Ridhima Arora - Don’t Solely Depend on Funding and Focus On Servicing Customers Excellently (Founder Namhya Foods /Seen on Shark Tank /United Nations Super Hero 2022)

The goal is to fund medical help for those in need and create an ecosystem where individuals can heal themselves.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I hold a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication and an MBA in Marketing. I worked in marketing for 5 years before founding Namhya Foods. The inspiration for starting this health startup came from a personal experience. I lost 32 kgs in college and managed PCOS through ayurvedic herbs and lifestyle changes.

 In 2018, due to a family medical condition, I delved deeper into ayurvedic herbs and decided to create something that serves as an alternative to allopathic medication. This led to the formation of Namhya Foods with a mission to provide a platform for people to heal themselves through Ayurvedic practices.

2. As the founder of Namhya Foods, could you share the inspiration behind starting this health startup and the mission that drives your venture?

The inspiration was witnessing people in hospitals facing financial distress and hopelessness. Understanding the limitations of the medical facilities in India, I aimed to create an alternative where everyone could stay fit at home. The goal is to empower individuals to correct their lifestyles and prevent diseases from taking root. The mission is to provide a DIY solution for health issues.

3 . As someone deeply involved in the health and wellness industry, how do you manage stress and maintain a positive mindset, especially during challenging times?

While there isn't an absolute solution to managing stress, the driving force behind starting Namhya Foods acts as a constant motivator. Personal practices, a sense of purpose, and the understanding that the mission is bigger than oneself contribute to maintaining a positive mindset. Although there are days of stress and disappointment, the overarching goal keeps the motivation alive.

4. How can one overcome the hurdle of lack of funds when starting up?

Lack of funds can stimulate innovative thinking. Embrace out-of-the-box ideas, think creatively, and strive to find solutions. The drive towards the mission plays a crucial role. Patience, a good reality check of market requirements, and thorough trials before launching are key. Don't solely depend on funding and focus on servicing customers excellently.

5. What are your tips for first-time and aspiring entrepreneurs?

Don't solely rely on funding. Exercise patience. Conduct a thorough reality check of market needs.

Test your ideas in the market through trials before the official launch. Prioritize excellent customer service.

6. As a practitioner of yoga and a nutritionist, how do you balance your personal wellness routines with the demands of being an entrepreneur?

Despite challenges, personal wellness is a priority. Incorporating physical activities, like walking during calls, practicing meditation, and taking breaks during work hours, helps strike a balance. Avoiding food after sunset, staying hydrated, and consuming non-packaged, seasonal foods contribute to physical well-being.

7. Starting and running a health startup can be challenging. Can you share a personal challenge you faced in your entrepreneurial journey and how you overcame it?

Navigating the regulatory aspects and educating people about the niche category Namhya Foods operates in posed challenges. Overcoming these challenges involved persistence, adaptability, and a continuous effort to create awareness about the brand and its offerings. Challenges are inherent in startups, and a focused approach helps in overcoming them.

8. Looking ahead, what are your professional or personal aspirations and goals in this industry, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Personally, the goal is to fund medical help for those in need and create an ecosystem where individuals can heal themselves. Professionally, the aim is for Namhya Foods to go global, become a prominent name in Ayurveda, and contribute to making Ayurveda internationally recognized. The target is to reach 10 to 15 million people in the next 5 years.

9. You mention being a "forever health enthusiast." What advice would you give to individuals looking to adopt a healthier lifestyle, especially considering the demands of a busy professional life?

Three key pieces of advice:

Keep your body active, even if it's just walking and talking.

Avoid consuming heavy meals after sunset.

Opt for seasonal, non-synthetic foods, avoiding packaged items with preservatives.

Bio

Currently building a health startup, I am a forever health enthusiast,a trained Yoga Instructor, and a practicing nutritionist
Would love to exchange ideas and proposals with similar interests people on the platform. To know more about us, check out www. namhyafoods.com.

Worked in corporate for about 4.5 years in Branding and Marketing in the tech space
I am an electronics and communication engineer by degree and a Marketer by Heart. I completed my MBA from the Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai

Interviewed and Edited by - Arunangshu Chatterjee