Biography of Surbhi Bafna Gupta: Founder and CEO of Allter- Entrepreneur
Biography of Surbhi Bafna Gupta:
Birth of Allter: A Dream Realized
Surbhi Bafna Gupta's journey into entrepreneurship began
from a deeply personal place. As a new mother, she found herself overwhelmed by
the lack of sustainable alternatives to traditional baby care products.
Diapers, which are used on a daily basis and are often disposed of in massive
quantities, stood out to her as a major environmental concern. These products,
she discovered, were filled with harmful chemicals and toxins, posing a
potential risk to babies' delicate skin. This realization sparked her determination
to find a solution. It was this drive to make a meaningful impact that led her
to create Allter, India's first sustainable baby care brand.
A Mother’s Vision for Sustainability
The concept for Allter was born out of Surbhi’s desire to
give her child the best possible care while also considering the planet’s
future. Her mission was clear: to create a baby care brand that not only
nurtures babies but also nurtures the Earth. She envisioned products that would
not only meet the needs of modern parents but also offer a sustainable solution
to the harmful environmental footprint left by traditional baby products. The
hero product of Allter was to be an organic bamboo diaper, a perfect blend of
eco-friendliness and functionality.
Starting From Scratch
Surbhi’s entrepreneurial journey was not easy. She started
Allter from the confines of her basement with a small but determined team.
Despite facing challenges that seemed insurmountable at times, including doubts
about her ability to balance motherhood and business, Surbhi and her team
pressed forward. Her maternal instincts became a guiding force in product
development, driving her to create solutions that addressed both the health of
babies and the health of the planet.
A Breakthrough with Bamboo Diapers
After months of research and testing, Allter’s organic
bamboo diapers were ready for launch. Bamboo, known for its sustainable
properties, became the cornerstone of Allter’s product line. These diapers were
made without harmful chemicals, offering a safe alternative to conventional
diapers that often contained substances like chlorine, fragrances, and
plastics. Surbhi’s aim was to make eco-friendly products that didn’t compromise
on performance, comfort, or convenience for parents.
The Challenge of Sustainability in Manufacturing
Creating sustainable products comes with its own set of
challenges, and Surbhi had to face these head-on. One of the major hurdles in
her journey was sourcing the right raw materials and ensuring that the
manufacturing process was in line with the brand’s sustainability goals. She
chose bamboo from sustainably managed forests, avoided hazardous chemicals in
the production process, and made sure that the packaging was recyclable.
However, the process was not without its difficulties, and the brand continues to
work on making every part of the production cycle as eco-friendly as possible.
Finding the Right Partners
In the early stages, Surbhi faced skepticism from many
vendors who were hesitant to engage with her due to the unconventional nature
of her business. In some cases, she was dismissed and told that they would
prefer speaking with her husband for matters that were seen as traditionally
male-dominated. Despite these challenges, Surbhi’s perseverance paid off. She
built strong relationships with key suppliers and partners who shared her
vision for a more sustainable future.
Gaining Recognition and Support
The breakthrough moment for Allter came when Surbhi and her
brand appeared on the popular television show Shark Tank India. There, she
pitched her innovative organic bamboo diapers, asking for ₹1 crore in exchange
for a 2.5% equity stake in the business. The sharks were impressed, not only by
the product itself but also by Surbhi’s passion and drive. In the end, she
secured an investment of ₹1 crore for 4% equity, with renowned investors Aman
Gupta, Anupam Mittal, and Ritesh Agarwal backing her venture.
Overcoming Doubts and Skepticism
Despite the initial success, Surbhi faced numerous hurdles
as she tried to carve out a space for Allter in an industry dominated by legacy
brands. Parents, understandably, were cautious about trying new products,
especially those that were not part of the mainstream. However, Surbhi remained
committed to educating parents about the benefits of sustainable baby care
products. Through constant consumer engagement, product education, and
word-of-mouth, Allter slowly gained the trust of new parents.
Expanding Product Lines
Allter’s success was not limited to diapers alone. The brand
expanded its range to include other baby care essentials like wipes, skincare
products, and more. The skincare range featured natural ingredients such as
coconut oil, tulsi, neem, and ashwagandha—ingredients known for their gentle
and soothing properties. By diversifying their offerings, Allter was able to
address a wider array of needs for parents, all while remaining true to their
core values of sustainability and safety.
