From Engineers to Entrepreneurs: How This Couple Started Selling Laddus After 5 Years in Corporate Jobs

After working for five years as software engineers in the US, the engineer couple Sandeep Jogiparti and Kavitha Gopu quit their corporate jobs and returned to Hyderabad, India, in 2019 to start their own venture called Laddu Box. They focused on creating healthier alternatives to traditional laddus by using native ingredients like millets (pearl millet, foxtail millet, ragi), jaggery instead of refined sugar, dry fruits, and pure ghee, making sugar-free, nutritious sweets.

Initially, they marketed their handcrafted laddus at fairs and IT companies, receiving bulk orders early on. Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily halted operations, they adapted by launching online sales, which expanded their reach across India and even internationally. Starting with an investment of just Rs 1 lakh, their business grew rapidly, achieving an annual turnover of Rs 2 crore by FY23.

Laddu Box offers about 15 varieties of laddus, including vegan options, and focuses on minimal ingredients without artificial preservatives or colors. They also provide healthy snacks like khakras and chikkis. Their products cater to health-conscious consumers looking for traditional sweets with a modern, nutritious twist.