for Lee Jeans at VF Corporation,
where she led online sales strategies and operations.
The Birth of Shades of Spring
In January 2019, driven by her love for flowers and the desire to make them more accessible, Nidhi founded Shades of Spring. Starting from humble beginnings, she began delivering flowers to apartments in Bangalore, initially bringing joy to her neighbors. Over time, her vision expanded into a full-fledged online business that specializes in providing a wide variety of fresh flowers through a subscription model.
Innovative Subscription Model
Shades of Spring offers a unique subscription service that
delivers fresh flowers directly to customers’ doorsteps within 48 to 72 hours
of harvesting. With over 500 flower varieties available, the company ensures
that customers can enjoy a diverse selection. The flowers are guaranteed to
remain fresh for at least seven days, making it easy for customers to brighten
their homes and celebrations with minimal effort.
Journey of Nidhi Gupta: Founder & CEO of Shades of Spring- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/online flower delivery service/Spring story
Initial Success and Growth
In its first year of operation, Shades of Spring generated
impressive revenue of ₹50 lakh, achieving a gross margin of 29%. This initial
success set the stage for rapid growth as the company established itself in the
competitive floral market. Nidhi’s passion and commitment to quality and
service have been key factors in attracting a loyal customer base.
Revenue Surge
As Shades of Spring continued to gain traction, the
company’s revenue skyrocketed, reaching ₹9 crore in the fiscal year 2021-2022.
This growth can be attributed to the popularity of its subscription boxes and
bouquets, which together contribute significantly to the overall revenue. The
company’s innovative approach to floral delivery has resonated with customers,
who appreciate the convenience and quality offered.
Pitching to Investors
Nidhi and her co-founder, Anuj Bhagat, took their venture to
the popular television show Shark Tank India, seeking an investment of ₹3
crores in exchange for 1% equity in their business. During their pitch, they
showcased the unique aspects of Shades of Spring and their vision for the
future. While the judges were impressed by the business model and its
potential, they ultimately expressed concerns about the high valuation, leading
to a decision not to invest.
Building a Strong Brand
Despite the setback on Shark Tank, Nidhi and Anuj remained
undeterred. They focused on building Shades of Spring into a recognizable and
trusted brand within the floral industry. Their dedication to quality and
customer satisfaction has earned the company respect and admiration,
positioning it as a leader in flower delivery services.
Achievements and Recognition
Today, Shades of Spring is celebrated for its innovative
offerings and exceptional service. The company has garnered recognition not
just for its products but also for its entrepreneurial spirit. Nidhi's journey
from delivering flowers in her neighborhood to leading a successful startup has
inspired many aspiring entrepreneurs in India.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Nidhi is committed to expanding Shades of
Spring’s reach and enhancing its service offerings. She envisions a future
where flowers are a staple in every home, accessible to everyone regardless of
occasion. Her ambition to introduce more flower varieties and innovative
subscription options reflects her desire to continually improve and adapt to
customer needs.
A Champion in Gymnastics
Beyond her business achievements, Nidhi is also a
national-level champion in gymnastics, having won over 26 gold medals at state
and national competitions. This dedication to excellence and discipline in
sports complements her entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing her ability to excel
in multiple domains.
Embracing Challenges
Nidhi’s journey has not been without challenges. The
experience of pitching on Shark Tank and facing investor skepticism only fueled
her determination to succeed. Her resilience and adaptability have been crucial
in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, serving as a reminder that
setbacks can lead to greater opportunities.
Inspiring Others
Through her journey, Nidhi Gupta has become an inspiring
figure for many aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women looking to make
their mark in business. Her story highlights the importance of passion,
perseverance, and creativity in building a successful venture. As Shades of
Spring continues to thrive, Nidhi remains a beacon of inspiration, proving that
with hard work and vision, dreams can indeed become a reality.
A timeline for Nidhi Gupta’s entrepreneurial journey with
Shades of Spring:
2010 - Nidhi completes a Bachelor of Technology in
Information Technology from Jaypee University.
2010-2012 - Pursues an MBA at the Institute of Management
Technology, specializing in operations and marketing.
2012 - Begins her career as a management trainee at Bajaj
Auto Finance Ltd.
2014 - Becomes a marketing manager at MyHealthMate, focusing
on innovative marketing strategies.
2015-2018 - Works at Snapdeal in various managerial roles,
including Senior Key Account Manager.
2018-2019 - Serves as Ecommerce Head for Lee Jeans at VF
Corporation.
January 2019 - Founds Shades of Spring, an online flower
delivery service.
2019 - Shades of Spring generates ₹50 lakh in its first year
with a gross margin of 29%.
2021-2022 - Revenue surges to ₹9 crore, driven by the
popularity of subscription boxes and bouquets.
2022 - Nidhi pitches Shades of Spring on Shark Tank India,
seeking ₹3 crores for 1% equity.
2023 - Shades of Spring is recognized as a leader in the
floral delivery market, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs.
2024 - Nidhi aims to expand the brand and make flowers a
staple in every home.
