Spicing up the World: Sattva Nepal’s Global Aspirations for Nepalese Flavors
The Woman Entrepreneur and the Enterprise
Poonam Shukla founded Sattva Nepal with the vision of bringing premium Nepalese flavors to the global stage. Targeting chiefly the US and European markets, her goal is to position Sattva Nepal as a premier global brand for organic Nepalese spices. By fortifying supply chains, enhancing the startup’s branding, and collaborating with worldwide spice platforms, Sattva Nepal aims to uplift Nepal's rural farmers who grapple with challenges like unjust pricing and limited market access. "In this day and age, when people are looking for healthier ways to live, Nepalese spices can offer a great alternative to processed foods,” said Shukla.
Experience in the program
“The sessions led by experts - especially the ones by Swami Sekar - were really helpful,” said Shukla of the SARDI program. She emphasized that the experience not only fast-tracked her learning, but also gave her a clear understanding of Nepal's entrepreneurial challenges, prepping her to strategize effectively for her early-stage business.
Achievements and impact of program
The program deeply influenced Shukla's entrepreneurial journey. “The first and biggest impact of the program has been in terms of exposure," she said, noting that she was introduced to many women entrepreneurs from across the globe, which fostered community.
This exposure ultimately transformed her perspective. “Before the program, I often felt isolated... the program helped me to understand that everyone is on a learning journey,” she said. Shukla has already collaborated with some of these women, resulting in tangible business growth.
Beyond this community of like-minded entrepreneurs, the program delivered actionable knowledge, including everything from fundraising to strategy. One particularly impactful area was the program’s instruction in marketing, which “led to an increase in brand awareness and sales” for Sattva Nepal.
"Overall, the program has had a profound impact on my business and my personal growth," said Shukla, concluding that she would recommend the program for any woman entrepreneur.
The program significantly accelerated the growth of Sattva Nepal. Before the program, the startup’s average three-month revenue stood at 8,500 Nepalese Rupees (US$63.93) By the end of the program, this figure had nearly doubled to 16,558 NPR (US$124.53).
Over the next 3 to 5 years, Shukla aims for Sattva Nepal to become a global brand, beginning with the US and the European markets.
The program equipped Shukla with insights that she estimated would have otherwise taken her "more than a year" to gain independently.
Although Sattva Nepal is still a small team - composed of only 5 full-time and 2 part-time staff - the company aims to make an outsized impact on the thousands of Nepalese farmers subject to unfair market conditions.
Shukla said that in-person meetings in Kathmandu were instrumental in helping her better understand the unique business environment of Nepal.
Visit their website to learn more about Sattva Nepal.
