Visionary Female Entrepreneurs Shaping India’s Business Landscape

Ridhima Narula’s vision for expanding Meethi REET overseas is founded on the idea of sharing indian traditions through the universal language of sweets

What inspired you to embark on the journey of entrepreneurship, particularly in the sweet industry?

From an early age, I was captivated by the art of confectionery, thanks to those traditional grandmother recipes and techniques for crafting mouth-watering Indian desserts. This childhood fascination eventually led me to experiment with these recipes in my own kitchen, driven by a deep love for the craft.

Initially, my sweet creations were meant to be shared with family and friends during special occasions and festivals. The overwhelming joy and appreciation I received from my loved ones fuelled my desire to explore this passion further. It was this drive to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Indian sweets while infusing them with my own creativity that laid the foundation for Meethi REET.

As the business flourished, I realized the need to expand our operations.

I built a team of dedicated staff, training them single-handedly to deliver exceptional sweets to our customers. With their support, Meethi REET ventured into catering services, online orders, and even opened a quaint little sweet shop which has now expanded into 4 stores nationally and internationally.

Share your challenges and achievements of this journey’s growth trajectory.

One of the most significant challenges we faced was establishing Meethi REET as a recognizable and reputable brand in a highly competitive markets.

Another notable challenge was scaling our operations while upholding the quality and authenticity of our sweets. As we expanded our reach and production capacity, maintaining consistency in taste, texture, and overall product quality became a top priority. This necessitated optimizing our processes, providing comprehensive training to our team members, and implementing rigorous quality control measures.

Additionally, navigating through regulatory requirements and logistics presented its own set of obstacles, especially as we ventured into new markets. Ensuring compliance with food

One of the greatest lessons so far is the significance of resilience—it’s what transforms hard work into a powerful force for moving forward.”

safety standards, obtaining necessary permits, and managing intricate supply chain logistics demanded meticulous planning and meticulous attention to detail.

You frequently address themes of female empowerment and inclusiveness. Could you expand on your views and initiatives in this area?

As a female entrepreneur and the driving force behind Meethi REET, I am deeply committed to the cause of female empowerment and inclusivity. At Meethi REET, we recognize the immense potential of women and strive to provide them with opportunities for economic and social empowerment. Ultimately, our goal is to create a workplace where everyone, especially women, feels empowered to reach their full potential.

You’ve expressed your vision to take ‘Meethi REET’ (sweet traditions) to a global level. Can you share your strategic plan on achieving this global expansion?

At Meethi REET, our vision is to share the rich traditions of Indian sweets on a global scale. Our plan involves collaborating with cultural organizations and participating in international food festivals to introduce our sweets to diverse audiences.

With our recent entry into the global market and the opening of our first international outlet in Dubai, UAE, we are excited to embark on this journey of cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Our ultimate goal is to leave a lasting impact by sharing the richness and diversity of India’s culinary heritage with the world.

As an accomplished entrepreneur, what guidance would you offer to those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey?

My advice to those starting is rooted in my own experiences and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Firstly, embrace resilience - setbacks are inevitable, but they only serve to make us stronger. Stay true to your vision, even when faced with obstacles, and remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.