Introduction
What does it truly take to turn a dream into a thriving brand? In a world dominated by global players, local entrepreneurs are forging powerful paths that blend authenticity, culture, and innovation. Recently, we hosted a phenomenal entrepreneurial panel session that celebrated Tamil Nadu’s vibrant spirit of brand building. This post recaps the unforgettable evening featuring three powerhouse founders who shared their journeys, struggles, wins, and hard-earned lessons. If you are passionate about entrepreneurship, branding, or personal growth, keep reading—you might just find the spark for your next big idea.
Meet the Trailblazers
The evening featured three dynamic founders who have each built an impressive brand by staying true to their passion and purpose:
Mr. Aakash Jayasankaran, Founder of Bouteekadai Coimbatore
Mr. Vanjimuthu Palaniswamy, Founder of Boomerang Ice Cream
Mr. Kiru Maikkapillai, Founder of The Divine Foods
Each founder represented a different industry—fashion, frozen desserts, and superfoods—yet all echoed a unified message: true entrepreneurship thrives when you blend innovation with authenticity.
Building with Passion and Purpose
Throughout the discussion, it became clear that building a brand starts with a deep sense of purpose.
Mr. Aakash Jayasankaran shared how Bouteekadai was born not just as a retail idea but as a movement to bring homegrown Tamil Nadu fashion to the forefront. His focus was never solely on numbers but on creating emotional connections with customers.
Mr. Vanjimuthu Palaniswamy described the beginnings of Boomerang Ice Cream, where the goal was to create a unique product that broke traditional molds. His passion for culinary innovation was evident in the way he described experimenting with bold flavors and creating memorable customer experiences.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kiru Maikkapillai of The Divine Foods emphasized that authenticity was the core of his brand. By reviving ancient food wisdom and adapting it for modern consumers, he demonstrated how cultural heritage can be a powerful business advantage.
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| Founders Mr. Aakash Jayasankaran, Mr. Vanjimuthu Palaniswamy, and Mr. Kiru Maikkapillai inspiring future entrepreneurs All three founders agreed: while passion gets you started, staying rooted in your "why" propels you forward when challenges arise. Facing Challenges and Turning Them into Opportunities Entrepreneurship is often romanticized, but the panelists spoke candidly about the reality behind the scenes. Mr.Vanjimuthu discussed the initial skepticism he faced when introducing unconventional ice cream flavors. He reminded the audience that rejection is not failure—it's an invitation to refine and reimagine. Mr. Kiru Maikkapillai spoke about financial constraints and the tough decisions required during the early days of building Divine Foods. His story emphasized the importance of financial prudence, continuous learning, and the courage to pivot strategies when needed. Mr. Aakash touched on how managing a creative brand meant constantly innovating while dealing with evolving customer expectations—a delicate balance between consistency and change. Their resilience and willingness to adapt became key lessons for every entrepreneur in the room. Creating a Lasting Brand: Beyond Sales and Marketing Another important topic that emerged was building a brand that stands the test of time. The founders stressed that brand loyalty stems from trust, consistent delivery of value, and genuine customer relationships—not just from aggressive marketing. Mr. Kiru highlighted that educating consumers about the value behind products created lasting engagement. Mr. Vanjimuthu illustrated how a memorable experience (like tasting a unique ice cream flavor) became the best marketing tool. Ultimately, the discussion revealed that a brand built on values and genuine experiences naturally fosters word-of-mouth growth and longevity. Rapid Fire and Light Moments: The Human Side of Entrepreneurs As the formal session wrapped up, the energy shifted into a more playful mode with Mr. Aakash hosting a rapid-fire segment. From favorite inspirational quotes to hypothetical dream projects, the spontaneous answers showed the human side of entrepreneurship—humor, humility, and the enduring spirit of curiosity. These moments served as a beautiful reminder that while entrepreneurship demands resilience, it also offers immense joy, freedom, and opportunities for self-expression. The Invisible Lessons: Energy, Community, and Shared Vision One of the most powerful takeaways from the event was the invisible bond formed between the speakers and the audience. It wasn’t just knowledge that was exchanged; it was energy, ambition, and the silent understanding that building something meaningful requires collective effort and shared vision. For many aspiring entrepreneurs in the room, the session served as both a roadmap and a mirror—a roadmap showing the way forward, and a mirror reflecting their own dreams back at them with renewed clarity. Key TakeawaysAuthenticity is the greatest differentiator in today’s crowded markets. Building a brand requires blending passion, resilience, and adaptability. Financial prudence and customer education are key pillars of sustainable growth. Entrepreneurship is not a lonely journey—it thrives on community and shared wisdom. Joy, curiosity, and humor are powerful forces in the entrepreneurial journey. ConclusionThis panel wasn’t just about business strategies—it was about celebrating the spirit of creating something meaningful from scratch.The founders’ journeys reflected the grit, resilience, and heart that defines true entrepreneurship. For anyone nurturing an idea, the evening was a resounding message: Start where you are, stay true to your purpose, and let your passion shape your legacy. Feeling inspired to start or scale your entrepreneurial journey? Check out our related articles on brand building, entrepreneurship, and growth strategies. Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram to stay updated! |
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