I come from Indore, a city renowned for its vibrant business culture, where entrepreneurship has been a part of my family for generations. Growing up in this environment nurtured my passion for business and gave me a practical understanding of how small enterprises operate.
My entrepreneurial journey began in the garment industry, and I later diversified into manufacturing natural camphor-based incense products such as sticks and cones—under the Shri Shriji brand. Both ventures are united by a single purpose: to create fair and sustainable livelihood opportunities for women in my community.
I started Shri Shriji on a modest scale, setting up the unit in a friend’s space with limited capital. I engaged local women in counting and packing camphor tablets, enabling them to earn an income from home with dignity. Our products emphasize purity and practicality, including a camphor lamp that blends traditional design with safe, modern use.
As I focused on business growth, I realized that many of my operations were unstructured. I was managing orders and production based on intuition rather than systems, and I recognized the need for guidance on planning, tracking, and scaling effectively.
Joining the Walmart Vriddhi program in 2023 was a turning point. The program introduced me to structured planning, pricing, and process management, preparing my business for growth. I gained valuable insights that helped me streamline operations using distribution and production tracking systems. I learned to refine pricing strategies, evaluate profit margins, and pitch my products to local retailers and eCommerce platforms. Personalized mentorship further deepened my understanding of business planning, cost control, and brand positioning.
Acting on the guidance from the program, we expanded our reach by listing our products on Flipkart and supplying to local retail stores. This dual approach helped us grow both online and offline, boosting sales by nearly 30% and creating more jobs for women in packing and production. By 2025, Shri Shriji recorded over 70% growth compared to 2023, marking its rise as a fast-growing consumer brand.
Over time, the brand has evolved to offer a complete range of pooja essentials that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern production practices. We have diversified into herbal incense sticks and plan to expand into Ayurvedic wellness products in the coming years. The knowledge and systems gained through the Walmart Vriddhi program continue to shape how we plan, operate, and grow, providing a strong foundation for a bright and sustainable future.
