Jaspinder Kaur —inventor of wellbeing products

JASPINDER Kaur is the founder of Naad Organics and has had a pitch at the Henley market every Thursday for the last three years. The proud mother of two grew up in Woodley where she still lives. Jaspinder also sells at
Caversham Market every month and has recently joined Marlow Duckpond. This year she will be expanding to Richmond and Chiswick. She loves reading, music and days out in nature.

Describe your business

Naad Organics specialises in organic beauty and wellness, focusing on enriching daily routines with antioxidant boosting facial care, body care, hair care and wellness powders for daily diets.

How many people does it employ?

Just me. I am the inventor, maker and seller of the products.

What did you do before you started this business?

I worked in the food industry developing and implementing concepts from cafés to fast food.

When did you start your business?

Naad Organics began just before the covid lockdown five years ago. It was exclusively online for two years before being taken to the markets. Since then it has grown, particularly in Henley, where I have been welcomed with a warm embrace.

What was your objective?

Nine years ago when my daughter was born she had eczema and food allergies. She reacted to most things and from only a few months old she was prescribed steroid creams to solve the discomfort. This was not something I felt comfortable or satisfied with. Coming from a farming background my family knew about plants and how they could heal our skin and boost our wellbeing. I then turned to making cold-pressed organic oil blends that healed and promoted wellbeing.

Who or what influenced you?

This was a family decision as we were business-minded already. We believed strongly that the public needed what we had. We designed the brand and its identity from home over the course of five years. I have also learned so much from being in the Henley market through the amazing community I meet and the in-depth discussions I have with them.

What would you do differently if starting again?

I would introduce the business to local markets sooner as this has accelerated its development.

How is your business doing?

The business is steadily growing. Last year I introduced it to local businesses, which has been a success. We are currently stocked in Wild & Rust in Duke Street and it has been a wonderful support for us. This year we launched two new products and I have further plans to extend our reach to wellness professionals, spas, and pop-up shops.

Do you compare on a regular basis?

Yes. I compare on a monthly basis to see how we do each time of the year and reflect on anything I could be doing better. I then look at the overall annual performance to see if it’s met expectations and returned on my time and investment.

What’s the best thing about running your own business?

Being my own boss and making my own choices. I have the perfect balance with time for my family and I can choose my own schedule.

What's the most challenging aspect?

You have nobody to fall back on. There is no sick pay, overtime or paid leave.

Where is your business headed?

Hopefully into more bathrooms and cupboards!

How important are online sales?

Online sales are important as we’ve seen such a growth in online shopping.

Do you have a five-year plan?

No, I have an annual plan which I follow. The rest is not written down but I know my course.

Do you have a good work-life balance?

Yes, I have the pleasure of being able to drop my children to school and pick them up four days a week, excluding Thursdays when I’m at the market. I also allow myself two days of rest as it’s physical doing markets.

Do you set any goals at the start of a new financial year?

I set goals on what I want to bring to my customers. I also set goals on where I want to see my products. I do want to grow each year so this is important to keep on track.

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned?

Consistency in whatever I do, whether it’s the time it takes to post a parcel or when to hand make each product.

What advice would you offer to anybody starting a business?

Turn it into a reality and start planning. It doesn’t matter about your current position, financially or time in your life. There is no time like the present.

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made?

For about three years my prices were too low and didn’t reflect their quality or the dedication going into them. I was afraid that if I increased the price nobody would buy them but I was wrong.

How organised are you?

I map out my year and schedule and goals and I am mostly on time wherever I go.

Are you planning for retirement?

I haven’t thought about that yet but if I love doing what I do so much I will continue to do so, but just adapt to my then requirements.

What’s the secret of your success?

I have a passion for what I do and that keeps me going no matter what. I love what I do and all that comes with it.

What three qualities do you think are most important?

Passion, creativity and drive. With these I think all others fall into place naturally.

How do you dress for work each day?

Smart casual, no uniform, just my clothes that reflect who I am as a producer. I do dress according to the weather as I’m mostly outside.

What can’t you be without every day?

A good coffee in the morning.

Do you continue to study?

I’m always researching and gaining knowledge on all areas of my field.

What do you read?

I’m reading The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, who is one of my favourite authors. To know one’s self, for me that’s important.

What change would you most like to see in 2025?

I would like to see an end or at least signals of an end to the financial hike in interest rates, which have affected everyone.