We invited Upasna Aggarwal, Founder of CPL Supersoft for a discussion with Most Popular Stories. Let’s know about her entrepreneurial journey.
Hi,
I am Upasna Aggarwal, and here are stories and insights from my quest to launch my startup CPL Supersoft.Â
Establishing CPL Supersoft as a successful startup has been an incredible journey for me. It has been an event of business success, self-discovery, and at the same time, an expression of giving back to society.
I think there is an interesting story behind the foundation of CPL Supersoft. I was always inclined towards challenging norms and doing something meaningful thereof.
For instance, I have observed that for centuries, women have had to deal with choices made for them by others, those that are driven by society, culture, family, and often influenced by social media.
From the menstruating age, I distinctly remember an advisory body came to school. They asked the boys to go out of the classroom while a lecture was given on the bloodstains we might expect. The only solution to the anxiety about the unknown was the samples of pads they gave. And apparently, there wasn’t any other option.
Eventually, I moved to the West for my further studies and gained more exposure, and it was a delight to find more alternatives like tampons. I also saw that people were more open to speaking about these issues, though I believe dialogue about this has become much more active in India in recent times too.
After returning to India and then working as a content writer, I ordered monthly menstrual supplies from the United States. As my work made me navigate between cities, I realized the need for a soft pad. This was when I gained insight into a broader concern that much can be done in sanitary pad options being made available to women in India. What I also realized is that there was this gap in the market too.
In the years to follow, I moved from Mumbai to Gandhidham after I met my husband under serendipitous circumstances. My marriage brought me the gift of the mentorship of my father-in-law.
Conversing with my father-in-law and discussing statistics on how more than 80% of women don’t know how to use a sanitary pad correctly. My struggle to find a brand to soothe me during my period led us to discuss commencing my own business in this area. This conversation led to his eagerness to know more about the manufacturing side of the product.
My foresight about the simple, soft, chemical-free, and fragrance-less product drove me to incept Supersoft. After months of research, surveys, and innumerable data collection, I created a marketable and saleable Supersoft blueprint.
I was able to draw from my experience of a 9-to-5 job in this context of becoming a boss. I could hire, manage, and delegate tasks as I had experienced being managed by my seniors earlier.
I believe that some significant insights are gained when one reflects on their startup journey.
One learning experience was that as I developed Supersoft, I embraced several challenges. It’s challenging to stay in a market dominated by MNC’s and other brands backed by massive marketing resources. An attribute that always held me in good stead was my persistence and the skill to keep the bigger picture in mind.
The aspect that was a rewarding takeaway is that I realized relationships play a key role in business success. Women have shown immense support in times like this, and I remain grateful to them, my customers, and supporters alike.
On days when I’ve had an issue on the production end or faced with interim stagnancies in sales, I always tried to learn how to deal with these challenges.
Supersoft was incepted in 2014, and we started offering services such as- online presence on Flipkart, Amazon, Shopclues, Shycart, and others. We offer sanitary pads in three sizes and two variants, a fit for every woman.
One practice that I believe strongly in was being open to customer feedback; listening to my consumers made everything worth it. Being a startup and continuously working towards creating a better product, we have a team that ensures a sanitary napkin for every woman.
At CPL Supersoft, we cater to women who work and are continuously on the desk, to the woman who stands in the kitchen all day, and to the woman who does not need to worry about leakage at night while being asleep.
With more experience, I now feel that challenges are opportunities; and patience and belief are keys to success. I realized that it is most important to pursue our dreams.
Initially, many people within the industry and outside did not take me seriously. There were times when I wanted to give up the entire idea, but I was blessed to have my father-in-law, who kept me motivated. His stories of struggle became my pillars and motivation for my persistence and hard work. I am grateful to have him in my life, and I think this experience is an insight into what a great mentor could do.
I wish everyone to pursue their passion. Family or friends, I think women need to step out and do what they love. The initial effort and struggle can sometimes take a toll, whereas patience and persistence shall eventually beget inner fulfillment and success.
Connect here,
Website: http://supersoft.co.in/our-products.php
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