I Started A Chocolate & Beauty Care Brand That Makes $150K/Year At 25 Years Old
Note: This business is no longer running. It was started in 2022 and ended in 2024. Reason for closure: Shut down.
Hello! Who are you and what business did you start?
Hello, I'm Ramsekar a Solo Algaepreneur and the proud Founder of SGR Nutraceuticals, a company based in the vibrant city of Chennai, India where we harness the power of algae, specifically Spirulina, which is considered a Superfood and often hailed as “Miracle Food” due to its exceptional nutritional content.
Spirulina is packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants making it a Powerhouse of Nutritions. Our products include Spirulina Skin & Hair Care Products to Spirulina-infused Anti-Hair fall Chocolates.
Our chocolates garnered popularity within the B2B segment not only for their delectable taste but also for addressing a pertinent issue, thus providing substantial value to consumers. This achievement was facilitated by our tagline, "The Anti-Hair Fall Chocolate that inhales CO2 and exhales O2," despite our Instagram account boasting only 20 followers.
We launched in 2022 and we've been steadily growing since our inception. We made $60k in our first year and in 2024, we aim to exceed $300k in sales, reflecting our commitment to providing Premium Algae products to our ever expanding customer base.
Currently, the majority of our sales come from the B2B segment and now we have ventured into the D2C market. Our success in the B2B market comes from offering White-Labeling options allowing our products to be sold under other brand names with their branding.
What's your backstory and how did you come up with the idea?
Well, let me take you back. I was always passionate about being a Solopreneur and solving a problem with a unique product that no one had ever attempted. After completing my MBA, I set out to find that special idea.
Around that time, I noticed a growing interest in Superfoods and Organic Products among consumers, especially after COVID-19 hit. That's when I started researching different options and stumbled upon Spirulina. Learning about its incredible nutritional profile and potential health benefits got me excited.
The "Eureka" moment came when I realized that no one in India had ever fully utilized the potential of Spirulina. It felt like the perfect fit for me, combining my entrepreneurial spirit with my passion for uniqueness.
I spent considerable time validating the idea and products. I conducted market research, analyzed consumer trends and even tested different Spirulina Formulations to ensure we were offering the best possible products.
Finally, it gave me the confidence to pursue this entrepreneurial journey. While I had been exploring business ideas during my college days, none of them resonated with me as strongly as the idea of incorporating Spirulina did. It just felt right like I was onto something special that could truly make a difference in people's lives and looking back now, I'm grateful for taking that leap of faith.
Take us through the process of building the first version of your product.
First off, I needed to come up with the perfect formulation for our Skin & Hair Care Products and Anti-Hair Fall Chocolates. It took a lot of research and testing to make sure we were delivering premium quality to our customers. Once I had the formulation, it was time to think about packaging.
I wanted my products to not only be healthy but also look minimalist and be easy to use. So, I teamed up with designers to create packaging that matched the Premium quality of our Spirulina products.
Getting all the necessary certifications like US-FDA, Halal, Kosher, GMP, ISO, FSSAI & Organic was a lengthy process that required a ton of time and effort. But now, I’m proud to say that we're accredited by all the major certification institutions both nationally and internationally.
Then, I made sure to protect my brand by applying for trademarks for our brand names: "Dr.Gagzz Natural Care" for Skin & Hair Care Products and "Dr.Gagzz Health Care" for Supplements, Chocolates & Juices.
Overall, it was an effort that involved lots of hard work, patience, and plenty of trial and error. But seeing my first batch of products come to life was incredibly rewarding and marked the beginning of my journey to make a positive impact on people's health and well-being.
Describe the process of launching the business.
We managed to bootstrap our operations initially with an investment of $5000. This capital allowed us to cover essential expenses such as product development, packaging, and marketing initiatives.
I created my first website using Hostinger without prior experience in website building. With a focus on user-friendliness, I designed a simple website that effectively showcased our range of products while highlighting the benefits of Spirulina. This initial online presence played a crucial role in reaching potential customers and generating interest in our brand.
To kickstart our venture, I wanted to create a buzz around my Spirulina products. My first major step was participating in a Startup Expo, where we showcased our Products. The response was overwhelming and the attendees were like “All these from Algae”.
I've gained fruitful experience from the process of starting and launching my business. Patience and persistence emerged as key virtues, reminding me that building a successful business takes time and dedication.
Moreover, the importance of customer feedback became clear, guiding me in refining my products to better meet their needs. Overall, the journey has been filled with challenges and triumphs shaping me into a resilient solopreneur.
Since launch, what has worked to attract and retain customers?
