The new wave of ‘vocal for local’ proved to be a boost for Indian entrepreneurs. It has promoted local businesses during COVID-19 and given customers the ability and motivation to shop locally with ease. This rebranded version of ‘Made In India’ has our support, and every month, TC46 will spotlight small businesses and ventures you can champion and back easily through online and offline purchases.
Artists, entrepreneurs, visionaries and experts, Indian women are shattering glass ceilings and breaking out of boxes. Success, tied with skills and hard work, is what makes those featured in our list today an inspiration for many. And the journey, for these women of incredible talent, are stories that must be told.
This week, here are some brands we’re cheering on; check them out!
Ghar Ka Khaana by Mumma Ki Rasoi
The brand Mumma ki Rasoi is a startup by the two homemakers running the Agarwal Household in Kanpur, Rashmi Agarwal and her mother-in-law Vimla Agarwal. The name of this startup was devised by Rashmi’s daughter, Muskan, a 21-year-old law student, who found it apt to name the business after her mummy and amma.
Rashmi is a mother of two and enjoys making delicacies with her mum, Vimla. The idea for their venture came about when the duo realised that people were craving good food that was hygienic yet delicious, post the lockdown fatigue. Rashmi and Vimla began whipping up homemade sweets and namkeen to cater to this need, and received great reviews. In face, their ghar ka achar is the star product.
Mumma ki Rasoi also supplies handmade chocolates which are a big hit with students and those who live in hostels. Products range from Rs 150/kg to Rs 1100/kg.
The products are made available all over India via the aid of postal services. To place an order, DM them on social media.
If you are also thinking of starting a food business or tiffin service, check out this comprehensive guide on how to start a tiffin service from home here.
Eco-Friendly Cat Toys by Cat Crazy Chica
Simona Terron has been crazy about cats since childhood and officially became a cat mom in the year 2000. When she fostered her first rescue kitten for animal rescuer Shibani Chauhan in July 2017, she was introduced to Mumbai’s cat community little by little. She also realised that while there’s a glut of products in the market for dogs, in comparison, there’s very little for cats. She figured making simple cat toys from upcycled materials would achieve three targets at once: More stuff for cats and cat-lovers; raise funds for stray cat welfare; more natural and eco-friendly products instead of the mass-produced products flooding the market. That’s how the brand Cat Crazy Chica was founded.
The brand makes soft cat toys made from upcycled fabrics. Currently, they’ve created a few avatars: Ms MouseTickles, Sherdil Chuhini, Ellie Fantastic, and the Jeanas (made from old denim jeans). Along with these, there’s a range of MiniMeows that can double up as either keychain, danglers from the car mirror, on your baby’s crib mobile, or even as decoration and tree ornaments during Christmas.
Currently, they’re working on launching more products for the festive season. For instance, natural fibre scratchpads, fabric cat mats that turn into a cat tent, soft and comfy cat hammocks and sleeping bags, cat wands made from sustainable materials instead of single-use plastic, as well as items for cat parents such as comfy bedroom slippers (cats love to sleep on slippers!), stylish sling pouches and cute storage pouches for your other knick-knacks in funky prints, yoga mat carry cases and more.
The brand is great for all cat parents who also care about the environment and want to do their bit while pampering their fur babies and providing help for the city’s strays. The cat toys cost Rs 350 each and the MiniMeows come in a set of 3 for Rs 360. A set of 5 costs Rs 500.
The rest of the products, when launched, will range from Rs 200 to Rs 1200. Roughly 20% of proceeds go to stray-cat welfare workers who use the funds for sterilisations, feeding, medicating and vaccinating strays. You can find this out-of-the-box brand on Instagram and Facebook.
Essentials Made Easy by Habitat Foods
Sarah Chalisa is the co-founder of Habitat Foods. The idea behind Habitat Foods came to Sarah during the lockdown when food items, especially essentials were not readily available. So the brand decided to get into the business of providing free home delivery of selected premium pulses, rice, dry fruits and spice powders at economical rates.
Sarah completed her M. Com. in 2018 and is now running this startup, with an aim to deliver only selected premium quality products. She has also been a faculty of accounts and project management.
The products Habitat foods provide are spices, spice powders, pulses, rice and dry fruits. The products are carefully selected, personally checked and tested before being dispatched to anyone. This venture is a boon for everyone, from elderly people to working couples. It is especially helpful for those who can’t venture out to the stores which generally tend to have long lines.
The average price is Rs 150 and the online store based in Pune delivers across India. Connect with the brand through its website or social media pages.
Want us to be VocalForLocal for your brand or know someone whose work you’d like to cheer on? Drop us an email to be featured on The Channel 46 at [email protected].