Biography of Shashi Bahuguna Raturi: Founder and CEO of Namakwali- Entrepreneur
Namakwali’s Founding Story
Namakwali was founded by Shashi Bahuguna Raturi, a
passionate woman from Uttarakhand, who aimed to bring the rich traditions of
her mountainous homeland to the global market. The journey began in 2018, when
Shashi, inspired by the age-old recipes of her region, especially the unique
pisyu loon salt, decided to introduce these flavors to the world. Despite being
a mother of two and having no formal business training, Shashi’s determination
to preserve her culture and heritage led her to take on the task of starting
Namakwali. Her work, beyond the business aspect, focused on empowering women
and making a positive impact on her community.
A Family-Driven Mission
Namakwali’s creation was a family affair. Shashi’s son,
Suvendu Raturi, also played a significant role in the company's success. Having
spent years abroad in Spain, Suvendu returned to Uttarakhand in 2020 due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. Observing the growing demand for the traditional products
and his mother’s struggle to manage the increased orders, he decided to join
Namakwali full-time. By 2022, he left his career in photography to support his
family’s business, adding new dimensions to the brand’s operations.
Empowering Women through Business
A core principle of Namakwali is empowering local women.
Shashi understood that many women in rural Uttarakhand were not given
opportunities to showcase their talents and skills. So, she provided a platform
for these women to contribute to the production of Namakwali’s products, such
as the signature flavored salts. These women, with the help of their families,
have been creating the products in their homes, bonding over the traditional
processes and modern business needs. Today, Namakwali employs a group of 10-11
women who are integral to the company’s success.
From Local to Global Aspirations
Although Namakwali began as a small local business, Shashi
and Suvendu’s ambitions soon grew. With products like flavored salt, chutney
powders, and organic honey, they aimed to reach customers beyond Uttarakhand.
Their dream was to share the flavors of the Himalayas with the world, promoting
not only their product range but the culture and essence of Uttarakhand. The
duo’s vision expanded to exporting Namakwali’s products globally, helping
preserve the region’s culinary heritage while creating new opportunities for
the women in their community.
The Shark Tank India Pitch
Namakwali got a chance to present its story and business
plan on Shark Tank India. Seeking an investment of ₹50 lakh for 5% equity,
Shashi and Suvendu showcased their range of organic, preservative-free
products. The pitch included a variety of flavored salts like garlic and
ginger, and other products like ghee and spices, which emphasized the
importance of health-conscious eating. While they had ambitious dreams of
global expansion, the sharks were cautious about the company’s current scale
and future growth trajectory.
Challenges and Feedback from the Sharks
The sharks had mixed reactions to Namakwali’s pitch. Aman
Gupta, one of the investors, was skeptical about the company’s current sales,
pointing out that they were too early for investment and needed to focus on
improving packaging and marketing. Namita Thapar agreed, suggesting that they
find a co-founder with a business background and experience in scaling a
startup. Anupam Mittal, too, felt that the company lacked clarity about its
market and expansion plans, advising them to gain more knowledge in entrepreneurship
before seeking investors. Vineeta Singh also opted out, stating that the team
seemed incomplete.
A Turning Point with Amit Jain
Despite the critiques from other sharks, Amit Jain saw potential in Namakwali. He appreciated the company’s focus on women empowerment and the quality of its products. Amit offered a deal of ₹10 lakh for 5% equity and ₹40 lakh in debt at an 8% interest rate for three years. This investment was valued at ₹2 crore for the company. The offer was attractive as it included both equity and debt, providing Namakwali with the funds needed for growth while also offering mentorship to help them scale.
Biography of Shashi Bahuguna Raturi: Founder and CEO of Namakwali- Entrepreneur/organic and preservative-free salt/age/net worth/investor/startup/
The Deal and Future Vision
Namakwali accepted the deal with Amit Jain, marking a
significant milestone in their entrepreneurial journey. This deal not only
provided financial support but also gave them access to Amit Jain’s business
expertise, which would be invaluable in refining their business model and
expanding their reach. The Raturi family, driven by their passion and vision,
felt that this partnership would help them take their dream to new heights.
