The goal of Hardly Hustle is to provide inspiration, drive and motivation in a 10 minute read or less. What you see is what you get. This is hot off the press without an editing team.
Sumita Kumar is up.
Who are you and what do you do?
I am Sumita Kumar, and I am the founder of Plantnrgy. Plantnrgy develops plant-based protein and superfood mixes, with simple ingredients, that helps develop a strong immune system, healthy muscles, and boosts everyday energy. I am a big smoothie fan and always felt like I needed to add a protein in my smoothie to make it a complete nutritious first meal of the day. However, for a long time, I struggled to find a protein without additives, preservatives, added sugar, or fillers.
I finally decided to take it in my own hands and make my mixes for my family. The mixes have helped us stay full, energized, curbed cravings, and the benefits go on. Plantnrgy is a clean and beautiful product that I feel confident putting in my body, and I am so thrilled to share the product with all of you.
What did it take / how did you get started?
Growing up in an Indian family where agriculture was life, my family was always cooking with farm produce, life was all-natural, and even illnesses were mostly treated with natural ingredients. Plantnrgy was ingrained in me from my childhood.
My biggest challenge, being a working parent and a health nut, was to find a balanced approach to start my day. I kept trying to find a clean source of protein that I could add in my breakfasts, but the product labels were overwhelming. I started experimenting with simple ingredients that could be added to my smoothies or oatmeal and make it wholesome, filling, nutritious, and Plantnrgy was born!
What does the future look like for you and your hustle?
I see Plantnrgy as a key driver in the plant-based revolution, leading with products that will help people get optimal nourishments and support their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
We are currently working on product development with other protein and superfoods that help in boosting everyday health.
Our journey has just begun, and in the future, we see Plantnrgy protein and superfood mixes not only being used as meal boosters but being embraced as a way of life.
What drives / motivates you?
The simplicity of Plantnrgy protein and superfood mixes with no additives, preservatives, fillers or sugar is very motivating. It is incredibly exciting to know that we can now boost our meals with a product that is made from real ingredients.
Also, it is encouraging to know that we don’t have to read product labels with a big list of ingredients or feel pressured to buy products with ingredients we don’t understand. I love that Plantnrgy can now help a wider audience meet their nutritional needs with natural sources of protein and superfoods.
What advice would you give someone interested in doing what you do?
If you believe in your dream, chase it and make it real. For me, I had to juggle with a full-time job, managing time for kids and family, and pursuing my passion to this extent, but I realized it is possible. What worked for me:
Staying disciplined, driven, committed and living in the moment, so I don’t miss life events
Breaking my goals into actionable tactics and setting priorities to accomplish my goals
Taking help and guidance where needed – talking to mentors, business coach, like-minded entrepreneurs, as they are all-powerful resources in the journey
Having a mindset that failure is not a deterrent, but it helps to bring a better version of everything
What has been the hardest part of the hustle?
It is hard to be the sole owner of a company, juggling with many facets of the business. I have had days when I could not see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the only option was to be resilient and keep moving. I felt the worst when my mind was pre-occupied and wandering in Plantnrgy, while my kids tried to get my attention. However, all efforts have been worthwhile. Now my kids are part of this journey, and together we are enjoying the evolution of Plantnrgy.
What are a few resources that you'd recommend?
The best resource for me has been talking to people who have gone through the same path. There is a lot to learn from their experiences.
Podcast:
How I Build This with Guy Raz
Lean Startup
Books:
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Tribes by Seth Gordin
The STATS
Side or full-time hustle?
Side hustle and living my dream
List the founders
Sumita Kumar
How many hours a week do you work on this hustle?
25 - 30 hours average in a week
# of Employees?
1
When did you start?
I started in June 2019, but the concept has been part of me since my childhood.
How much did it cost to launch?
$7k
What were your funding methods and ballpark amount raised?
Bootstrapping
Annual Revenue?
Not disclosed.
Projected Revenue?
Not disclosed.
Any call to action?
If you are looking for a clean source of protein and superfoods to nourish your body, consider Plantnrgy protein and superfood mixes. Be sure to follow my journey on my Instagram @theplantnrgy.
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