From Wasted Flowers to ₹1.5 Crore Success: The Inspiring Story of Shivraj Nishad
In 2021, Shivraj Nishad from Shekhpur village, Kanpur Dehat, left behind his secure pharma job to follow a purpose bigger than profit — giving a second life to India’s discarded flowers.
What started with a single solar dryer has blossomed into two successful ventures — Iswar Flowers & Herbs and Blue Veda. Today, his business processes 4–5 tonnes of dried flowers each month, transforming what was once temple and festive waste into high-value herbal, cosmetic, and tea products.
The Vision: Turning Waste into Wealth
Every day, India discards tonnes of flowers after rituals and ceremonies, most of which end up polluting rivers or decomposing in landfills. Shivraj saw not just waste — but untapped potential.
His solution was simple yet powerful: use solar-powered dryers to preserve the flowers naturally, without chemicals, and convert them into products people use daily.
The Birth of Blue Veda & Iswar Flowers & Herbs
Through Blue Veda and Iswar Flowers & Herbs, Shivraj created a business model that blends technology, sustainability, and social impact.
- Collection: Flowers are sourced from local temples, event sites, and farmers.
- Solar Drying: The petals are dried using eco-friendly solar dryers.
- Transformation: These dried flowers are turned into natural dyes, teas, skincare powders, and herbal products.
- Distribution: Products are sold locally and exported, with a growing global demand.
Empowering Farmers & Women
Shivraj works with over 1,000 farmers across Uttar Pradesh, paying them fair rates and eliminating post-harvest waste.
Flowers once sold for just ₹10/kg are now part of products priced between ₹300–₹450/kg — transforming farmer incomes and creating new livelihoods for rural women who work in processing units.
Profits & Impact
- Annual Revenue: ₹1.5 crore and growing
- Monthly Processing: 4–5 tonnes of dried flowers
- Social Reach: 1,000+ farmers and dozens of rural women workers empowered
- Core Operations: Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh
- Products: Herbal powders, organic teas, floral skincare, and natural colors
Beyond numbers, Shivraj’s story represents a shift toward sustainable business thinking — one that values nature, people, and profit equally.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs
- Start Small, Think Big: One solar dryer sparked an entire industry.
- Solve Real Problems: Waste isn’t just a nuisance — it’s an opportunity.
- Sustainability Pays: Eco-business can be both ethical and profitable.
- Empower Others: Building communities makes success meaningful.
- Vision Over Office: You don’t need fancy offices or investors — just sunlight, purpose, and persistence.
About Marketing Mirrors
At Marketing Mirrors, we spotlight real stories of Indian innovators who turn simple ideas into powerful revolutions. From startups to rural entrepreneurs, our mission is to mirror the marketing brilliance and courage that redefine success in India.
