MSME SuperPower:
From the Fashion Runway to Clean Beauty Products
Arun Yadav
Director, Oi-Gong, Faridabad, Haryana
My journey with Oi-Gong Pvt. Ltd., based in Faridabad, began in 2022, transitioning from a career in fashion to the realm of Ayurvedic wellness and natural beauty. Oi-Gong reflects my deep-rooted interest in holistic health and the effectiveness of Ayurvedic principles. We specialize in a range of Ayurvedic and paraben-free cosmetics, meticulously produced to meet stringent quality and hygiene standards.
“Oi-Gong” symbolizes a commitment to enriching health and well-being, harmoniously blending Ayurvedic wisdom with modern scientific methods. Our product portfolio initially focused on Ayurvedic medicines and has now evolved to cater more to the growing demand for Ayurvedic cosmetics. This pivot was driven by the market’s inclination towards natural beauty products. Today, our offerings include wellness solutions and an extensive line of skin and hair care products.
Challenges and Triumphs
The inception of Oi-Gong involved overcoming various hurdles. I delved deep into the complexities of the Ayurvedic and cosmetic markets to fine-tune our product offerings.
Effective financial management, a cornerstone of entrepreneurial success, demanded careful and strategic planning.
A significant part of our journey was assembling a team that shared the Oi-Gong ethos, ensuring product consistency, managing production, and maintaining strict adherence to delivery timelines.
Transition to the Digital Marketplace with Walmart Vriddhi
Our association with the Walmart Vriddhi program in early 2023 was a turning point. The program’s support was instrumental in refining our production and financial management strategies, essential for scaling our operations. It also offered profound insights into financial planning and operational efficiency.
Initially, Oi-Gong’s presence was predominantly offline. With Walmart Vriddhi, we successfully transitioned to digital marketplaces, establishing our footprint on leading eCommerce platforms. This digital shift not only expanded our customer base but also opened direct channels for consumer feedback.
The Walmart Vriddhi program was a mentor in navigating business management complexities. It was pivotal in my growth as an entrepreneur, empowering me with leadership skills, strategic decision-making capabilities, and the ability to balance professional and personal responsibilities.
Future Aspirations
Participating in the Walmart Vriddhi program has significantly contributed to Oi-Gong’s growth, evidenced by a 30-40% increase in revenue. Moving forward, we are excited to explore new markets, fueled by the confidence and knowledge gained through the program.
The journey with Walmart Vriddhi has been integral to our expansion and in discovering new opportunities.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Walmart Vriddhi program to other MSMEs. For businesses just starting, understanding product-related aspects and financial management is vital. The program helps in overcoming early challenges, especially those related to collaborating with larger manufacturing companies.