At Brilliant Read Media, it is our constant endeavor to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this, we invited Rounaq Sodhi for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Rounaq is an Entrepreneur, Founder and Head of Sales & Partnerships at Knack Beverages. Let’s learn more about his background, his inspiring journey so far and advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Rounaq:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
My extensive career in the beverage industry, particularly with RedBull’s entry in India, has equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to create and grow a new brand successfully.
The lessons that I have learned along the way have helped me identify gaps in the market and inspired the creation of Knack Beverages. Before RedBull, I was also a part of Top MNCs such as Sab Miller & Carlsberg.
Knack’s inception is rooted in a deep personal and socially relevant story. The catalyst for the venture was my own family experience. My son’s sensitive throat prompted my family to challenge me to create a beverage that would be safe for children with similar issues. This personal journey, coupled with the changing landscape of consumer preferences, set the stage for Knack’s emergence.
The COVID-19 pandemic further influenced the decision. During the pandemic, herbal concoctions and natural remedies like “Kaadha” gained popularity for their immune-boosting properties. I’ve recognized that consumers were becoming increasingly health-conscious, seeking beverages that were both refreshing and nourishing. Inspired by this trend and the success of Indian herbal ingredients in beverages, I have taken the leap to start Knack.
‘Knack Beverages’ 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.
Knack means a special skill, and we believe we have Knack for creating innovative beverages.
At its core, Knack is driven by a commitment to provide a “Quality Beverage for All”. Our brand aims to redefine the beverage market by offering relatively clean-label products that deliver the same great taste as traditional drinks but cutting down the preservatives, excess sugar and colours.
Our drinks are not only made with herb-based ingredients but we have reduced sugar content that also adds benefits to health.
Beverages and desserts, often associated with guilty pleasures, are integral to daily life for many. Our innovative approach focuses on making these indulgences both tasty and healthy. By reducing sugar levels from the standard 12% to a moderate 8%, we offer more balanced and refreshing alternative drinks.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
My team is my biggest strength. I do positive talks with my teammates & we all come out with solutions. I also talk to a few mentors, and seeking advice from seniors also helps.
My family is my biggest support. Spending time with your family adds positivity. Sometimes I try to distract myself by doing something that I am passionate about other than my work, such as playing my favorite sport, considered as a self-love mechanism, which helps keep my mental health balance in place.
Another important point is celebrating small successes. Sometimes, in chasing big dreams & targets we start ignoring small wins. Once we start celebrating the small wins, we start balancing our tough situations.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
1) There should be a strong reason for what & why you are doing something.
2) Your Vision needs to be very clear.
3) You cannot do everything by yourself; you need team members with equal passion.
4) If your family is with you & supports you in what you are doing, you can cross tough terrains easily.
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
1) I believe there are certain traits which one should possess to have a successful entrepreneurial journey first and foremost, ‘Right Intent’.
2) For any new business & as an entrepreneur, perseverance and resilience are also key because there will be a lot of “No” at every stage.
3) In today’s world, being innovative & flexible is also very important. Being innovative, only you come out of clutter & that is the expectation from young startups.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
1) Do research & study whatever you want to do, don’t just jump into anything, and don’t just try to play on luck/destiny. Create your destiny.
2) Stay debt-free. Responsibility cuts down your risk appetite. Keep your financial obligation as low as you can.
3) Start early in life, don’t wait for the right time, there is never a right time. Take calculated risk.
4) Be mentally prepared for Hardships, Objections & Rejections. To achieve something, you will have to loose something, which can be your personal family time, celebrations, financial crunch, lifestyle, holidays, etc.
5) Always work on your networking skills & have a strong network with the right set of people.
6) Keep trying, don’t stop …You enjoy “Yes” more if you hear it after 1000 “No”
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
Exciting: New Challenges every day, meeting new & young people, coming across new technologies, and learning new things after working for almost 20 years. Every day is a new day.
Satisfying: When I hear from people, we love your product. Seeing the consumer’s reaction after the first Sip. When I meet parents & they say thank you for creating, which we can happily give it our kids & our kids love it, when a school principal appreciates it. These feedbacks are the best rewards so far.
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.
