Hyderabad-based Mugdha Designs finds an alternative to plastic, goes green with jute-based products
Plastic pollution is a widespread problem across the world. While some forms of plastic can be recycled, more than 70 percent of plastics require nearly a thousand years to decompose.
However, the best way for us to fight this problem is to make an effort and ensure we buy products that are environment friendly.
To address this problem, A Madhavi established Mugdha Designs in 2005 in Hyderabad. The company manufactures jute products such as handbags, school bags, decorative wall hangings, paintings, dress material, etc.
Madhavi (48), did her PG Diploma in Dress Designing and Garments from SV University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. She initially started her business with block printing on sarees and dress materials. After 2013, she diversified the business and started manufacturing value-added jute products, with a speciality in jute handbags, curtains, trolleys, waistcoats, etc.
Jute trolley by Mugdha Designs
Madhavi says, “I always wanted to create products which could serve as an alternative to plastic and was eco-friendly in nature.”
She says, “I attended the Entrepreneurship Development Programme organised by MSMEDI in Hyderabad in 2013 that helped me to diversify. Later on, I took support from the National Jute Board, Hyderabad, and participated in various exhibitions, events and programmes that helped me in the business growth.”
Madhavi started the business with a capital of Rs 5 lakh, and now nearly Rs 50 lakh has been invested in the company. The company’s annual turnover stands at Rs 50 lakh.
Currently, the business is providing employment to around eight people directly. Madhavi says, “The customer’s response has been very encouraging and people are showing interest in our eco-friendly products.”
Mugdha Designs' products are different compared to others as it creates alternative products. It also stands apart due to its unique eco-friendly interiors.
Talking about managing critical areas in the business, she says, “I understood the basics of working capital management, which helped me in the financial and supplier management. I also started with bulk purchases and used smart marketing techniques to identify the needs of the customers based on their feedback.”
Madhavi says, “If the government provides more support in the form of financial assistance, raw material supply and marketing avenues, it would be extremely beneficial for the business.”
Madhavi’s journey has been full of ups and downs and challenges. She says, “There has been a lot of competition from the local manufacturers, but most of them turn out to be unprofessional. This business is extremely time testing and so one needs to be patient. The only key to sustain this business is to manufacture speciality products and keep on diversifying so as to meet the competition.” She adds, “I used social media to grow and there were times when the market was totally down. But I did not give up and continued to work relentlessly.”
However, she has big plans for the future. She says: “I wish to enter into training activities in the making of different types of eco-friendly jute-based products and also contribute to serving the society by making environmentally friendly products.”
Madhavi also has a piece of advice to fellow entrepreneurs. She says, “Training and having basic skills in the field and quality product development is compulsory. Entrepreneurs should make use of innovative ideas and presentations and make full use of all the media outlets to launch and promote the business successfully.”