Biography of Surbhi Bafna Gupta: Founder and CEO of Allter- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/baby care brand/Surbhi Bafna Gupta story
Going Direct-to-Consumer
The COVID-19 pandemic presented a challenge for businesses
across industries, but for Allter, it became an opportunity to pivot. With
traditional retail channels facing disruptions, Surbhi and her team made the
strategic decision to shift to a Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) model. This change
allowed the brand to connect more closely with its customers, offering a more
personalized experience while continuing to promote sustainability. The move
proved to be a successful one, and Allter saw impressive growth in the years
following.
Collaboration with Dia Mirza
As Allter grew, it attracted the attention of several
prominent individuals who shared Surbhi’s vision for sustainability. One such
individual was Dia Mirza, an actress and environmental activist. Dia, who had
long been an advocate for eco-conscious living, had supported Allter’s mission
even before officially becoming an investor. Her passion for sustainability and
her own experience as a mother made her a perfect fit for the brand. With Dia’s
insights and support, Allter was able to refine its approach and further
solidify its position as a leader in sustainable baby care.
The Importance of Transparency
In an age where consumers are becoming increasingly aware of
"greenwashing"—the practice of making false claims about the
environmental benefits of products—Surbhi emphasized the importance of
transparency. She ensured that Allter was committed to authenticity in its
sustainability efforts, encouraging customers to do their own research.
Building trust with consumers has been a cornerstone of Allter’s success, and
Surbhi believes that long-term growth depends on maintaining this trust.
Scaling the Business
Allter’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. From
humble beginnings, the brand now reaches over 60,000 homes across India, having
sold over 45 lakh diapers. Surbhi credits the company’s growth to a combination
of strong consumer education, innovative products, and a relentless focus on
sustainability. Allter’s success is a testament to the power of a determined
entrepreneur who turned a passion for both motherhood and the environment into
a thriving business.
Raising Awareness for Sustainability
Beyond just selling products, Allter has become a powerful
voice in raising awareness about the environmental impact of baby care
products. Surbhi’s efforts have helped shift the conversation toward
eco-conscious consumerism, particularly in the baby care industry. By
introducing sustainable alternatives, she has not only provided a healthier
option for babies but also encouraged a larger cultural shift toward
sustainability.
The Future of Allter
Looking ahead, Surbhi has big plans for Allter. Her vision
extends beyond India as she aims to take the brand global. Allter is set to
expand its product line further, exploring new innovations that will continue
to push the boundaries of sustainable baby care. Surbhi's goal is not only to
create a successful brand but also to establish Allter as a symbol of
sustainable parenting, where convenience and eco-friendliness go hand in hand.
A Legacy of Change
Surbhi Bafna Gupta’s journey with Allter is a testament to
the power of passion and perseverance. Her commitment to sustainability has led
to the creation of a brand that is loved by thousands of parents across India.
From overcoming initial skepticism to building a trusted and innovative brand,
Surbhi’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and the unwavering belief that
business can be a force for good. Through Allter, Surbhi continues to inspire
other entrepreneurs and parents to make sustainable choices for their
children’s future.
A timeline for the story of Allter:
Pre-2018 – Surbhi Bafna Gupta, a new mother, is motivated to
create sustainable baby care products after discovering the environmental
impact of traditional baby products.
2018 – Surbhi launches Allter, India’s first sustainable
baby care brand, with a focus on eco-friendly bamboo diapers.
2018 – The brand faces challenges in sourcing sustainable
materials and creating chemical-free, eco-friendly products.
2020 – Allter appears on Shark Tank India, securing ₹1 crore
investment for 4% equity from investors Aman Gupta, Anupam Mittal, and Ritesh
Agarwal.
2020 – Allter expands its product line to include baby wipes
and skincare products made from natural ingredients.
2020 – During the COVID-19 pandemic, Allter shifts to a
Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) model, leading to impressive growth.
2021 – Actress and environmental activist Dia Mirza joins
Allter, further strengthening the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
2021-2022 – Allter’s products reach over 60,000 homes, with
more than 45 lakh diapers sold.
2022 and Beyond – The brand continues to grow and raise
awareness about eco-conscious consumerism, establishing itself as a leader in
sustainable baby care.
2024 – Surbhi plans to expand Allter globally and introduce
new sustainable innovations, aiming to shape the future of sustainable
parenting.
