He has tossed pizza, sold washing machines, worked in advertising across agencies, last as CEO of The Social Street. Post which, he turned consultant to brands and businesses and investor in multiple businesses in the communications space through Shrishti Media and Investments. The latest investment though, of capital and personal involvement, must rank as the most special in his lifetime for Mandeep Malhotra.
Paudhe Se Yaari, a plant boutique that first launched in Hyderabad a few years ago, opened its doors to Bengalureans on 14th July 2022, Mandeep’s late wife Sonu’s birthday. The brainchild of the couple’s old friends Gunjan and Clement Domingo, it had tasted success in Hyderabad and online at PaudheSeYaari.com. But there was more to Mandeep entering into the venture than the business potential it held.
“Sonu (who was battling cancer) was able to come home for one day, 6th December 2021. On the same day, Gunjan had visited us and the girls had a chat. They made a pact that they would launch Paudhe Se Yaari in Bengaluru. So here we are, with the store in Bengaluru,” recounts Mandeep, in conversation with MediaNews4u.com at the new store, on the day of launch.
A bungalow in Koramangala converted into the store offers ample indoor and outdoor spaces to display the wares in green and other vibrant hues, besides planters and an assortment of goods that would appeal to those with green thumbs and those aspiring for green thumbs.
It’s a drastic shift, we pointed out to Mandeep, from advertising that he has pursued for almost all of his career. He reminds us that his partners, the founders, are from a corporate background too. While Gunjan was a senior executive at Coca Cola, her husband Clement was a senior HR professional who still consults with top companies.
“I have done advertising all my life. I think I might like this though I am still yet to learn about plants and this space. This might just become my calling,” says Mandeep.
They are in talks with a couple of people for a cafeto be set up within the boutique. And next up, is an outlet in Mumbai.
Paudhe Se Yaari is more than another feather in Mandeep’s cap. And as he says, it might just just be his next calling. Irrespective, it will hold a special place in his heart.
