Biography of Ruchika Bhuwalka: Founder & CEO of Millet Amma- Entrepreneur
Biography of Ruchika Bhuwalka:
Birth of Millet Amma
Ruchika Bhuwalka, the founder of Millet Amma, created the
brand in 2017 with a mission to make healthy, millet-based food products
accessible to every household. The idea came about when Ruchika was trying to
switch her family’s diet to healthier alternatives, especially after realizing
the benefits of millets. Seeing the potential of these nutritious grains, she
decided to build a brand around them to help others make healthier dietary
choices too.
A Vision for Healthier Eating
Millet Amma offers a range of millet-based products
including batters, mixes, cookies, grains, and flours. Millets, known for their
antioxidant, mineral, and protein content, have long been considered
superfoods. The brand promotes millets as an excellent substitute for refined
grains, offering a healthier, more sustainable option. The Bhuwalka family
believes in the power of millets to improve both personal health and the
environment, supporting the use of these crops for the betterment of farmers
and their communities.
The Shark Tank India Pitch
In a bid to scale their business, Ruchika Bhuwalka and her
husband, Ajay Bhuwalka, appeared on Shark Tank India in Season 3. During their
pitch, they asked for ₹1 crore in exchange for 3% equity at a valuation of
₹33.33 crore. They shared their passion for millets, explaining how they aimed
to bring back attention to these grains and make them an essential part of
modern diets.
Biography of Ruchika Bhuwalka: Founder & CEO of Millet Amma- Entrepreneur/ millet-based foods/age/net worth/investor/startup/shark tank/Millet Amma
The Sharks Taste and Ask Questions
The Sharks were impressed by the taste and quality of Millet
Amma’s products, but they asked several important questions. Namita Thapar
inquired about the founders' personal journeys and how they had started the
business. The couple shared their story, including the struggles they faced
with a previous venture that had to be shut down. This honesty resonated with
the Sharks, but they needed more details to make a decision.
Understanding the Unique Selling Point
Amit Jain asked about Millet Amma's unique selling point,
curious about what set the brand apart from competitors. Ruchika and Ajay
explained how their products stood out not just because of the nutritional
value of millets but also due to their taste and convenience. However, Azhar
Iqubal pressed them for customer feedback, while Peyush Bansal focused on the
business’s growth, revenue, and marketing spend.
Exploring Investment and Early Challenges
Anupam Mittal asked how the founders managed to get the
initial investment for their business. Ruchika shared that she had used her
personal savings to fund the start-up, which highlighted their commitment and
belief in the brand. Despite the Sharks’ interest in the story behind Millet
Amma, they felt that the business was already on a stable path and didn’t need
an investment at that moment.
No Deal, but a Strong Response
Despite not securing any investment on Shark Tank India,
Millet Amma’s appearance on the show generated significant buzz. The Sharks
felt the business model was sound, and the products were well-received.
However, they ultimately believed that the business did not require external
investment at this stage of its development. Still, the exposure helped Millet
Amma gain a wider audience and fostered conversations around healthy eating.
Millet Amma’s Growth and Profitability
Millet Amma’s journey continued to thrive after the Shark
Tank appearance. The brand achieved profitability in July 2023, showing its
resilience and strong market position. With over 200 products in their
portfolio, Millet Amma became one of the leading brands in India, offering the
widest and most delicious range of millet-based foods. Their commitment to
organic ingredients and healthy products helped them grow their community of
loyal customers.
The Millet Revolution
Millet Amma is at the forefront of the "millet
revolution" in India, a movement to bring millet-based food to every
table. The brand focuses on providing easy-to-cook and ready-to-eat products
that help busy families adopt healthier diets without compromising on taste or
convenience. The Bhuwalkas aim to make millets a staple in every household,
offering a sustainable solution to improve family health and support local
farmers.
A Brand with a Purpose
Millet Amma’s mission extends beyond just selling food. The
brand is dedicated to changing the way people think about food, empowering them
to make healthier choices for themselves and their families. By promoting
millets as a nutritious and sustainable food option, the Bhuwalkas are helping
lead a movement toward a healthier and more environmentally conscious future.
A timeline for the journey of Millet Amma:
2017 - Ruchika Bhuwalka founds Millet Amma, aiming to make
millet-based foods accessible and promote healthier eating.
2017-2020 - Develops a range of millet-based products,
focusing on nutrition and sustainability.
2023 (Season 3) - Ruchika and Ajay Bhuwalka pitch Millet
Amma on Shark Tank India, seeking ₹1 crore for 3% equity.
2023 - Despite not securing investment, Millet Amma gains
significant exposure and grows its customer base.
July 2023 - Millet Amma achieves profitability, with over
200 products in its portfolio.
2024 and Beyond - Leads the "millet revolution" in
India, promoting sustainable and healthy eating while supporting local farmers.
