Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gita Vellanki, Founder of Neeshi Inc., located in Fremont, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Neeshi, we make functional foods based on the principle of Ayurveda and natural food healing to ease heavy and painful periods and PMS. Our products offer a balance of micro and macronutrients to keep your body nourished for happier periods.
Tell us about yourself
My journey started as a very personal one: to help my daughter with her heavy & painful periods without the need for prescription medicine. Rooted in the principles of natural food healing and Ayurveda, I began baking daily treats to assist in balancing her hormones. Seeing the amazing benefits we both have experienced, I have invited many other women experiencing period woes to do a trial of our products. Given the fantastic feedback, I launched Neeshi to free women from the burden of their menstrual cycle. No one should have a heavy period stand in their way.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My proudest moment is when my oldest daughter, Anjali, attends pop-up events. Potential customers love to hear her story. She will explain how Neeshi has benefited her – how she spends all weekend at basketball tournaments, and her period never stands in her way anymore. Anjali will look at the customer and me and say, “My Mom did this!” It’s an amazing feeling every time! These great moments, along with all of my customers who have shared their stories about how Neeshi has greatly benefited their lives (many have told me they never imagined they could feel this good), are everything I need to continue to expand and share the Neeshi benefits.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the most challenging areas is prioritizing - my to-do list is longer than it has ever been, and finding time to work on the areas that do not come naturally to me is definitely a challenge.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My top 3 tips would be:
- There is no perfect time to start a business; you will learn and grow on your journey.
- Set realistic expectations for yourself; as a small business owner, you really do have to do it all, and understanding that life gets in the way will help you make progress without beating yourself down.
- Ask for help; all business owners are in the same boat, and some of my most efficient process changes have come from asking other business owners for help or support.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.neeshi.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopneeshi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopneeshi/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neeshi/
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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