In a world where our planet faces growing environmental challenges, there are everyday heroes making strides towards a cleaner and greener future. Meet one such hero – Puja Khandelwal, the visionary behind MAHI WE CARE, a sustainable initiative that’s capturing hearts and changing lives. Rooted in the belief that Earth is our true home, this Durgapur-based startup is dedicated to making it a plastic-free haven.
MAHI WE CARE offers a range of eco-friendly products, from bamboo toothbrushes to neem combs, crafted with love for Earth and its inhabitants. Puja’s remarkable journey from a small village in Odisha to her current home in Durgapur, West Bengal, embodies the spirit of giving back and nurturing our planet.
Today, Puja Khandelwal, the founder of MAHI WE CARE, shares her inspiring journey and vision for a sustainable future in a candid conversation with The Inspiring Chapters. Her passion for Earth’s well-being and sustainable living resonated as she discussed her mission, challenges, and dreams.
Hi Puja, we feel privileged to have you with us today on The Inspiring Chapters. To begin with, we would like to know a few lines about yourself.
Hello, I am Puja Khandelwal, the founder of MAHI WE CARE. I am a Terran, an Indian, a Daughter, a Wife, a Woman, and a Mother trying her best to bring small changes towards building a better world for my son and all little souls to grow in.
I come from a small village in Odisha, currently settled in Durgapur, West Bengal after marriage. My parents always believed in the act of giving back to Mother Earth. I got immense support from my friends during my Mini Swachh Bharat Aviyaans. I am married in a family where every member encourages me to follow my mind and soul.
Please tell us about MAHI WE CARE.
As the name suggests “MAHI” means Earth and there is “WE CARE” in the brand name because we should care for the place we live in. All of us clean our homes every day. Similarly, the Earth is our first home and we should try to keep it clean. This initiative towards creating a better Earth is our small way to show love to our true home. MAHI WE CARE is a small step in keeping it clean and plastic-free.
What was the pivotal moment or inspiration that led you to start MAHI WE CARE? Why did you decide to focus specifically on sustainable and eco-friendly products?
Four years back, while I was engaged in gardening with my nephew at home, he suddenly reminded me of a treasure box we planted near our Tulsi mandap. I told him that there would be nothing there after so many years. But he insisted on digging the area. We did so and found only two items there. The box along with a few other items was not there. We could only find a letter in a plastic zipper bag and a baby toothbrush which belonged to him when he kept that treasure. When we washed those items, I found that the brush was in very good condition. That was the moment that triggered me that everything is perishable with time but these plastic items are not.
From that time, I started researching. What I found was shocking to me. Plastic-free alternatives were pretty much available but either they were too expensive for the masses to accept or there was no awareness about them. From that moment, I decided that I would work in this field. It would be of great significance if I could inspire a hundred families to alter their habits and make the switch.
What are some of the popular products that you have created so far?
Our bamboo toothbrush priced at just 40 Rupees has been the best seller for us. Other than this, we have soaps, neem comb, body scrub and foot soaks which have received a lot of love from our customers.
Puja, your company emphasizes the use of handcrafted products that are made in India. Could you share the journey of discovering and collaborating with local artisans and craftsmen to create these unique and sustainable offerings?
All the products of MAHI WE CARE are made in India and most of them are handmade. We work with local bamboo weavers. We use bamboo trays and baskets woven by local crafters to make potli with recycled or waste fabrics. In the near future, we are planning to work in a more elaborate way with local weavers.
In a world inundated with plastic and chemical products, you are advocating for a plastic-free and chemical-free lifestyle. How do you envision your brand contributing to a wider movement towards sustainability?
There is a simple dream. We want people to be aware of what is good for both Earth and themselves. Sustainability is not a movement for us, rather, we envision it as a habit!
Educating consumers about the benefits of sustainable living is important. Have you undertaken any such initiatives?
We have been trying to spread awareness using our social media handles and other platforms. In the near future, we have decided to conduct workshops and publish blogs in related fields.
How do you go about building a successful and returning customer base for your brand?
We always aim for transparency, good quality and affordable products. If our customers find good products, they will automatically continue to be a part of MAHI WE CARE family.
How has been the journey so far for MAHI WE CARE?
MAHI WE CARE started its journey a few months back. We faced a lot of ups and downs during this timespan, but still, we have managed to grow organically so far. And, we will keep spreading love in the future too.
What are the present challenges? What are your plans to overcome them?
There are a lot of myths about sustainable lifestyles. Also envisioning sustainability comes with a challenge to pocket friendliness. We at MAHI WE CARE want to break all these myths by spreading awareness and providing sustainable products in an affordable range.
Please share the funding details.
I started MAHI WE CARE with the little savings I had. Recently, MAHI WE CARE got a chance to share the platform in a startup show and fortunately, we were able to secure a winning grant of handsome amount which will be credited to us soon. It will help us fulfil our future endeavours.
As the founder of MAHI WE CARE, what has been the most satisfying moment for you?
When customers tell us that because of us they are going to choose sustainability for the rest of their lives, it gives us an immense satisfying feeling!
Puja, you recently took part in a business reality show. How was your experience there?
It was worth an experience. I met many people from different sectors. The platform helped me in meeting talented and aspiring women entrepreneurs. I feel I was lucky to be a part of the business reality show.
Looking ahead, what are the future plans you have to scale up the operations and growth of MAHI WE CARE?
Currently, we are working from my home. Soon, we are going to have a fully functional workshop for MAHI WE CARE. I will be focusing more on creating awareness related to the benefits of using eco-friendly products and adding new products to our catalogue.
One last question of this session Puja, if you have had one wish what would it be?
They say when you become a Mother, your perspective changes. After the birth of my son, I agree with this saying. I wish my son and all other little ones to grow into a healthier earth and follow a healthier lifestyle!
