Founder Spotlight: Aarohi Surya (Dancing Cow)
Meet Aarohi Surya:
Dancing Cow is creating the next generation of plant-based low calorie, high-protein beverages that are better tasting, more nutritious, and good for the planet.
Startup Stage:
Bootstrapped
Location:
Pune, India
When did you launch the business?
2022
What led you to where you are today?
At Dancing Cow, our motivation stems from a personal journey rooted in love and compassion. When Aarohi's mom faced a health challenge, we embarked on a mission to create a milk alternative that would help her go dairy-free while satisfying her deep craving for milk-based chai. Existing options fell short, so we took matters into our own hands, starting from our humble kitchen. We tirelessly experimented, mixing passion and determination, until we crafted the perfect recipe. Our aim was not just to replicate the taste, but to exceed expectations and provide a truly indulgent and chai-worthy experience. Dancing Cow is more than just an ethical vegan brand; it's a symbol of love, care, and devotion to those we hold dear. We believe that everyone deserves to enjoy the pleasures of life without compromising their values or health. Our journey started with a mother's need, and now we proudly offer our innovative milk alternative to the world.
What do you wish you knew before embarking on your entrepreneurial journey?
Ah, the entrepreneurial journey, a thrilling adventure filled with valuable lessons! Looking back, here are a few things I wish I knew before taking the leap:
- Surround yourself with a supportive network: Building a strong support system is vital. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals, mentors, and cheerleaders who believe in your vision. Their guidance and encouragement will keep you going during the challenging times.
- Adaptability is key: The business landscape is ever-evolving, so be prepared to adapt and pivot. Stay agile, open-minded, and ready to embrace change. It's the ones who can quickly adapt that thrive in the long run.
What is the most difficult decision you've had to make regarding your business so far?
The most challenging decision we faced in our business journey was undoubtedly when we had to let go of an entire batch of 3000 liters of chocolate milk. It was a heartbreaking situation caused by the negligence of our co-manufacturer, resulting in significant financial loss and wastage of valuable resources. The incident not only affected our bottom line but also impacted our planned product launch. We were unable to introduce the second variant on time, which we had been eagerly preparing for. It was a setback that tested our resilience and forced us to make some tough choices. However, in the face of adversity, we chose to focus on the lessons learned and the silver linings. We reevaluated our partnerships, strengthened quality control measures, and implemented stricter protocols to prevent such incidents from happening again. We recognized that setbacks are an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey. It's how we respond and adapt that truly matters. While the experience was undoubtedly challenging, it taught us the importance of perseverance, attention to detail, and the value of taking ownership even when things go wrong. Moving forward, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and ensuring that our customers receive nothing but the best. We are determined to regain the trust and confidence of our consumers, and we appreciate their continued support throughout this journey.
What can you help the VEGPRENEUR community with?
As a seasoned digital marketing expert, I can offer valuable support to the Vegpreneur community by leveraging my skills and knowledge to help target the right audience and enhance brand recognition. By combining digital marketing expertise, a targeted approach to reach the right audience, and strategic networking for branding, I am confident that I can make a significant difference in helping the Vegpreneur community thrive. Together, we can amplify your message, increase brand awareness, and empower more people to embrace a vegan lifestyle or support vegan businesses.
How can the VEGPRENEUR community help you?
The VEGPRENEUR community can be an invaluable asset in propelling our plant-based startup forward by providing the necessary support and connecting us with the right stakeholders. Here's how this community can help us in meeting the right stakeholders and accelerating our journey toward success. 1. Networking Opportunities: Engaging with the Vegpreneur community opens doors to a vast network of like-minded individuals who share our passion for plant-based ventures. Through online platforms, we can connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, experts, and potential partners. This network can be instrumental in introducing us to the right stakeholders who can contribute to our startup's growth. 2. Mentorship and Guidance: The Vegpreneur community is filled with experienced entrepreneurs who have already navigated the challenges of starting a plant-based business. By actively participating in the community, we can seek mentorship and guidance from these seasoned professionals. They can offer valuable insights, share their own experiences, and provide strategic advice to help you overcome obstacles and make informed decisions.
Fun fact about you:
One fun fact about me is that I've traveled to roughly 35 countries in total. Travel has become a passion of mine, and it's been an amazing way to explore different parts of the world.
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