How Did Neemuch's Kartik Khandelwal Turn His Dreams into a Successful Herbs and Spices Start-Up?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Inspired by PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat
- Started with a modest Rs 20,000 investment
- Expanded to over 400 products
- Achieved an annual turnover of Rs 70 lakhs
- Secured an export trade license
Neemuch, Aug 7 (NationPress) Kartik Khandelwal, a resident of this vibrant city, has captured the community's admiration through his remarkable achievements as a start-up entrepreneur, particularly with his innovative venture focused on selling herbs and spices online.
PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’, a monthly radio segment, significantly influenced his entrepreneurial journey. Starting with a modest investment of Rs 20,000, he successfully established a company that now boasts an annual turnover exceeding Rs 70 lakhs.
Despite being a BCA graduate and facing unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kartik held onto his ambitious aspirations.
His life underwent a profound transformation after tuning into ‘Mann Ki Baat’. Motivated, he made the bold decision to launch his business, ‘Karthik Exports’, utilizing his savings of Rs 20,000 to sell herbal products and spices on major digital platforms like Amazon and Flipkart.
In its inaugural year, he earned a profit of Rs 20,000, and since then, his business has continued to surpass new milestones.
Now, boasting a diverse selection of over 400 products, the annual turnover has soared past Rs 70 lakh.
His brand is successfully reaching customers across various states via online platforms, and he has secured an export trade license, paving the way for international business endeavors.
“Today, we offer more than 400 products, and this year our turnover has surpassed 70 lakhs. We anticipate even greater growth in the future, especially with our new US export trade license,” he stated.
Kamlesh Gir, an employee at Karthik Exports, shared, “I’ve been part of this team for five years. Initially, we received only a couple of orders daily, but since the onset of COVID-19, we now manage around 70-80 orders daily.”
“Our focus is on herbs, spices, and powders. We package them meticulously before dispatching them upon receiving online orders through Flipkart and Amazon,” he added.
Another team member, Ishaan Ahir, remarked, “We have been engaged in this spice and herb business for a year now.”