Aug 12, 2024

Startup Accelerator Winner Bharathi is cooking up new products

Startup Accelerator Winner Bharathi is cooking up new products
GetSetUp Blue Logo
Bg Square Inside Shape Decoration White 08 - Accountant X Webflow Template

Before the pandemic, Bharathi enjoyed life, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. But when the lockdowns started, she found herself with a lot of time on her hands and began cooking.

"I started making jhatpat, ready-to-cook premixes that I would send to my son at college to remind him of my home-cooked meals. He shared the food with his roommates, and they loved it. That's how I got the idea to start my business. And it's great for international students because if they're missing the taste of home, it's instant delicious food."

Bharathi’s Jhatpat Foods mixes are unique—they don’t contain excess salt or sugar, and she rigorously tests all her products to ensure they meet her high standards.

Growing Through GetSetUp’s Startup Accelerator

When Bharathi heard about the GetSetUp Startup Accelerator program, she jumped at the chance to participate. The classes she found most helpful included learning how to use Canva for design, networking, setting up a business bank account, and public speaking. Her hard work and quest for knowledge paid off—she was one of the five winners of the program.

Expanding into New Markets

Bharathi, a big fan of using natural products, decided to expand her business by creating beauty products in addition to her food range. Her body scrub, known as Bharathi's Body Scrub, is made from legumes, turmeric, sandalwood, and a few other Ayurvedic herbs and has become a best-seller! She also makes hair oil to prevent hair loss and body oil, now selling more than a dozen products across her food and beauty lines.

With her prize money from the program, Bharathi invested in sourcing higher-quality ingredients, registering for a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certification, and improving her brand packaging.

Business Success and Future Plans

After completing the Startup Accelerator program, Bharathi received significant exposure in the press, which helped her grow her business. She participated in local exhibitions and gained popularity through word of mouth. Her customer base has grown from 500 to 700, a 40% increase.

And she’s not done yet—Bharathi plans to increase her Facebook and Instagram marketing efforts and eventually create a website for her business.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Participating in the Startup program helped Bharathi gain confidence in her abilities. She believes in sharing what she’s learned with other women. When her business grows enough, her main goal is to offer employment opportunities to four or five women from her community. She believes success is built one step at a time.

"Don't be afraid to take a small step. Because a small step would lead to a bigger step, but you must make that first step. Try to focus on things you're good at."

We’re excited to see how Bharathi’s business will continue to grow! Discover more GetSetUp business classes that can help you get your business off the ground or enhance the skills you already have.