About Vanishree Praveen
Born and brought up in a tiny village in a conservative family, to Vanishree Praveen, ‘empowerment’ and `independence’ rang of unfamiliar privileges from an alien world. While she secretly nurtured a dream of running her own business someday, it took her 40 years to muster courage to set up ‘Nenchige’, an authentic condiments brand that finally allowed her to bring to the world her hearty fair of homecooked culinary favourites ranging from chutneys (Indian side dish) and artisanal pickles to masala powders and ready to eat products.
"This not only gave me the confidence to turn my passion into a full-fledged business but made me realize the potential of authentic, homemade flavours that can bring alive beautiful food experiences. As the demand for handmade chutneys and pickles increased, I started concentrating my recipes and resources into producing more of just these and christened the brand ‘Nenchige’, a sweet and sour manifestation of success.”, says a beaming Vanishree.
Her recipes are a nostalgic blend of carefully chosen ingredients, characteristic of the authentic taste and flavour, similar to her mother’s version. Inspired by her mother’s culinary skills, Nenchige’s products do not contain any artificial coloring or preservatives. Speaking about her company, Vani says, ‘I am thrilled that my products are appreciated by the customers. Nenchige is constantly working towards improving its products to further enhance customer satisfaction’. Vanishree says she didn’t have any significant business acumen or requisite knowledge of running one but was determined to be an independent leader. It was hence in the pursuit of achieving her goal of becoming an entrepreneur, she joined and completed the `Certified Entrepreneurial Training’ in a few noted institutes for enhancing her competences.
But it was Walmart’s Women Entrepreneurship Development Program (WEDP) that changed her life. She was selected for the third batch in 2018 where she received training for a host of competencies such as compliance, marketing, finance and more.
Upon completion of the training, Vanishree approached the Walmart India buying team with her samples.
It was not easy, she realised, as she had to get many things right as was observed by the buying team - Packaging, shelf life, labelling etc. “I was determined. The buying team connected me with the Compliance and Food Safety teams who advised me continuously and my product went through several iterations. But I did not give up. During the process, I learnt so much and set up my own manufacturing facility.”
After working on the suggestions and advises, I finally got it right and received my PO last week. Today I realise the power of a Walmart PO. It has actually given me an official launch into organised trade. It is so hard for me to believe that from a home brand to my own small manufacturing unit that I inaugurated in October 07, 2019 and then becoming a supplier to Walmart, I have come a long way. From a simple village girl to an entrepreneur, I have no words to express my journey. All I can say is it been beautiful, thanks to Walmart.“
Recalling her days at the training program, Vani says, “The Women Entrepreneurship Development Program changed my life completely. I have renewed vigour to expand my capabilities and take my products to international markets. I suddenly feel like a transformed person, I have gained so much knowledge about compliance that I am very sure I can develop a robust food business over the next few years. The big dream is to reach far and wide to everyone looking for a unique side of delicious homemade produce.”