In the last two decades India has lost 2.33 Mha of tree cover, equivalent to a 6.0% decrease in tree cover since 2000, and 1.20 Gt of CO₂e emissions, states a recent report from Global Forest Watch (GFW). When the need of rapid urbanization and industrialization is compelling us to destroy our green resources, we need to seriously think of replenishing them. However, as recreating the lost forest land is nothing but a daydream at this juncture, in this process, the sum of the sincere and miniscule initiatives, which are within our reach, can lead to a big change. With this backdrop, Bengaluru-based young entrepreneur Nithin Hassan,who holds a long experience in the tech industry, started his venture – My Garden Emporium. In an exclusive chat with P. K. Chatterjee (PK), he is focusing on various facets of his dream come true company. Excerpts…
What kind of company is My Garden Emporium?
My Garden Emporium is a sustainability-focused venture on a mission to bring nature back to our cities, creating greener, healthier urban spaces that inspire and thrive. We provide a carefully curated selection of garden essentials – from vibrant plants and seeds to eco-friendly tools and fertilizers – all designed to empower environmentally conscious practices.
However, we are more than a garden store; we transform spaces through our landscaping services, turning everyday areas into lush green sanctuaries. We are committed to greening urban spaces while empowering the local communities.
What was the source of inspiration behind establishing such a company?
The inspiration for MyGardenEmporium came from witnessing the drastic loss of greenery in Bangalore due to rapid urbanization. I recognized how critical greenery is to mental well-being, air quality, and stress reduction, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when access to fresh air and nature became essential.
Combining my passion for sustainability with my experience in the tech industry, I envisioned creating a platform that would make greenery accessible to urban dwellers and help counteract environmental degradation.
In short, my personal passion for sustainability and a commitment to social impact inspired me to launch this company, aiming to blend environmental responsibility with community empowerment.
What is communicated through the name of your company?
The name MyGardenEmporium was inspired by a vision to create a one-stop destination where everyone could find the essentials for a personalized and sustainable garden, right in the heart of urban living. The word ‘Emporium’ reflects a wide, curated selection that caters to every type of green enthusiast, from beginners to seasoned gardeners, making it accessible and inviting.
The tagline, ‘Transforming Spaces, Enriching Lives’, captures the dual mission of the company, i.e., promoting urban greenery while investing in social causes, like women’s empowerment and children’s education. The company’s logo combines elements of nature and growth, featuring a sprouting plant to symbolize the beginning of something new, fresh, and impactful. It visually represents the company’s dedication to fostering life and wellbeing in every space. The entire process – from the name to the logo – was inspired by the goal of creating a brand that not only sells products but also connects with people’s aspirations for a greener, more meaningful life.
How are you successfully reaching people to share your ideas and convince them?
My most successful marketing campaign at MyGardenEmporium has been a blend of community-focused initiatives and customer-driven programs that resonate deeply with our values of sustainability and social impact.
Just to give you some examples:
1. ‘For Every 10, Give 1’ (Plant Giveaway) – For every 10 plants sold, we gift one plant, encouraging customers to feel they are part of a movement to bring more greenery into the world.
2. Impact-Driven Profits – We’re committed to making a difference by sharing 20% of our profits with rural schools and supporting rural women’s empowerment.
3. Garden Happiness and Meaningful Gifting – With the message ‘Garden Makes You Happy, Gifting Plants Gives Real Meaning,’ our campaign focuses on the emotional and environmental benefits of plants.
4. Nature and Sustainability Education for Kids – We’re passionate about teaching the next generation. By visiting schools to distribute DIY gardening kits and teaching kids about nature and sustainability, we engage with young minds while fostering a connection with parents who support green education.
5. Referral and Loyalty Programs – Our referral program rewards customers for sharing MyGardenEmporium with friends and family, while our loyalty program offers redeemable points for repeat purchases.
Do you think that there was a hidden entrepreneurial mind inside you from your student life or is it a process of learning through a journey?
I believe it was a mix of both a hidden spark and a journey of growth. Even during my student life, I felt a pull toward creating and problem-solving, which are core elements of entrepreneurship. I found myself naturally inclined to take initiative and explore new ideas, whether it was in group projects or tech competitions. However, the real transformation happened over the years through hands-on experiences, especially during my career in the tech industry. Every project, challenge, and pivot taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of aligning vision with action.
In a way, the entrepreneurial mindset was always there in its raw form, but it matured through the journey of learning, setbacks, and successes. It’s this blend of innate curiosity and continuous growth that fuels my approach to entrepreneurship today.
What are your suggestions for new entrepreneurs?
My main advice to new entrepreneurs is to embrace adaptability, resilience, and a relentless focus on adding real value. Let me give a few specific suggestions.
1. Start with a Purpose: Don’t just pursue an idea because it seems profitable. Make sure it’s something you’re genuinely passionate about and that has a positive impact. Purpose-driven businesses tend to be more resilient and fulfilling.
2. Validate Your Idea: Before diving in, test your concept with potential customers. gather feedback, make adjustments, and ensure there’s a real market for your product or service. Early validation can save time and resources in the long run.
3. Stay Lean and Agile: Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and iterate based on feedback. Flexibility is essential in the early stages, as you may need to pivot or refine your offerings based on market response.
4. Build Strong Networks: Surround yourself with mentors, advisors, and a network of supportive peers. Learning from others’ experiences and having people to lean on during tough times can make all the difference.
5. Prioritize Learning and Growth: Each setback is an opportunity to learn. Embrace failures as stepping stones, keep updating your skills, and be open to evolving both personally and professionally.
6. Keep Customer Experience at the Heart: Your business will thrive if your customers are happy and see value in what you offer. Never underestimate the power of a strong customer relationship.
Entrepreneurship is a journey, and it’s as much about who you become along the way as it is about building a successful venture. Stay curious, stay resilient, and keep moving forward.
