Highlights:
– In 2010, three friends started a startup called Flavor Aura.
– In 2016, they laid the foundation for a bakery called Bakingo and made a business of 1 million rupees in the first year.
– Bakingo now has 500 employees and an annual turnover of 75 crores.
– The founders, Himanshu Chawla, Sherry Sahgal, and Suman Patra, did not study at IIT or IIM but graduated from Delhi Netaji Subhas University of Technology.
– They started their business journey in the basement of a building in Gurgaon with an investment of only 2 lakhs.
– Flavor Aura operated online and provided services for flowers, cakes, and personalized gifting.
– Bakingo was started in 2016 to fulfill the demand for a fresh bakery product delivery service in the country.
– Bakingo offers 500 varieties of cakes, while most bakeries in the city offer only 5-10 types.
– The company’s turnover is now over 75 crores.
– Bakingo sells its products both online and through food delivery portals like Swiggy and Zomato.
In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, success stories often revolve around innovative ideas, relentless determination, and the ability to meet the unmet needs of consumers. Such is the tale of three friends, Himanshu Chawla, Sharry Sehgal, and Suman Patra, who transformed a modest basement startup into a flourishing business empire known as Bakingo. Their journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and a keen understanding of the market.
A Gradual Shift Towards Entrepreneurship
These three friends, graduates of Delhi’s Netaji Subhash University of Technology, initially embarked on conventional career paths, working for a few years. However, they soon realized that their hearts were yearning for something more. Driven by their entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to make a difference, they decided to take the plunge and chart their own course.
The Genesis of Flower Ora
In 2010, Himanshu Chawla, Sharry Sehgal, and Suman Patra, devoid of prestigious IIT or IIM degrees, launched a startup called Flower Ora. Operating out of the basement of a building in Gurugram, the trio invested a modest sum of two lakh rupees. Their venture initially focused on delivering flowers and cakes, aiming to brighten up special moments in people’s lives.
Spotting a Gap in the Market
During their journey of delivering delightful surprises, the three friends observed a significant gap in the organized bakery business in the country. This epiphany led them to realize that there was a burgeoning demand for high-quality bakery products, especially those that could be conveniently delivered to the doorstep.
The Birth of Bakingo
To capitalize on this demand and address the need for organized bakery services, Himanshu Chawla, Sharry Sehgal, and Suman Patra founded Bakingo in 2016. Unlike traditional bakeries that offered a limited variety of cakes, Bakingo set out to provide a diverse and delectable range of baked goods, prepared with love and delivered fresh to customers.
Efficient Nationwide Delivery
One of Bakingo’s standout features is its commitment to delivering freshly baked products to any corner of the country within two hours of placing an order. This dedication to prompt and reliable service quickly set them apart from the competition and gained them a loyal customer base.
A Phenomenal Journey
In just seven years, Bakingo has achieved remarkable growth and success. With a turnover that now exceeds a staggering Rs 75 crore, the company’s journey from a basement startup to a nationwide bakery chain is truly inspiring. They have demonstrated that passion, innovation, and a customer-centric approach can lead to significant accomplishments.
Himanshu Chawla, Sharry Sehgal, and Suman Patra’s story is a testament to the fact that academic credentials are not the sole indicators of success. With their vision, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, they have carved a niche in the bakery industry and continue to sweeten the lives of customers across the country through Bakingo. Their journey is a shining example of what can be achieved when one follows their entrepreneurial dreams with unwavering commitment.