Namrata Kath Hazarika | 06 Nov, 2012
In an exclusive interview with SME Times, Shahil Ghosh, Director, Bio-Pru Natural said that it is difficult for small and medium enterprises to expand as they are neither blessed with big name nor they have the requisite support. The only thing that helps SMEs grow is their hard work and patience.
Excerpts of the interview...
What is your idea behind starting with the Bio-Pru Natural?
Shahil Ghosh: The first reason for introducing a natural brand is that I belong from Assam, which is itself a nature's gifted place. Being an Assamese it encourages to relate and spread our knowledge of beauty to the nation. And, the second reason is around couple of years back, during the time Bio-Pru was launched, our analysis showed that there is lots of potential and demand for natural products in beauty and wellness segment. In fact, various surveys have pointed out similar results and facts. So, we decided to enter in this field.
What is new about your products? Could you brief on the kind of products that you are manufacturing?
Shahil Ghosh: Bio-Pru offers skin and hair related beauty products which are 100% natural. Quality of Bio-Pru products is determined by its risk-free natural formula. Even a novice, who does not understand much about beauty products or have no knowledge can surely go for the products which also have no side effects. This is not in the case for chemical based compounds/products. These natural products are seen more in demand these days in the market. While using such products, buyers or end-users need not to worry about any negative effects. People are using and applying such products for beauty and good health.
Our Bio-Pru products are fairly priced targeting the price-conscious consumers. We have a range of products that fit into every budget. The availability of our products are also at ease. As some of our esteemed clients will vouch for, our products are available at a very short notice. Our manufacturing centre is located in Himachal Pradesh which has abundance of flora.
Bio-Pru products are produced by using the most potent and vital essence of the plant. These are the natural capacitors which have ability to store and release energy when required. The availability of such high quality natural ingredients in large quantity serves us to provide exotic products highly appreciated by quality conscious beauticians.
What is your marketing strategy for promoting your brand?
Shahil Ghosh: We have a marketing team specially appointed for beauty parlor & salons. We also participate in exhibitions to promote & brand awareness.
What made you get involved with this kind of business and how are planning for expanding your business?
Shahil Ghosh: Well, the reason behind getting into this business is that I can see a huge potential in this field. II am a big fan of Warren Buffett. According to Mr. Buffett, we should invest in upcoming market not in running market if we really expect a good return. And when I compare India with USA, UK or Paris (France) we have a long way to go in the same industry. I hope it is a right time to start in this industry.
Further, on our business expansion, I am thankful of the past experiences as I have been involved in this industry for 12 years now. I am planning to expand my business by choosing the right paths. In fact, all the database of salons and beauty parlors and distributors contact details has helped us tremendously from time to time to develop and grow our business.
Being a small and medium entity, what kind of challenges are you facing in promoting your products as well as your brand?
Shahil Ghosh: Being a small and medium entity it takes time to expand as we are neither blessed with big name nor we have the requisite support. We need to work hard and have patience.
Now, our target is to cover entire India within 2 years with good customer support team. To make things more fruitful, we are appointing people across India and also doing lots of activities to make our space in the market that is currently dominated by well-establish brands.
Have you ever tried to avail benefits under any govt. MSME scheme? What kind of response did you get?
Shahil Ghosh: I haven't yet got time to think or discuss about this as I believe more in private sector for whatsoever reason. We are also appointing investors sector wise and I hope it will reduce lot of efforts and financial challenges so that we can easily step towards success.
Do you face hindrances and competitions from small brands making same kind of products?
Shahil Ghosh: I believe without competition we don't get enthusiasm in the environment. So, thanks to all my competitors for competing with us. As a company or as a brand everyone has a difference strategy or formula for their product or brand . . . I can't take 100% of their place equally they can't take 100% of my place.
Any big plans or surprises for customers this Diwali festival?
Shahil Ghosh: Yes, Diwali is a big festival in India and we have specially announced attractive scheme's and discounts for Diwali. I also would like to throw some lights to our other activity what we do for helping differently able children. We support organizations such as Anath ashrams, Bridha ashram, etc. I have seen always whenever this kind of festival comes we only remember our family and friends. On the other hand, as a human we forget humanity and human responsibility. Helping human is not only a responsibility for human it's also humanity. As human being differently able children, Anath ashrams & Bridha ashram people deserve to enjoy festivals and this is our responsibility to help them.
