Madhu Prakash is defying conventional expectations at the age of 60. She is not only managing her business successfully, but her startup also provides employment to women between the age group of 50 to 70. She runs her business named ‘Phulo Phalo’ with her niece Sugandha.
Meerut: Madhu Prakash is defying conventional expectations at the age of 60. At an age, when people usually take retirement to enjoy a life with their kids and grandchildren, she has managed to venture into business. She is not only managing her business successfully, but her startup also provides employment to women between the age group of 50 to 70. She runs her business named ‘Phulo Phalo’ with her niece Sugandha.
Who is Madhu Prakash?
Madhu Prakash comes from a family with a business background, where everyone including her grandfather, was involved in various business endeavours. Her grandfather was a physician who prepared medicines from homemade spices. Her grandmother would prepare food items for pickles, chutney, and murrabba. Post marriage, she moved from Meerut to Dehradun, and continued to engage in these practices at home. Little did she know that her passion for making products like pickles and hair oil would eventually make her a successful businesswoman.
Rising from challenges
Madhu Prakash faced a challenging period after her husband’s demise due to cancer. Her niece, Sugandha who had a successful career as a manager at a company based in Pune, decided to pursue her long-held dream of owning her business. Sugandha left her high-paying job and launched a startup in collaboration with Madhu. Today, their business is providing job opportunities for 25 to 30 women.
Phula Phalo
Madhu’s Phulo Phalo business was launched towards the end of 2020. Madhu and Sugandha had discussed their plans during the free time in the lockdown. The duo started with hair oil products made from mint, lemon, and dates.
Providing employment
Gradually as Madhu Prakash’s business picked up the pace, the team was expanded to include women between the ages of 50 to 70. Currently, they work with a team of 40 people. Madhu Prakash shares that Sugandha invested her entire savings for the business. She owned a car in Pune, and she sold it to support her business financially. Despite initial scepticism from others, their business flourished and prospered.
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