At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Priya Prakash for an exclusive interview with us. She is an Entrepreneur, Leader, Mentor, Consultant and Change Enabler. She is the Co Founder and Managing Director at Eco Pallet Pvt Ltd. Let’s learn more about her incredible journey, her background, and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Priya:
We are aware of your contribution to the ecosystem, talk us through your background and your journey as a women entrepreneur, please.
I come from a Tamil Brahmin (Tam Bram) family and was born in Calcutta. Later, I moved to Chennai where I com-pleted my graduation at Meenakshi College. My mother has always been my inspiration, and she is a homemaker. My father served in the Army before transitioning to work with the Indian Coach Factory. I have two younger sisters whom I adore and from whom I constantly draw energy.
My husband, an ex-fighter pilot from the Indian Air Force, and my daughter, who is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in Fashion Business, form my strong support system and are like jet fuel for me. When I am at home, I take pride in being a dedicated homemaker, and I am also a voracious reader.
Throughout my professional journey, I have had the privilege of working with various esteemed companies such as Ac-cor, Ford India, RPG, and Myntra. However, it was my passion for sales that truly defined my career. I consider myself a hard-core sales professional at heart, and it has been a driving force behind my success.”
Eventually, I embarked on the entrepreneurial path and founded Eco Pallet. This venture allowed me to combine my passion for sales with my commitment to environmental sustainability. As a women entrepreneur, I am proud to contribute to the ecosystem by providing eco-friendly pallet solutions that reduce waste and promote sustainability.
My journey has been marked by determination, resilience, and a continuous drive to make a positive impact. I am grateful for the support and inspiration I receive from my family, which fuels my entrepreneurial spirit.
What attracts you towards entrepreneurship instead of a corporate career?
The decision to pursue entrepreneurship instead of a corporate career stems from several factors that have shaped my mindset and aspirations. While working with renowned companies in various roles, I discovered my passion for sales and developed a strong entrepreneurial drive.
Entrepreneurship offers a unique opportunity to build something of my own, to bring my ideas to life, and make a tangible impact on the world. It allows me to have greater autonomy and control over my professional endeavours, enabling me to shape my own path and take calculated risks.
Additionally, the desire to contribute to the ecosystem by providing innovative and sustainable solutions, such as the eco-friendly pallets offered by Eco Pallet, played a significant role in attracting me towards entrepreneurship. I wanted to create a business that aligns with my values and addresses pressing environmental concerns.
Moreover, the support and inspiration I receive from my family, including my husband, an ex-fighter pilot, and my daughter, pursuing her studies in Fashion Business, have been instrumental in bolstering my entrepreneurial spirit. Their encouragement and belief in my abilities have fueled my motivation to pursue entrepreneurship and take on the challenges that come with it.
Overall, entrepreneurship offers a platform to combine my passion for sales, my commitment to sustainability, and my drive to create a positive impact. It provides a unique avenue for personal and professional growth, allowing me to chart my own course while making a meaningful difference in the world.
‘Eco Pallet Pvt Ltd’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving.
Eco Pallet Pvt Ltd is a company I Co-founded with the aim of providing sustainable and eco-friendly pallet solutions. The name “Eco Pallet” reflects our core values and commitment to ecological and economical practices.
Using Eco Pallet reduces the need for cutting new trees since our pallets are made with reclaimed wood. By utilizing reclaimed wood, we help minimize deforestation and conserve natural resources.”
Additionally, our pallets are designed to be repaired and recycled, further extending their lifespan and reducing waste. This circular approach ensures that our pallets can be used again and again, making them a more sustainable choice compared to traditional pallets.
One of the key advantages of Eco Pallet is its longevity. Our pallets have a shelf life of 10 years, making them durable and suitable for long-term use. This extended lifespan means that businesses can rely on our pallets for their storage and transportation needs, reducing the frequency of pallet replacements and minimizing the overall environmental impact.
Our mission is not only to provide a sustainable alternative but also to make every user rethink their pallet choices. By highlighting the benefits of Eco Pallet, we aim to encourage businesses to shift towards a better pallet solution—one that is eco-friendly, economically viable, and aligns with their commitment to sustainability.”
Through our innovative approach, we seek to revolutionize the pallet industry by offering a greener and more environmentally conscious option. Our goal is to create a paradigm shift in pallet usage, where businesses understand the importance of making sustainable choices and actively contribute to reducing their carbon footprint
What does your company especialize in?
Eco Pallet specializes in the design, development, and production of sustainable pallet solutions. Our focus is on providing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional pallets that are typically made from non-renewable materials like wood or plastic.
Our pallets are crafted using Post-Consumer wood or environmentally friendly materials such as recycled plastics or bio-based composites. By utilizing these renewable resources, we reduce the demand for new raw materials and minimise the environmental impact associated with pallet production.
We prioritize durability and functionality in our pallet designs, ensuring they can withstand the rigours of industrial use and meet the operational needs of businesses. Our pallets are built to last, with a typical lifespan of 10 years, making them a reliable and long-lasting solution for storage and transportation.
By specializing in sustainable pallet solutions, Eco Pallet aims to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint, minimize waste generation, and contribute to a more sustainable future. We strive to be a trusted partner for industries such as logistics, warehousing, and supply chain management, offering pallet solutions that align with their sustainability goals and promote responsible business practices.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
My drive is the satisfaction of seeing the positive impact and value my business brings to customers and the environment fuels my drive. Knowing that Eco Pallet reduces the need for cutting new trees, promotes recycling, and provides a sustainable alternative to traditional pallets gives me a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
My passion for sales, commitment to sustainability, support from my family, resilience, and the positive impact I create to keep me motivated and enable me to persevere through challenges. They serve as constant reminders of the importance and value of my entrepreneurial journey.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
The synergy of a shared sense of purpose and the camaraderie among our team members cultivates a strong bond and a collective determination to overcome obstacles. The ideas, insights, and unwavering support they bring to the table inspired me to think outside the box, embrace innovation, and consistently enhance our products and services.
I deeply appreciate the unwavering dedication and commitment demonstrated by my employees, as they play a vital role in keeping me motivated and propelling me towards greater achievements.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
> Continuous Learning
> Goal Setting
> Embracing Challenges
> Self-Care
> Cultivating Positive Relationships
> Practising Mindfulness
> Embracing Failure and Resilience
> Giving Back
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
– Clear Goals
– Persistence and Resilience
– Continuous Learning
– Hard Work and Dedication
– Effective Planning and Time Management
– Positive Mindset
– Building Relationships
– Adaptability and Flexibility
– Taking Initiative and Ownership
– Resilient Problem-Solving
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for loving your job. Stay focused, be consistent, and never give up. Success is subjective, so define it on your own terms.”
Last but not least, what are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
(a) Embrace Change: Embracing the inevitability of change fosters personal growth and opens doors to new opportunities. Being adaptable and flexible equips you with the resilience to navigate life’s challenges.
(b) Practice Self-Compassion: Being kind and compassionate towards yourself is crucial. Acknowledge and accept your flaws, limitations, and mistakes, treating yourself with the same understanding and forgiveness you offer to others. Practising self-compassion promotes a healthier mindset and overall well-being.
(c) Value Relationships: Cultivating meaningful connections with loved ones is essential for personal happiness and fulfilment. Prioritize investing time and effort into nurturing relationships, and fostering genuine care and support. Strong relationships enrich your life, providing a sense of belonging and a support system.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
