According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 20% of small businesses fail within the first year. About 50% fail within five years, and within ten years, 70% of small businesses close their doors. Entrepreneurship certainly poses risks and challenges, and even the strongest sometimes do not survive.
What sets those who fail apart from those who succeed? There are many factors involved, some evident and others not so evident. Lack of funding, incompetent management, marketing that misses the mark, and an improper business model are just a few reasons why some companies may not make it. Success is not measurable. However, we can follow clues to discover why some companies thrive and others do not. Here, we study one company whose story began in the small town of Lisora, India, and has consistently remained true to its roots of transparency, integrity, and quality, allowing it to develop a 40-year legacy of success.
When Sunil Kumar opened a small spice shop in Lisora, India, he didn’t imagine his company would one day become the largest distributor of wholesale and bulk organic herbs and spices in North America. With organic products directly sourced from their family farm, their shop quickly acquired a loyal customer base within their local community. Their initial success allowed them to set their sights even higher.
In 1984, the Kumar family made the decision to emigrate to the United States, bringing their business and family to McKinney, Texas. Initially, Sunil found it necessary to travel between the United States and India to oversee his business and continue to establish and nurture relationships with the farmers and growers who supplied his organic products. It was extremely difficult to balance a business between two continents, but the sacrifices were well worth it. Since its beginnings in 1980, Spicy Organic has established ties with over 10,000 organic farmers and growers around the globe.
The Kumar family lacked a business background, but their passion for pure, organic products and dedication to hard work allowed them to surpass any obstacles standing in their way. They arrived in the United States at a time when Indian herbs and spices had not established much of a foothold on the scene and were able to sow the seeds of their business on a fertile North American market that was ready for them. Many companies would not have made it, but Spicy Organic was able to flourish despite all odds.
It is only in recent decades that the demand for exotic herbs and spices has exploded in North America. Globalization has made Indian food more popular than ever. Restaurants, food magazines, television shows, and immigration all contributed to increased demand for Indian spices. The Kumars came to America at the perfect time to launch their business.
With their advent into the American market, the need to acquire organic certification soon became evident to Spicy Organic. Many consumers in America specifically seek out products with the organic label, and Sunil Kumar knew that certification would add a layer of credibility to the company’s products.
It is no secret that certain spices carry natural medicinal benefits. Many spices such as cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, and cardamom contain inherent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that not only act as powerful preservatives in food but are valued in ancient Indian and Chinese medicines for their healing benefits. Spicy Organic believes when harmful pesticides are used on spices or they are grown using GMO seeds they lose many of these benefits.
Although Spicy Organic consistently sourced products free of fillers and pesticides, the USDA seal of approval must be acquired to label products organic in North America. To be granted USDA Organic Certification, many factors are considered, including soil quality, use of insecticides and herbicides, and pest control methods. The USDA allows a limited list of synthetic products on organic farms. Certification is a challenging and lengthy process, but Spicy Organic understood how important it would be to its customers. With this in mind, they underwent the rigorous USDA organic certification process and today carry the USDA organic label on all their products.
Since their humble beginnings, the Kumar family has always remained a family business to their core and maintains their focus on high-quality, ethically sourced organic herbs and spices. Even before the organic craze took over the world, they intuitively understood how important it was for their spices to be produced without harmful pesticides and chemicals that are not only harmful to the human body but the earth as well. Where many companies would be tempted to cut corners, Spicy Organic held firm in their determination to provide only the most natural spices the earth had to offer.
When small companies expand, they may be unrecognizable after many years. Some inevitably lose the heart and soul that won their customers in the first place. As they grow, many companies sacrifice quality in exchange for efficiency and convenience. Scaling a small company may cause the loss of certain aspects that made a company human. Spicy Organic, however, has retained a legacy of over 40 years because they not only care for the end consumer but the farmers they source their products from as well.
By remaining committed to their core values of providing only the best organic ingredients directly to consumers and retailers alike,Spicy Organic supplies herbs and spices essential to Indian cooking such as cumin, cloves, turmeric, cardamom, and more. Their team is constantly evaluating new products to add to their selection. Most recently, they have added essential oils to be used for aromatherapy purposes.
It is only inevitable that Indian spices become more popular around the world. Not only is Indian cuisine becoming more widespread, but ingredients such as turmeric are now touted for their healing properties, with studies coming out proving the powerful effects certain herbs and spices have on symptoms such as blood pressure, joint pain, and other physical problems. As their healing benefits become more mainstream, demand will follow.
To many, Spicy Organic LLCsuccess is an ideal example of the American Dream and the success that follows an immigrant family’s hard work and determination against all odds. Their commitment to providing only the best ingredients that pass their high standards at affordable prices to their customers marks their 40-year history of excellence.
