Kalpana’s Story

The first UNSTICK prototype included a mesh-type material that, although it was non-stick, was difficult to clean because food particles were sticking inside the small holes of the mesh. She recognized that this was both impractical and unsanitary but having already invested much of her savings, what could she do? Perhaps she could take the product to market unchanged, capitalizing on quick sales before it “burned out”? Actually, she couldn’t – her reputation was on the line and along with it a deep belief in providing consumers with an exceptional product and experience. She was financially strapped but continued down the entrepreneurial path, investing all she had in bringing a quality product to fruition. Her early setback only made the product better.

As with most start-ups, Kalpana couldn’t employ a large team of people to help her. She leaned on her family for occasional help and more often for emotional support. She performed many roles on her own and made some self-discoveries along the way. With her limited resources, she researched the material thoroughly, identified a supplier, navigated complex import regulations, found suitable warehouse storage, established distribution channels, and relentlessly pursued sales avenues. She realized that she excelled at presenting her product in person to companies; “pitching” was a skill she had practiced regularly in her marketing career. Similarly, designing the packaging for her product came easy. Conversely, she found “cold calling” or contacting purchasing managers unannounced by phone to be very stressful, almost terrifying. Participating in trade shows was daunting at first too. However, through the process, she developed relationships with celebrity chefs, store product managers, social media experts, and fellow entrepreneurs. They also became advocates of her product, contributing to its publicity and ultimate success.

Looking back at the career choices she’s made, Daugherty has no regrets about taking a less predictable entrepreneurial path. Although she works harder than she could have ever imagined, she has never been more personally fulfilled.