At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring to our community some of the finest stories from the entrepreneurship world. As part of this endeavour, we invited a passionate entrepreneur – Siva Sethupathy for an exclusive interview with us. Siva is an Entrepreneur, Leader, Organic Farming Expert, Consultant and Mentor. He is the Co-Founder of Karat Farms. Let’s learn more about his inspiring journey, his background and his advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Siva:
Talk us through your background and your journey as an entrepreneur, please;
I was born in a middle-class family, my parents were honest and hard-working, and they made sure my sister and me had the best of everything in life.
My dad used to work in a factory and was very much interested in entrepreneurship but could never try it out because of his responsibilities.
We used to watch various talk shows, and interviews, and attend workshops together. Seeing my dad work in a chemical factory, I wanted to be a chemical engineer myself.
I did B-Tech chemical engineering in NIT Trichy, after which I got placed in a manufacturing company but something inside me was unsettled.
I wasn’t happy with the corporate monotonous routine, so I quit the job and moved to my friend’s place in Chennai where we used to identify and talk about problems in India.”
We then decided to tap into unused terrace spaces in urban areas.
What attracts you towards entrepreneurship instead of a corporate career?
From school, I was fascinated by leaders. Taking responsibility and courageously building something they believe in.
I used to watch a lot of documentaries on discovery and national geographies, such as mega factories and other space, science and technology-related topics.”
I think the idea of building something that solves a big problem for humanity was something that always excited me. Seeing huge car factories of cars, ice creams etc always amazed me.
‘Karat Farms’ 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?
Karat farms were coined to convey to people that a garden at home that gives you fresh, nutritious vegetables is as valuable as gold. Hence “karat” as in 24 karats.
We at karat farms want to make it easier for homes in India to grow a garden. Starting the company as a vegetable garden service, we soon realized that people wanted someone to take care of their lawn, indoor plants, etc.
They wanted a knowledgeable, reliable and plant-loving person to tend to their gardens. Ss finding the right gardener for your house is a difficult task.
we aim to make it easier for homes to book on-demand, subscription gardener services and also help them create their garden on a budget with ease.
During this covid-19 crisis, what are the measures you have undertaken to continue your business without disruption?
Enabled DIY garden acre kits ensured all contract gardeners were vaccinated, and regular video calls with customers.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
Every time our contract gardener is happy that he is earning money he could never have imagined of earning, empowering them to be able to dream bigger and helping them realise personal goals is something that drives me.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
My family, their support, understanding in my journey as an entrepreneur
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
Mindfulness in my daily life, picking a sport to excel in.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
>Be brutally honest with yourself about everything.
>And to always seek clarity in whatever you are doing.
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.
