Interview Times 
Here is an inspiring story of an young couple who left their high paid corporate lifestyle in the Middle East Oman to establish their own indigenous brand from Odisha in embarking the global market by exporting Pasta products from “Bellizzi” brand with a range of products. The revenue has gone up over Nine crores within couple of years since it’s inception prior to that they brought the idea into action of practicing auto-pilot mode of business landscape. Here is the excerpt of the exclusive interview of the modern corporate lady Mrs. Amrita Patra of her promising future.
1. What inspired you to leave your high paid corporate job in the Middle East and start a pasta factory in Bolangir, Odisha?
In 2016, during our visit to the Make in India summit, we gained insights into the supportive entrepreneurship activities by both national and state governments. Proud of India’s agricultural prowess and skilled workforce, we decided to launch a reliable pasta company in Bolangir, Odisha, drawing from our expertise, experience, and understanding of market gaps, despite our previous focus on telecommunications in the Middle East.
2. Can you share your journey and the challenges you faced in setting up your MSME here in Odisha?
In the midst of our thriving careers, living comfortably and globetrotting, a transformation occurred in 2018, compelling us to return to India. With decent savings, we embarked on launching a company, facing delays in obtaining funds and approvals. By mid-2019, just before COVID-19 hit, we had our Italian machinery enroute, but the pandemic halted progress, depleting our funds. Finally, in March 2021, with travel restrictions eased, we commenced production but had to change our business strategy and immediately shift focus to B2B clients due to the pandemic’s impact. Struggling in every aspect, COVID-19 posed significant challenges during our pre-production phase.
3. How did your previous experience as a corporate job help you in establishing and running your organization successfully in a very short span of time?
In the Middle East (Muscat, Oman), we managed our own business in addition to working for large organisations. Prashant (Founder, Director, CEO) had the chance to build new businesses from the bottom up and successfully operate them for many years, whereas I got the chance to work with Fortune 500 companies, gain expertise in international logistics, lead bigger teams, and comprehend business practices. We had the assurance to create and run a pasta production company quickly because of our joint experience.
4. Why do you put the investment in Bolangir. What are the factors?
We persisted and sought advice from IDCO representatives, recognizing Bolangir’s potential in terms of location, raw materials, market gap, cost-effectiveness, climate, and skilled workforce. With unwavering determination, we applied to Bolangir and obtained approval in just 30 days. Despite the distance, our enthusiasm remained undiminished, fueled by the scenic route. From the outset, we embraced digitalization, ensuring transparency and laying the groundwork for future expansion beyond local boundaries.
5. How does the state government of Odisha, MSME department help in promoting entrepreneurship in Odisha?
We always let people know that there are three stakeholders. We, the government and the bankers. Without the help of the MSME department of the government of Odisha, we would not have been able to conceptualise the idea. They have helped us at every turn. Subsidies were given to us, which facilitated our recuperation. Numerous government initiatives continue to be advantageous to us. They have a friendly demeanour. We have also been able to participate in numerous trade events to market our company thanks to the MSME division of the Government of Odisha.
6. How do you strike your personal and professional life?
It is impossible to draw a distinction between personal and business life because of the nature of business and age of the organisation. Additionally, because my husband and I share a same workplace, conversations in our home room frequently mirror those in the office. To ensure that we have a third zone, we therefore try to be active outside of work. I practice yoga and meditation while Prashant likes to play golf and hit the gym regularly.
7. You and your husband carry your organisation together successfully. How does he help you in taking decisions mutually so perfectly?
Prashant’s expertise lies in sales, finance, technology, fundraising, procurement, and liaisoning, while I excel in HR, administration, production, supply chain, quality, and customer service. Being our own worst critics, we value quick decision-making within our respective areas of responsibility. We are highly inspired by the great Industrialist Mr. Ratan Tata and often follow his advice, particularly his famous saying, “I don’t believe in making the correct decisions.’ This is helpful while making decisions because he says, ‘I take decisions and make them right.'”
8. What is your vision to take your brand to the next level down the lane?
We have only recently started to cater to the B2C segment and market our brand. We and our talented team are looking forward to having a wide range of new age, healthy and sustainable proprietary products. We will explore items that are ready to consume. Our immediate objective is to export our goods and expand our sales horizons as they are produced at state of the art facility with best quality practices. Our vision board also has a gourmet food franchising strategy. We are confident that using the collective willpower of the team, we will find a method to accomplish our goals and achieve our vision.
9. Who is your inspiration if you need to share a few words of wisdom?
All of India’s MSME business owners deserve our admiration since they personify the nation’s spirit. The real heroes are these people. We read uplifting accounts of MSME enterprises when we’re feeling low and get re-energized.
