Biography of Madhuri Balodi: Founder & CEO of Kavi The Poetry-Art Project
Biography of Madhuri Balodi:
Journey of Passion and Purpose
Madhuri Balodi, an eco-enthusiast and former journalist,
didn’t follow the traditional path to success. She wasn’t a top student, didn’t
attend prestigious colleges, and even dropped out of her master’s degree. Yet,
her determination and vision led her to receive a scholarship at IIM Bangalore
to scale her dream business. With no prior business experience or financial
backing, she set out to make a difference in sustainability.
From Journalism to Entrepreneurship
Before launching her own venture, Madhuri worked as a
reporter at Dainik Jagran. However, her passion for sustainability and art led
her to quit her job and take a leap of faith. She envisioned a business that
could merge creativity with environmental consciousness, and that’s how Kavi
The Poetry-Art Project was born.
The Birth of Kavi The Poetry-Art Project
In 2012, with just ₹2,000, Madhuri, along with co-founders
Soumya and Amit, started Kavi. They began by showcasing their handcrafted
products on a Facebook page. What started as a small passion project quickly
gained momentum as people appreciated their unique, upcycled creations.
The Power of Upcycling
Kavi’s core mission is to promote a circular economy by
upcycling discarded materials into beautiful, functional products. They
primarily work with glass bottles, cork, reclaimed wood, and seed paper. Their
creations include sustainable gifting items that are customized for both
corporate and retail customers.
A Growing Community of Change-Makers
As Kavi grew, so did its impact. Today, the project provides
sustainable livelihoods to over 200 ragpickers and marginalized workers. It
collaborates with grassroots communities, empowering them with income
opportunities and integrating them into the sustainable development movement.
Recognition and Collaborations
Kavi’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed. In 2015, the project was
featured in the Limca Book of Records. Over the years, they have worked with
prestigious brands like Tata Communications, HDFC Bank, Grand Hyatt Goa, Sula,
and even celebrity-backed ventures like Diva Yoga (by Malaika Arora and
Jennifer Lopez).
Biography of Madhuri Balodi: Founder & CEO of Kavi The Poetry-Art Project# entrepreneur#startup#age#net worth#investor#shark tank india#Kavi The Poetry
Scaling a Sustainable Vision
Despite initial struggles, Kavi gained recognition for its
innovative approach. The brand participated in exhibitions, built strong
networks, and established itself in the sustainable gifting market. By 2018, it
was officially registered under Powershot India Private Limited, strengthening
its position in the industry.
The Shark Tank Pitch
In Shark Tank India Season 4, Kavi The Poetry-Art Project
presented their vision to the investors. The founders sought ₹60 lakh for a
1.5% equity stake, valuing the company at ₹40 crore. They highlighted their
impressive milestone—upcycling over a million glass bottles—and their projected
revenue of ₹6 crore for the year.
The Sharks’ Advice and Reactions
The investors appreciated Kavi’s vision but had some
feedback. Anupam Mittal suggested changing the brand name, as he felt it didn’t
clearly convey what they do. He also questioned their need for investment,
given their strong profitability and smooth operations.
The Dream to Go Global
The founders explained that their goal wasn’t just to
sustain their business but to expand internationally. They saw a larger market
for sustainable gifting products abroad and aimed to scale their impact
globally. Investment, they believed, would help them achieve this expansion.
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Resilient
Starting with nothing but a dream, Kavi faced numerous
hurdles—from financial constraints to market acceptance. Yet, through
persistence and creative problem-solving, they built a brand that now stands as
a symbol of sustainable innovation in India.
Every Product Tells a Story
Kavi’s upcycled products are more than just gifts—they carry
a message of sustainability, creativity, and positive change. Each handcrafted
piece transforms waste into art, proving that conscious consumerism can shape a
greener future.
A Future Rooted in Sustainability
With a strong foundation, Kavi continues to push boundaries
in the upcycling industry. Whether it’s expanding internationally, working with
more grassroots communities, or designing new eco-friendly products, their
journey is far from over. Their mission remains the same—to reduce waste,
empower people, and inspire a more sustainable lifestyle.
Timeline for story
2012 – Kavi The Poetry-Art Project founded with ₹2,000.
2015 – Featured in the Limca Book of Records.
2018 – Officially registered under Powershot India Private
Limited.
Shark Tank India S4 – Sought ₹60 lakh for 1.5% equity.
2024 – Projected revenue of ₹6 crore, over 1 million bottles
upcycled.
