Website – Smile N Smile
Founder – Dr. Neelam Himthani
In India, rising customer perception of the importance of skin and hair care has fueled the demand for natural herbal products in the region. They have begun to focalize on what they eat, how healthy they are, how they look and, more importantly, on their skin and hair care regimen, as people are becoming more health-conscious.
The trigger point
Many people are going back to those worn-out tips and remedies, and today “herbal” has become a buzzword. People are becoming aware of not only what they eat, but also what they use on their body. Branded products and instant results turned the tide, and those tried and tested skin care regimes of the past were forgotten. This motivated Dr. Neelam to usher in Smile n Smile.
The natural ingredients formula
Dr. Neelam Himthani, the founder of Smile n Smile-the home herbal products company, is a veteran in this industry. It is a self-funded company. Before building this start-up, she has also invested in her own Dental and Cosmetic Clinic in Bhopal.
Smile n Smile is a natural products manufacturing company that was started in August 2018. She ran extensive research and multiple experiments on the ingredients that go into skin or hair care products. She wanted to introduce natural and harmless products which also gave better results. This very thought inspired her to take this startup plan.
Versatile products
Initially, Dr. Neelam went through professional training to get a better perspective on herbal supplements. They were tried and tested, before release in the market. Her personal experience with the products motivated her to expand the accessibility.
Its manufacturing unit is present in Bhopal, M.P. Yet, the startup has its customer outreach and operates pan India. The company offers on its website a wide variety of items grouped by type of skin. Like facial masks, cleansers, scrubs, and other body care products.
The products are based on years of experience which ensure tremendous beautifying which curing benefits for flawless skin without side effects. They consist of natural ingredients such as essential oils, herbal formulations, plant extracts, sandalwood, turmeric, milk, tulsi, and honey.
Satisfied customer base
Today, Smile n Smile has a range of diversified skin and hair care products. It deals with more than 350 products, as of now. While Dr. Neelam is the founder of the company, Mr. Ravi, a software engineer, is a part of the company’s board, and approves all the formulations of the business plan.
Since all its versatile products are hand-made at home, the founder also claims that she gets immense support from all her family members, be it be ideas, tips, motivation, packaging of orders, etc.
Touch of personal care
All Smile n Smile products are handcrafted, natural, Eco friendly, and cost-effective. The company believes in maintaining transparency enabling its customer base about all the ingredients in each of their products. According to the founder, the only ingredient that is not listed is Love and personal touch which is sprinkled on all its products! However, the company promises its customers that feel of love, care, and smile whilst using Smile n Smile products.
What made you strike this business idea? What inspired you to start this company?
Dr. Neelam – I understand that a drug taken to treat one disease may cause many harmful side effects. I thought that the same would be true for the skin & hair care products too which we have been using since years. I felt dryness, itchiness, rashes & breakouts as the side effects of the ingredients used in those products. It triggered me to think on how I can keep a track on these side effects…
I started experiments and research on the ingredients in commercial skin hair care products and also the benefits of natural products. Then I decided to make my own version of products with natural ingredients. I started attending relevant paid workshops and professional training to understand more on these. Initially I made a couple of products for my own use. But soon my work & its great results got spread among my family, friends and neighbours. I started giving them my products as complimentary gift items. The tremendous results encouraged me to launch Smile n Smile Naturals to help people get access to my handmade, natural, harmless skin & hair care products.
When did you start your business?
Dr. Neelam – August, 2018
What does success mean to your company?
Dr. Neelam – I really care for each of my clients to look healthier and happier. Their satisfaction, happiness and smile on their face is the real success for me and my ultimate aim.
How are you performing currently?
Dr. Neelam – Currently we have more than 350 products and many satisfied clients across India. Their feedback always encourage us to perform better and better with every new & creative products launch
What is the biggest risk to your company?
Dr. Neelam – Currently COVID-19 Pandemic. Otherwise everyday is a challenging day where risks are already built in. Be it a manufacturing product from scratch, receiving raw materials on time, delivering products to customers on time or 3rd party dependencies e.g. courier services etc.. But we as a team handle all these risks and challenges on a daily basis. So, we believe, we need to be more vigilant and careful in handling daily risks, doesn’t matter how big or small it is.
What are your plans for the funding?
Dr. Neelam – Being a Natural Products Manufacturing Company, we need to regularly look after our funding plans as it is one of the most fragile segments of the market. At present we are funding from our own turnover and profits. But at the same time we are also looking for the investors who could step up and support our production, delivery and marketing.
What is the biggest challenge you faced during your start-up setup?
Dr. Neelam –
1) Partial or No-support even from our near and dear ones
2) Showcasing our products in a professional way (e.g. photography, marketing)
3) Building network & trust
4) Lots of trials and errors
What does growth mean to you and your business?
Dr. Neelam:
I always dream big and see my business growing day by day. I see growth:
- As making my dreams a reality.
- When I build my brand awareness everywhere and develop a newer client base across the world.
- When I look into new and bigger markets and increase my workforce into a team.
- When I receive bigger re-orders from our existing clients.
- When I receive positive feedback from every of my clients.
How does your product stand different from others in the market?
Dr. Neelam – Our products are handcrafted filled with love, care and positive energy. They are freshly made with natural ingredients yet cost effective. Since all the products are purely handmade, every client gets the personal touch, care, smile & attention from us. We provide wide varieties & flavours of the products which are suitable for all age groups. Seasonal and timely offers are an extra bonus for our clients. Many of our clients get extra advantages and free samples with their orders at no cost.
Where are your start-up services spread?
Dr. Neelam – Though our manufacturing unit is established in Bhopal, M.P. yet we service PAN India.
What does it feel to be the founder of your start-up? How does it feel getting up every morning and getting on to work?
Dr. Neelam – Though this is my 2nd venture (first is my own Dental and Cosmetic Clinic in Bhopal), I really feel equally great and enthusiastic every single day. Every new order brings new energy and enthusiasm in me. I am very close to both of my ventures; this is what powers me up every morning.
Where do you see your business standing in the next 5 years?
Dr. Neelam – On top of the world, in every smile and face of the people.
Who supports you to stand this business and how?
Dr. Neelam – Mr. Ravi (a Software Engineer) supports me to stand this business. His timely ideas, tips and motivation has always been a boon for me. We regularly discuss future road maps, product qualities, and clients satisfaction.
My GOD, family, parents and brother have always been a positive and helping hands for me. Being it supporting or encouraging me or packing of orders, everything is possible with their blessings. I feel lucky to have such a supporting system around me!