Making an Impact Locally and Beyond
One of the primary goals of Namakwali has always been to
make a positive impact on their local community. They focus on providing a
steady source of income to the women of Uttarakhand, empowering them to become
self-reliant and break free from traditional gender norms. Through this
initiative, Namakwali not only creates employment opportunities but also
fosters a sense of solidarity and unity among the women involved in their
operations.
Namakwali’s Organic Product Line
Namakwali offers a diverse range of organic products, with a
special focus on the Pisyu Loon salt. The salt is crafted with natural herbs
and spices, preserving the authenticity of the region's culinary traditions.
Other products include Pahadi haldi (turmeric), Badri cow ghee, and honey, all
produced without preservatives or chemicals. The company’s commitment to
organic farming ensures that its offerings are healthy and sustainable, which
has attracted a growing customer base concerned with their food choices.
Challenges in Scaling the Business
Despite their success, Namakwali has faced several
challenges along the way, especially in scaling their operations. The lack of
government support for small businesses has made it difficult to expand, and
they have had to rely on their own resources and hard work. Still, Shashi and
Suvendu’s resilience has kept the business moving forward. They continue to
advocate for recognition and support from the government, believing that it is
essential for promoting the region’s rich cultural and culinary heritage.
The Power of Digital Storytelling
In the digital age, Namakwali has also harnessed the power
of social media and storytelling to promote its products and the values behind
the brand. Shashi has used platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share the
story of Namakwali, highlighting the process of salt-making and the lives of
the women involved. Through these efforts, the brand has gained visibility,
reaching customers beyond India and building a loyal following for its
authentic, organic products.
Financial Success and Growth
Namakwali’s efforts have begun to pay off. The company’s
turnover stands at ₹50 lakh, with a solid 17% profit margin, demonstrating
strong financial health. This success not only reflects the popularity of their
products but also the efficiency of their operations. The team’s ability to
manage production, sales, and distribution effectively has positioned Namakwali
for continued growth in the competitive food market.
Looking Ahead: Global Expansion
Looking ahead, Namakwali aims to take its operations to the
next level, expanding its reach globally. With the support from Amit Jain and
the growing popularity of their organic offerings, they are focused on building
a stronger online presence and developing partnerships with international
distributors. Their ultimate goal is to introduce Uttarakhand’s flavors and
traditions to the world, fostering greater appreciation for the region’s unique
culinary heritage.
A timeline of Shashi Bahuguna Raturi's journey with Namakwali:
2018 - Shashi Bahuguna Raturi founded Namakwali in
Uttarakhand, inspired by her region’s traditional flavors, especially the pisyu
loon salt. The aim was to bring these unique tastes to the world.
2020 - Shashi’s son, Suvendu Raturi, returned to Uttarakhand
during the COVID-19 pandemic and joined Namakwali full-time, helping to manage
the growing demand.
2020-2021 - Suvendu left his photography career to support
the business, adding new dimensions to Namakwali's operations.
2021 - Namakwali's product line expanded, focusing on
organic and preservative-free offerings like flavored salts, chutney powders,
ghee, and honey, while also empowering local women.
2022 - The company aimed for global expansion, bringing the
flavors and culinary heritage of Uttarakhand to a wider audience.
2023 - Namakwali pitched on Shark Tank India, seeking ₹50
lakh for 5% equity. Despite mixed feedback, the company secured an investment
from Amit Jain: ₹10 lakh for 5% equity and ₹40 lakh in debt at 8% interest for
three years.
2023-2024 - With Amit Jain's mentorship and financial
support, Namakwali focuses on scaling up, expanding its product range, and
gaining recognition both locally and globally.
2024 - Namakwali aims to introduce Uttarakhand's traditional
flavors to the world, with a focus on global distribution and online expansion.
The company’s turnover stands at ₹50 lakh, with a 17% profit margin, indicating
strong growth and financial health.