Customer retention has been crucial to my success. I've found that authenticity and transparency are essential in our marketing efforts. I don't just promote my products or talk about my business, instead, I educate my audience about Spirulina and its benefits. This approach helped me to build a network of trust and credibility which are crucial for retaining customers in the long run.
Additionally, I place a strong emphasis on client service and satisfaction. I respond promptly to client’s inquiries and feedback and I go beyond to ensure a positive customer experience. Happy clients are more likely to return and recommend us to others, so I always make it a priority to exceed their expectations.
For aspiring founders, my advice would be to focus on building genuine connections with your audience and building a network of trust and credibility. Don't just sell, educate, inspire, and empower your customers. Remember, being an extrovert can go a long way.
Don't hesitate to start the conversation and learn about the people you meet. Instead of diving into a sales pitch right away, take the time to understand them and their needs and interests. You never know, your next customer might be someone you least expect. By giving them the space to approach you, you create a more inviting atmosphere where genuine connections can flourish.
How are you doing today and what does the future look like?
SGR Nutraceuticals is in a profitable position and I’m excited about what the future holds. I've been seeing healthy gross margins and strong customer demand for our Premium Spirulina Products. In addition to our domestic market, we've also been exporting our Anti-Hair Fall Chocolate to US & Europe. This expansion into international markets has opened up new avenues for growth and allowed us to introduce our premium spirulina products to a global audience.
I have ambitious plans to expand my product offerings, target new audiences, and enter new markets. We're exploring opportunities to introduce innovative Spirulina Products and tap into emerging markets both domestically and internationally.
My goal is to continue with the YOY growth trajectory and further solidify my position as a Disruptor in the Algae Industry. In the Long term, we aim to become a household name synonymous with premium quality and sustainable health solutions.
What platform/tools do you use for your business?
Gmail: Our primary email communication tool allows us to manage correspondence efficiently with clients and suppliers.
Hostinger: Provides reliable hosting services for our website ensuring it remains accessible and responsive to our customers.
Amazon: Online marketplace to reach a broader audience and increase sales by leveraging their extensive customer base and distribution network.
GoGST: Helps streamline our GST (Goods and Services Tax) compliance and reporting, ensuring that we adhere to tax regulations and manage our finances efficiently. Additionally, it aids in updating and analyzing stocks to prepare invoices, facilitating smooth inventory management and invoicing processes.
Buffer: Recently adopted for scheduling and publishing social media posts across multiple platforms helping us maintain a consistent and active online presence.
Canva: Enables the creation of eye-catching graphics and visual content for social media posts, enhancing engagement and visual appeal.
Supermeme.ai: Recently adopted to create engaging memes that resonate with our audience fostering connections and engagement on social media.
What have been the most influential books, podcasts, or other resources?
I stay updated and inspired by browsing through platforms like YourStory, Inc42, Startup Pedia and listening to podcasts like Backstage with Millionaires and TEDx talks. While I haven't come across specific books or podcasts that directly relate to my business, these platforms offer a wealth of valuable insights, success stories, and entrepreneurial wisdom from industry leaders and innovators.
These sources have contributed to my entrepreneurial journey and provided valuable inspiration along the way.
Advice for other entrepreneurs who want to get started or are just starting out?
For entrepreneurs who are just starting out or are looking to get started, my advice is don't be an introvert. Building a successful business often requires stepping out of your comfort zone, networking, and forging connections with others in your industry.
Whether it's attending networking events, reaching out to potential mentors, or simply striking up conversations with fellow entrepreneurs, being outgoing can open doors to valuable opportunities, insights, and collaborations. So, don't hesitate to put yourself out there, engage with others, and let your passion for your business shine through.
Moreover, embrace the power of memes and storytelling in your marketing strategy. Memes are a fun and engaging way to connect with your audience on social media platforms, adding a touch of humor while conveying your brand message.
Similarly, storytelling allows you to create an emotional connection with your audience weaving narratives that resonate with their experiences and aspirations. Through memes and storytelling, you can weaponize your brand making it more relatable and memorable to your customers.
Don't shy away from collaborations/partnerships with like-minded businesses or influencers in your niche. These collaborations can help you reach a wider audience and tap into new markets. Never underestimate any opportunity; what may seem insignificant at first could turn out to be a gold mine for your business.
Remember, it's not just about selling your products; it's about building meaningful relationships and adding value to the lives of your customers. So, get out there, be bold, and let your passion shine through in everything you do!
Are you looking to hire for certain positions right now?
At this time, we are not hiring for any positions. However, for aspiring entrepreneurs or individuals seeking a change in their careers, I encourage you to continue pursuing your passions and exploring opportunities that align with your interests and skill sets.
Where can we go to learn more?
- Website
- For Inquiries Email us at: [email protected]
- Featured in YourStory
- Instagram (Chocolate)
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