Mrs. Bharati Malnad, the driving force behind Sri Enterprises in Bangalore, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey at 43, motivated by a personal struggle with skin allergies caused by chemical-laden personal care products. Her commitment to creating a brand that champions honesty, transparency, and sustainability led to the inception of Sri Enterprises in 2017. With an initial investment of 2 crores, Mrs. Malnad has steered her company through numerous challenges to achieve a turnover of 40 lakhs in its first year. Her dedication to producing personal care products free from harsh chemicals like silicones, parabens, and mineral oils has resonated with an increasingly health-conscious consumer base.
Sri Enterprises has seen significant growth under Mrs. Malnad’s leadership. The brand’s (https://raissa.in) products were first introduced in retail stores in September 2023 and subsequently launched online in March 2024. This strategic move has led to a 25% repeat purchase rate, a testament to the quality and appeal of the products. The company is in an exciting growth phase, focusing on continual innovation and adherence to stringent global standards to facilitate future exports to Europe and the USA.
Mrs. Malnad’s entrepreneurial path was shaped by her father, whose leadership and wisdom served as a beacon throughout her journey. His advice to embrace challenges as opportunities and maintain a forward-looking mindset provided Mrs. Malnad with the resilience needed to overcome the various hurdles she faced. These included navigating the complexities of funding, particularly through government schemes that often fell short at the implementation stage. As a woman entrepreneur, she also encountered significant obstacles in procuring and installing machinery, which required not only financial investment but also a high degree of perseverance and ingenuity.
The essentials for launching her business included securing an industrial unit, investing in machinery, and enduring a prolonged licensing process. Mrs. Malnad’s ability to identify market opportunities through diligent research and consultations with industry experts played a crucial role in her company’s success. Her disciplined approach, unwavering dedication, and ability to manage the business comprehensively have been instrumental in establishing Sri Enterprises as a respected name in the personal care industry. The venture is bootstrapped and has till now invested close to 5 Crores.
Looking ahead, Mrs. Malnad is optimistic about the future of the personal care sector, particularly the growing demand for chemical-free products. She anticipates a significant expansion in this niche market by 2030, driven by increasing consumer awareness and preference for natural alternatives. Her strategic vision includes not only maintaining high standards in product formulation but also embracing the latest technological innovations to stay ahead in the industry.
Mrs. Malnad’s unique approach to entrepreneurship, characterized by a blend of personal experience and professional rigor, distinguishes her in a competitive landscape. Her journey reflects a profound understanding of the market and a commitment to making a positive impact through sustainable practices. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Mrs. Malnad offers invaluable advice: maintain focus, navigate challenges with resilience, and understand that success requires more than just luck. Her accolades, including the Best Women Achiever awards at the Handcrafters Carnival and India Business Awards, underscore her dedication to excellence and innovation in personal care.
Mrs. Bharati Malnad’s story is one of perseverance, vision, and impactful change. Her work with Sri Enterprises not only addresses a growing need for safer personal care products but also serves as an inspiring example of how personal challenges can drive meaningful and successful business ventures.
