Spotlight on: Chitra Kumar

Micro-Entrepreneur:     Chitra Kumar
Micro-Business:           Cold Drinks Shop
Location:                     Tamil Nadu (Chennai), India
InVestment Needed:     Rs. 30,000 (approx. $676 USD)
InVestment Used For:  Fresh Juice Grinder/Mixer
Target Disbursement:   August 2011
 
The Business.
In the tropical country of India, soda stalls along sidewalks and on street-corners are extremely popular. Chitra Kumar is the proud owner of one such stall in Kancheepuram, India. Located in the heart of the city, her stall attracts a large throng of people each day. Some of the popular items on the menu are international favourites including lemonade, coca cola and minute-maid juices along with local offerings such as sherbet (a popular Middle Eastern and South Asian drink that is prepared from fruits or flower petals) and chai.

Snapshot of the storefront of Chitra’s shop
 

The Opportunity.
Her stall resembles a 7-11 store in America and the convenience factor makes it a big hit among local populace. “Mango juice is the most sought-after drink of my stall,” Chitra says. This doesn’t come as a surprise in a country where mangoes are the national fruit. Moreover, considering the limited availability due to the seasonal nature of it, a beverage made from mango pulp sells like hot potatoes at Chitra’s stall. Completely natural and preservative-free, fresh juice is the USP of her business, accounting for over 50% of total profits. The construction of a new bus stop across from her store-front has led to an increase in the number of customers that frequent her store. “People usually come in to grab a quick refreshment while waiting for their bus to arrive,” she says.

Chitra Kumar (far right) with her husband, an employee, InVenture fellow Anurag and ASSCOD partner

The Strategy.
With her InVestment Chitra will purchase a state-of-the art mixer and grinder to optimize sales and keep up with rising demand. She believes this will also greatly reduce the amount of time currently needed to prepare one serving of fresh juice.  From an operations perspective, this is a very effective profit-maximizing strategy.

 
Making it Happen.
With your help, InVenture can help Chitra achieve her goals of operating her beverage shop more efficiently with an InVestment to purchase a new mixing/grinding machine. Become a partner in her growing business today with just a few clicks starting HERE!
 

- Manali