STORY OF A YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR FROM NORTH KASHMIR
Unwavering in her resolve and with a grit to rise above all odds, Ms Nida Ramzan Lone broke all societal barriers and started a private venture called ‘Kashir Mithaas’. Kashmir has a unique baking tradition, drawing its roots from the ancient Persian baking styles fused with the traditional English styles. Drawing inspiration from the age old and unique bakery culture of Kashmir, the young entrepreneur from Bandipora established her own bakery in May 2017 and within three years has carved a niche for herself, nationally.
From early childhood the thoughts of being independent and making a place for herself in the society was ingrained into Ms Nida Ramzan by her parents. Fuelled by this thought process Nida, a perpetual advocate of women empowerment did her BCA from Government Women’s College, Baramulla, and, while pursuing her MBA, she got in touch with Aseem Foundation, a Pune based NGO to help her materialise her childhood dream. Thereafter it was with the help of Aseem foundation, that Nida established an all women bakery specialising in Apple Walnut cookies and caramelised walnuts under the Brand name of Koshur Krunch. In consonance with her vision for uplifting the local women of the area the bakery was founded at her parental village of Ashtiung, Bandipora.
The Success story of Kashir Mithaas has never been a smooth sailing for Ms Nida, rather it was just the opposite. The road from inception of the venture and establishing it successfully was dotted with numerous challenges from the very onset. The venture itself was a greenfield project for Ms Nida as she was not having any background knowledge or experience regarding same. Using her immense entrepreneurial acumen coupled with witnessing the bakery culture of Kashmir since childhood, she was able to take on her new role almost seamlessly. The challenges were further enhanced by the strict societal norms prevailing in the region, wherein an independent initiative like this is almost unheard of and often is frowned upon. However, with her positive approach, guidance of her father coupled with requisite help from Aseem Foundation and District Administration, the stumbling blocks were overcome and Kashir Mithaas was formed. Thereafter, Nidas single point determination converted KashirMithaas into a phenomenal success story as it is today. The initial inhibitions in the minds of locals about the success of a first of its kind all women venture in Bandipora, have now been laid to rest. The bakery which gained currency because of its famous apple walnut cookies and caramelised walnuts being sold with the brand name Koshur Krunch, now boasts of a large clientele not only restricted to Kashmir, but also in major cities all over the country. Driving on the success of her maiden venture, Nida is now involved in a similar all women initiative in Uri. The bakery today has five women employees and apart from Cookies, has developed skills to produce various products like Breads, Organic Honey, Jams, Gulkand and Muraba. Procedure finalising, testing, standardisation and FSSAI certification for commercial production has been carried out in consultative support from Aseem Foundation.
Since its inception Kashir Mithaas has been using concurrent state-of-art technology and requisite automation for manufacturing. The acceptance of the products of Kashir Mithaas is now a well-established fact both regionally and nationally. Due to the retention efforts and dogged determination of Ms Nida Ramzan the bakery has been able to gain a solid foothold and is now ready for expansion as per the vision of Ms Nida. To achieve the same, a well thought out strategy has already been formulated. Initial market survey has been carried and seemingly the venture is ready for diversification in terms of both number and quantum of products. The diversification will consist of various products like Bread, Organic Honey, Jam, Gulkand and Muraba as already stated. The acquisition for required infrastructure for the same is already in the pipe line. Thus, as envisaged, the venture is all set to increase their national footprint which will automatically result in much needed employment generation for the women folk of the region. Nida Ramzan Lone, today, as an entrepreneur has carved a niche for herself, and is a household name in North Kashmir. Her success story, has paved way for many aspiring women entrepreneurs in the region who are now considering self-employment or entrepreneurship as a way of gaining economic self-dependence and working towards the overall betterment of their families and the society.
