‘Success in business is never a cakewalk’

Education, experience and commitment to the business helped Rashmi Rajpal to be a successful entrepreneur. She never got disheartened with a lot of challenges on her way but waited for three years to fall things in place.

Talking about her background and business, she says “I am cosmetic engineer by profession. I have graduated in cosmetology engineering from the University of Nagpur in 1994. I worked with Dabur and Hindustan Lever limited as a research trainee. I also formulated hair oil at the age of 19 for an exporter, who did not credit me for my work. After getting married, my husband supported me to grow in the profession.

“Initially, I used to formulate and provide these unique herbal cosmetics to the patients depending on their need at my clinics. I felt that my research and products should not limit to the few people who come to me. I want to grow and reach masses by starting a Klienz Herbals, a manufacturing unit. I have started the business with mere Rs.50,000 at 600 sqft location in Bowenpally with one helper in 2007.

“Marketing was a great challenge. I have the expertise in the research field but as small scale entrepreneur, I had to do marketing, administration and distribution by myself. I had many odds like shops did not want to market my product and at times even they used to make me wait for long hours for giving me the money for the sold out products. At times, I felt that my old profession (cosmetologist) is better than getting in to business. But every small scale entrepreneur should realise there is success waiting beyond all the odds that you are facing,” says Rashmi.

Talking about the growth of the company, she says, “I moved to ALEAP industrial estate with office space of 2,500 sq ft in 2010. I also expanded the employee base to six people according to the need of the work. Today, company also does contract manufacturing for around 14 herbal products for various Tier 2 and Tier 3 herbal companies. My education and experience helped me. Today 70 per cent of the revenues come from contract manufacturing. I have started weight loss massage oil and slowly exp­anded to four different oils.”

“The Indian hair oil is Rs.3,500 crore industry and even if I can tap one per cent of the market with my quality products, that would bring in huge revenues for the company. I never did business for huge profits. I compromised on my margins which may range from 10-15 per cent, to reach to masses and create brand. The volumes and growth can only be attained by building trust among the customer by offering quality products at reasonable price,” she says.

The company is building a manufacturing plant at 100 sq yard land in Patancheru to get more contract manufacturing orders from MNCs and also want to introduce one minute fairness products. The company also aims to go for an IPO in next five years.

Tags: entrepreneur, featured, full-image, Klienz Herbals, Rashmi Rajpal

Category: Business, Interviews