We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kalpana Kethineedi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kalpana below.
Hi Kalpana, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
As a solopreneur, the initial two years of running Kay’s Curries were intense, balancing it with a full-time job and often working weekends. To prevent burnout, I’ve made self-care a priority this year. I now ensure I work out at least twice a week and take Sundays off. If I work a Sunday event, I take Monday off instead.
Additionally, I enjoy scheduling coffee dates or hikes with friends, visiting the beach early in the morning, or spending a day gardening. These activities help clear my mind, calm my nerves, and boost my focus and creativity. Also, hiring temporary help for markets and events has freed up my time to concentrate on strategy and marketing, enhancing my overall effectiveness.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
At Kay’s Curries, we simplify cooking traditional Indian dishes with our easy-to-use meal kits. Just add water and cook for 15-20 minutes, and dinner is ready! Our products are gluten-free, dairy-free, and allergen-free, made with clean, natural ingredients right here in the USA.
Our mission is to empower busy families to enjoy delicious and healthy Indian food, no matter their dietary restrictions or time constraints.
What’s exciting about Kay’s Curries is that it extends beyond the typical Indian dishes like butter chicken masala and chana masala. Originally from India, I grew up surrounded by the diverse culinary traditions of each state, city, and region. At Kay’s, we’re excited to share these traditional recipes, like our biryani that features my mom’s special masala blend.
Unlike common market offerings where you buy spices or sauces and still have to do extensive prep and cooking, our products simplify this process. Plus, most ready-made solutions contain preservatives and aren’t allergen-free, nor are they always made in the USA. Kay’s Curries changes that, offering clean, natural, and easy-to-prepare meals that cater to everyone, including those with dietary restrictions.
We’ve recently expanded our offerings with the launch of our 2-serving meal kits, which are perfect for individuals or couples on the go. Whether you’re traveling, camping, or hiking, these kits provide a convenient and healthy option, especially for those with dietary restrictions. They’re easy to pack and quick to prepare, making them ideal for your next adventure.
As a proud woman-owned and women-employed company, we’re dedicated to supporting and empowering women in every aspect of our business. Follow our journey on Instagram or TikTok @kayscurries, and be sure to check out our website kayscurries.com for more exciting updates and products!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey from software developer to product manager to entrepreneur, three key elements have been particularly impactful: leveraging product management principles, prioritizing customer feedback, and maintaining a passion for learning and adaptability.
1. Product Management Principles:
Impact: My background in product management has been invaluable. Applying the “build, measure, learn” framework has guided our product development process, ensuring we create offerings that truly meet customer needs. For instance, customer feedback led us to adjust the spice level in our biryanis and even hold back on rolling out a product based on user insights.
Advice: Utilize a structured approach to product development. Focus on iterative improvements and be data-driven in your decision-making. Regularly measure outcomes and be ready to pivot based on feedback.
2. Customer Feedback:
Impact: Listening to our customers has been crucial. Their insights have directly influenced our product line, helping us make informed decisions. Adjusting our recipes and holding back on certain products based on feedback has ensured we stay aligned with our market’s preferences.
Advice: Meet your customers where they are and engage with them to truly understand their pain points. For example, we participate in many events, which allows us to meet a larger customer base in a short time and engage them personally. This direct interaction provides invaluable insights.
3. Passion for Learning and Adaptability:
Impact: Entering the food industry was a new venture for me, requiring a steep learning curve. Networking with industry professionals, seeking advice from mentors, and continuously adapting have been key to navigating this journey successfully.
Advice: Stay curious and open to learning. Network with industry experts and don’t hesitate to ask for guidance. Embrace change and be willing to adapt your strategies as you gain new insights.
By focusing on these qualities and skills, you can navigate your entrepreneurial journey with greater confidence and effectiveness.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The primary challenge we are currently facing is managing cash flow. Like most CPG food businesses, we have bills to pay before our revenue comes in. We’re investing in new packaging design to boost wholesale and reduce costs, and we need to buy ingredients in bulk to lower our costs. Additionally, I lost my full-time job due to a layoff last year, so there is no paycheck to fund the business. As an immigrant with no family or friends to rely on, we solely depend on our revenue to sustain the business.
To overcome this challenge, we are taking the following steps:
1. Ordering in Small Batches: By ordering packaging and ingredients in smaller batches, we can manage some of the cash flow issues, although it doesn’t help reduce our COGS.
2. Pitch Competitions and Grants: We are starting to rely on funds gained through pitch competitions and grants. While this doesn’t completely solve the problem, it provides some relief.
3. Exploring Alternative Funding: We are also exploring other funding options like small business loans and partnerships to improve cash flow stability.
Our goal is to stabilize our cash flow to support ongoing operations and growth, enabling us to continue providing high-quality products to our customers. With these efforts, we aim to secure a more sustainable future for Kay’s Curries.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kayscurries.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kayscurries
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaysreadytocook/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kayscurries/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kayscurries
Image Credits
If you are using the first picture in the pink dress please credit the photographer @douglevy
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
