CEA NewsJump June 2021
Connecting You With Columbia's Small Business Resources, Events, and More.
The Columbia Entrepreneurship Alliance began last summer to connect new entrepreneurs with resources to get their business or side-gig started! Please let us know how we can help you and please spread the word to those just trying to figure out how to get started! To view the materials from last year’s jumpstart events, please visit https://www.startmo.biz/resources/.
In this issue:
Entrepreneurial Story
Community Calendar
Community Contribution Corner
Entrepreneurial Story: Building Raw Roots Turmeric
by Ranjana Hans
Growing up in India, I have seen my mother giving me turmeric milk, tulsi tea, ashwagandha tea, and other herbs from her garden and also doing home remedies from her kitchen. Herbs have become a significant part of my life. I moved to the United States in 2003 when my children were 1 and 6 years old. I learned a new culture and adjusted to a new lifestyle while taking care of my children and their education.
Every time I would make golden milk to drink, I would always close my nose to consume it since it would have a very strong smell and I could not find the fresh root at that time.
Later I found the turmeric roots then I started experimenting with fresh turmeric root in my tea and smoothie to improve the flavor. I did more experiments and research to make fresh turmeric paste to improve the flavor. I started to consume turmeric every day and felt a great improvement in my health, day-to-day life, and lots of energy in my body.
Deep inside, I always have a desire to become an entrepreneur and share my learning and roots with other people. I went to the Missouri Women’s Business Center here in Columbia with a sample of my products and talked about my business idea. I participated in sampling events, introduced my products to the community, joined a business pitch competition, and presented my business idea at 1M cup with the Regional Economic Development Inc (REDI). Columbia Public health department guided me from commissary inspection until having the stall at Columbia Farmers Market and whenever I have questions, their response is prompt.
Becoming a food manufacturer is a big responsibility. I took training to become a certified acidified food manufacturer, looked for a commercial kitchen, and sent my products for lab testing. It was overwhelming, but I decided to take one step at a time.
Now I sell my products at Columbia Farmers Market and at natural health/ food stores.
I educate people by giving them reading material on researched-based medicinal herbs.
I am growing medicinal herbs turmeric, tulsi, and ashwagandha in my garden here in Columbia and have created fresh products like Fresh Turmeric paste, Fresh Ashwagandha Paste, and many more products based on Turmeric root. All of the products are pure, natural and very versatile, and easy to use. Fresh Ashwagandha paste, Turmeric Tonic, Ashwagandha tea, and Himalayan Sparkling Lemonade are getting a lot of popularity. As soon as I set up my stall at CFM, there is always a line of people for the healthy beverages and pastes.
I have extended my garden for my medicinal herbs this year and my plan is to extend more by next year. My plan is to have a manufacturing plant here in Columbia in few years. I am also working on having more collaborations with my business.
Whenever we start doing something new, we may not be sure about so many things. Following the direction is key. Break it down into smaller pieces and then take small steps to reach our goals. Be consistent and make sure that we are on track. There is plenty of help available in our community, so take advantage of that!
Ranjana Hans, Founder Rawrootsturmeric
Community Calendar
Staycations to Vacations: Missouri Tourism Following COVID-19 (Webinar) • June 29, 12-1 p.m. • Free to attend • Register
Missouri Women’s Business Center 5th Anniversary Party & Client Showcase • June 29, 4-6 p.m. at The Atrium • Free to attend • Register
"Meet ‘n Greet": An Eye-to-Eye, IN-PERSON Networking Event • July 14, 6-8 p.m. at Bur Oak Brewing Company • Free to attend • Register