Bayes alumni celebrated in Forbes India lists

Launched in 2017, The Little Farm Co. produces homemade pickles and chutneys grown organically from their village in Paharapurwa, India.

These items are free from sugar, hand crafted and free from preservatives. With a strong community-led focus and local women at the forefront of production, this online business has been a major international success, making these two entrepreneurs ones to watch.

Since the creation of company, Aditya and Nikarika have been featured individually for their achievements, with Aditya getting a special mention in the Forbes India 30 under 30 list this year, and Niharika  in Forbes India’s self-made women 2020 winners list.

The Forbes India 30 under 30 list this year is about disruptors and trailblazers in India’s industries, make them ones to watch. From actors to entrepreneurs, Aditya was recognised for his part in making The Little Farm Co. a success.

Being recognised as a winner in Forbes India’s Forbes India’s self-made women 2020 winners list is no small feat, for these women each overcame adversity, from grief, mental illness, physical and mental abuse, to male-dominated industries and not being taken seriously. Nikarika faced criticism when she and her brother first began the business in India, as farming was largely a field run by men. But starting small and not giving up, what began as an idea grew to a highly successful enterprise.

Aditya and Niharika said their studies at Bayes Business School (formerly Cass), were influential in giving them the knowledge on how to set up their business.

Niharika (MSc Marketing, Strategy and Innovation,  2015) said: “Marketing was the direction that I wanted to pursue. At the time, Bayes stood out as one of  few to offer such an MSc but with strategy and innovation fully incorporated into the programme. I  chose to study at Bayes when I received my offer without hesitation, with the added the appeal of studying in a major capital and business hub such as London.”

Aditya  (MSc Management, 2019) added: “Alongside my studies, I actively sought to gain experience in fields related to the MSc. This has included volunteering at Bayes, getting involved in a research project co-led by the school with Oxford University and Bocconi, and working with start-ups.

“In fact, I’d say the main shift in professional focus that I got thanks to Bayes was towards entrepreneurship. I returned to India with my mind set on business creation, and here we both are today!”

Today, using indigenous seeds and organic fertilizers, The Little Farm Co. produces spices, fruits and vegetables across hundreds of acres of natural farms in Madhya Pradesh.

Niharika & Aditya said: “In both our cases, we’ve certainly had to broaden our expertise.

"By getting your hands dirty in such a range of areas as accounting, finance, operations, HR, distribution, and product development, you inevitably end up becoming a jack of many trades, for the good of the business as well as your personal and professional growth. It’s been a steep learning curve where you are kept on your toes at all times. There’s no taking shortcuts in order to run a business effectively, so it’s a daily challenge but a highly enriching one at the same time!”

Learn more about the MSc programmes offered in Marketing, Strategy and Innovation and Management, and the other courses at Bayes Business School.