Foundations of Strength and Nutrition

My name is Dhanalakshmi, and I am the founder of Dhana Food Products. I was born and raised in Madurai, where I completed my engineering degree and worked as an HR professional. In my previous role, I managed auditing and payroll for approximately 2,500 people. My upbringing was defined by the remarkable strength of my grandmother and mother. My grandmother lived to the age of 96 without losing a single tooth, and my mother, currently 56, continues to work with tireless energy. Observing their resilience inspired a deep commitment in me to provide that same physical strength to my children.

A Personal Mission Becomes a Brand

The journey of Dhana Food Products began with two urgent family needs. First, I was determined to provide my children with wholesome, non-toxic food. Second, my husband struggled with diabetes, back pain, and ulcers. I dedicated myself to research, asking my mother for traditional recipes and seeking specialized training to understand functional nutrition. By changing his diet, my husband was cured of diabetes a year and a half ago. His ulcers and back pain have also vanished.

My children were raised on these traditional foods even before they were born. Both were born through normal delivery without the use of any tablets. At birth, my first daughter weighed over 3.8 kilograms, and my second weighed over 3.4 kilograms. Today, at ages six and a half and two and a half, they have never required a hospital visit because I manage their health through food at home.

Innovation Sourced from the Soil

Many people believed I could not start a business with zero capital, but I launched Dhana Food Products with zero initial investment. My first breakthrough came when a bank manager, Sister Niveditha, trusted my work and placed the first order. Today, the business has grown to a monthly turnover of 6 to 7 lakh rupees, serving more than 10,000 customers globally.

One of our core principles is sourcing specific ingredients from the locations where they grow best to preserve the fragrance of the soil. We source turmeric from Salem, figs from tribal communities, red guavas from Palamedu, tea from Alagarkoil, millets from Ramnad, and cardamom from the Theni-Kerala border. A signature element of our products is the inclusion of saffron for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. We focus on the synergy between vitamins and minerals to ensure the body can actually absorb the nutrients provided.

Specialized Categories for Every Need

We currently offer over 70 different products categorized into health mixes, malts, and porridges. Our diabetic health mix uses specific rice varieties, while our women’s health mix contains 12 types of rice to address PCOD and fertility issues. We also produce a Protein Health Mix to improve bone density in children and a strength-focused mix for men.

In our malt category, we offer 14 varieties. Our Country Fig malt, made from Bimla figs, is a blessing for those needing to increase hemoglobin. We also have a unique Greens Malt featuring seven types of medicinal leaves, including seasonal country Vallarai, Karisalanganni to clear phlegm, and Kalyana Murungai for female health. Instead of white sugar, we use high-quality palm candy sourced from Sayalkudi.

Our kanji (porridge) mixes include a black gram variety that provides collagen for joint lubrication. We also offer a weight loss combination of traditional rice and seeds that can help users lose 4 to 5 kilograms while maintaining proper nutrition. Furthermore, we provide black wheat flour, which offers 400 times the power of normal wheat, and Samba wheat flour which is high in fiber to solve digestive issues.

Overcoming Adversity in Marketing

Starting out was not easy. I often faced rejection from shopkeepers who were skeptical of a woman carrying these products. There were times I felt broken and sat in despair, wondering if I should give up. My husband was my greatest support during these times. He decided to put my face on the brand logo to serve as a motivation for me and other women.

The turning point came when Jayapalan of the Kannadiyar shop in Madurai trusted my products. This led to supplying 20 shops in the Vilakkuthoon area., Brother Prabhu from the Madurai Startups Forum (MSF) filmed a video of my journey, which transformed my life. Today, our products reach Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, the USA, Canada, Florida, and Dubai.

Global Impact and Recognition

Our commitment to quality has been recognized with more than ten awards. A significant moment in my life was being the only person selected from Tamil Nadu to meet the President of India during the inauguration of Kaushal Bhawan. I also met Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan from the Prime Minister’s cabinet. Our products have been praised by leadership at NIESBUD and the Director of an IIT.

I am currently an incubatee at MABIF in the Madurai Agricultural College. During a program conducted by Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, I was selected as one of ten unique entrepreneurs. He personally visited our stall and commended our work. We have also received the Best Startup Entrepreneur award from MADITSSIA and the Singappen award.

A Vision for the Future and Isha’s Save Soil Movement

I believe that quality should never be compromised. Adulteration is often the result of rushing producers or choosing cheap artificial options. Anything of true quality will not be cheap. My next goal is to expand my current unit into a warehouse that employs 100 women and to establish franchise outlets in every district. My ultimate dream is to see Dhana Food Products, with our logo, on the shelves of Walmart.

I am an active member of the Isha’s Save Soil Movement. After witnessing many trainers in the group, I sowed a seed in my mind to become one myself. Now, the movement has approached me to help train others. We already provide training through government projects like EDI Theni and MABIF. I am grateful to Isha’s Save Soil Movement and Sadhguru for this initiative. My message to all women is to believe in yourself and your thoughts. Whatever happens is for the best, and if you keep running toward your goal, victory is certain.