Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ramesh Chandran, Founder of Bio Basics, located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We source, curate, and offer 300+ organic foods, ranging from fresh produce (offered locally) to groceries and personal/home-care products - all chemical-free, sourced directly from organic farmers. We are also one of the deepest sources of grains - we carry over 60 varieties of rice, 10 millets, and 10 kinds of wheat - with a view to preserving bio-diversity. Our customers are households worldwide seeking safe food and good health and want to provide decent remuneration to the farmers while protecting the environment.

Tell us about yourself

Devi, my wife and co-founder, and I started on our "organic food" journey way back in 2005 while in the US. Surprised by a health setback, we went organic overnight. While Devi volunteered with non-profits worldwide, working on organic farming and keeping GMOs off our plates, I also learned a lot in the process. In 2013, after my corporate career stint across US and Europe, I quit my corporate role to accompany Devi to our farm in South India. We started organic farming in 2013. But soon, we realized that what the organic farmers needed was a reliable regular market for their produce. Hence Bio Basics - is the one-stop shop for all things organic. Today after over 7 years of running this social enterprise, we are happy each day that we are able to provide safe food to consumers, decent remuneration, and uptake to the farmers, all the while protecting the environment. Every kilo we source and sell helps a consumer family to eat right and a farmer family to grow right.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Today we source and sell 10 tons of food produce every month. This helps hundreds of farmers to grow food right and thousands of consumers to eat right. Our biodiversity offering (60+ varieties of rice, for instance) helps the food security of our grandchildren. We also feel grateful for our 35-member team who choose to work with us, contributing positively to Mother Earth.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

To convince consumers to do the right thing by choosing organic. To rise above considerations of cost and convenience and contribute to a safer and healthier tomorrow for our children.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Make sure you are helping society and the environment through your product/service.
  2. Do not compromise on your core principles (the non-negotiables).
  3. Do not harm anyone - employees, vendors, customers, investors, regulators - with whom you come in contact.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://biobasics.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biobasicsin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biobasicsin/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BioBasicsIndia
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bio-basics/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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