Shankar Tanaya Interview

By Harish Athreya

Interviewer: India has always been at the forefront of manufacturing high-quality and health-oriented products. Herbal products that have no side effects and are health-conscious have gained worldwide acclaim. Shankar Tanaya Enterprises is at the forefront of delivering these products to the people. Let’s see the success story of Mr. Suhas and Mr. Bhagyalakshmi T N in this episode.

Interviewer: Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got started in the herbal products industry?

Mr. Suhas : I obtained a BA degree and a Diploma in Library Science, and later, a postgraduate degree in Library Science while working as an Assistant Librarian at the Aeronautical Development Agency. I retired in May 2019 after 31 years of continuous service. After that, along with my son BS Suhas, we gathered product content for Ayur Power Network. Knowing the demand and opinions of the customers, we came up with the idea and plan to start our own herbal products store.

Interviewer: What motivated you to start your own herbal products distribution business?

Mr. Suhas : Ayur Power offered a franchise in the name of Bommu Herbals. Its basic objective is to deliver high-quality ingredients at affordable prices to consumers and sellers. Inspired by this, we launched our store in December 2019.

Interviewer: What were some of the major challenges you faced while starting your business, and how did you overcome them?

Mr. Suhas : We were determined to open a shop but faced challenges such as finding a suitable location and renting a shop at an affordable rate. Introducing new products from a new company was an unfamiliar space for us, and we were uncertain about how consumers would receive them. However, with a determined mindset and a growing customer base, we started the store with the support of our family and friends.

Interviewer: How do you source the herbs and ingredients for your products?

Mr. Suhas : Customer satisfaction is our motto. We work with honest and trustworthy distributors, ensuring that the products we offer are of high quality, affordable, and have no side effects. Sometimes, we add essential ingredients based on customer demand. In this regard, we were introduced to Alpha Herbals, through which we get high-quality herbs and spices.

Interviewer: How are your products different from others in the market?

Mr. Suhas : Our products are known for their good quality, affordable price, effective results, and attractive packaging. They are always available and have comprehensive information on the packaging.

Interviewer: Can you describe a typical day in the life of running your business?

Mr. Suhas : A typical day involves managing the store at National College, participating in events like Geetha Jayanti, and attending AKBMS’s Abijate Program, where we mingle with fellow businessmen and dignitaries. These are unforgettable moments.

Interviewer: What are some of your best-selling products, and why do you think they are so popular?

Mr. Suhas : Our best-selling products include ashwagandha, triphala, violet seed powder, neem honey, hair growth oils, hibiscus flower, madrangi leaf, curry leaf, gooseberry powder, and cosmetics made from orange peel, lemon peel, and pomegranate peel powders. Multani Mitti is also in high demand. These products are popular due to their effective results, low price, availability, no side effects, and long usage history. There is also a growing awareness and interest in Ayurveda.

Interviewer: How do you ensure the quality and safety of your products?

Mr. Suhas : We have direct business tie-ups with manufacturers and distributors who ensure high-quality ingredients. We also rely on honest customer feedback to maintain our standards.

Interviewer: What role does sustainability and ethical sourcing play in your business model?

Mr. Suhas : We ensure comprehensive information about the ingredients we sell and maintain honesty in our business dealings. Customer trust is the capital of our business, and we strive to ensure customers are not inconvenienced for our benefit.

Interviewer: How do you stay current with trends and developments in the herbal products industry?

Mr. Suhas :We stay updated by getting information from the internet and social media about new products in the market. We also gather information from manufacturers and distributors, participate in product displays, visit other stores, and connect with necessary materials.

Interviewer: What has been the most rewarding part of your entrepreneurial journey so far?

Mr. Suhas : The most profitable and in-demand products are our herbal powders. These can be used to prepare soap, hair oil, shampoo, cosmetic cream, and various infusions at home.

Interviewer: Can you share a success story or a particularly memorable moment from your business journey?

Mr. Suhas : Yes, on the occasion of Women’s Day celebrated by DEN, I was recognized and honored as the “Best Female Doubles Athlete 2023-2024.” It was an unexpected and wonderful day in my business life.

Interviewer: How do you approach marketing and reach your target audience?

Interviewer: Mr. Suhas: We disseminate information on social networks, WhatsApp groups, and through flea market advertisements. We also share store details with our friends’ groups. For sales, we publish the list of available ingredients on WhatsApp status and in many Facebook groups. Additionally, we participate in monthly meetings to share information about our products.

Interviewer: What advice would you give to those who want to start their own business in the herbal products industry?

Mr. Suhas: Be honest with customers and fulfill their demands on time. If anyone wants to resell our products, please contact us at 9535026265 or 9980563113.

Interviewer: What are your future plans and goals for your business?

Mr. Suhas and: We plan to increase our business scope using modern technology, making our herbal products easily and promptly available everywhere. We also aim to expand our business internationally.

Interviewer: Our thanks to both Suhas and Smt. Bhagyalakshmi TN. May your business grow to greater heights, and we also offer our support to your enterprise. The Dwija team is always with you.

 

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