In the bustling streets of Ajmer, Shobhit Soni found his entrepreneurial calling in an age-old Indian tradition: the ‘kulhad’. Soni, driven by a vision to build a sustainable and profitable venture, founded Mittisa — a brand dedicated to crafting these traditional clay cups. His efforts have not only revived an eco-friendly alternative to plastic but have also led to the establishment of over 45 ‘kulhad’ manufacturing plants across India.

What to know: Kulhads, the humble earthen pots integral to India’s tea culture, trace their roots back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Soni recognized a gap in the market: the fragility of these cups during transportation. Addressing this issue, he transformed the unorganized ‘kulhad’ market into a thriving business with an impressive annual turnover of ₹2.76 crore.

Born into a Marwari family, Shobhit’s business acumen was evident from an early age. After pursuing engineering and an MBA in international business, his entrepreneurial journey began with a tea venture. This experience led to the birth of Mittisa, which now produces about 60,000 kulhads daily.

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Soni’s ingenuity extended beyond production. He created a 15-minute instructional video on setting up ‘kulhad’ plants, offering a cost-effective model for aspiring entrepreneurs. His comprehensive approach includes machinery setup, training, and even connecting producers with buyers nationwide. This network has fostered a community of eco-conscious businesspersons, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional cups.

The story so far: Mittisa’s success story is a testament to Soni’s perseverance through various business ventures, from communication skills courses to an AI company. His journey underscores the potential of simple, sustainable products in creating economic and environmental impact.

As Soni expands his ‘kulhad’ empire to Canada and strengthens his network in India, he demonstrates how traditional practices can be transformed into modern-day entrepreneurial successes.

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