LYO FLORALS
DR. MAHALAKSHMI V. REDDY: Redefining the entrepreneurial streak with her uniquely curated venture, Lyo Florals
As a brainchild of Dr. Mahalakshmi V. Reddy- Lyo Florals is undoubtedly one of the most intuitive business ventures dedicated to the flower preservation industry. It offers people a wonderful opportunity to preserve their relishable memories attached to the flowers for a long period. The founding mother reveals that her passion for flowers was induced by her mother who used to decorate the home with colourful flowers everyday.
After all, who doesn’t love flowers? Everybody wishes to cheer their surroundings with exquisite flower arrangements and share them with loved ones to express a special emotion. But the withering nature of flowers is a harsh phenomenon to cope with. Acknowledging this happening, she was inspired to extend the shelf-life of flowers used on special occasions and the result is Lyo Florals!
Driven by this new-fangled interest, she deeply studied – Lyophilization (freeze-drying). It is claimed to be a sophisticated method to preserve the natural beauty of flowers for prolonged times, where flowers, as well as the sentiments attached with those, are preserved using a floral freeze dryer. Fresh flowers are ensured with special treatments to prevent changes such as decaying or withering. This micro-business was begun as an initiative directed towards the ‘Go Green’ gift range where people can preserve their precious memories while impacting this society.
WHEN RESEARCH TURNED INTO A BUSINESS IDEA…
Lyo Florals actuated from incessant research that converted into a lucrative business idea, after Dr. Mahalakshmi retired from PJTSAU University- where she served for 35 years as an academician and scientist till April 2016. It was her persistent desire to chase her passion that propelled her to establish Lyo Lab a self-funded research facility, dedicating her surplus time, energy, acuity, and competencies to turn her dream into a living reality.
She learned enterprise management via an EDP where she adeptly dived into business intricacies. Though business management is a tedious and tough job to handle, she registered her company under MSME, GOI in November 2016. She accredits constant research as a major contributor to the progress that Lyo Florals has made so far.
OUTSTANDING SUCCESS MANTRA
Dr. Mahalakshmi unveiled two aspects that played a prominent role in thriving her own business-Skill in management of material and human resources. Seeking an effective way to handle the turmoil occurring in the business functioning is how one can make the way in the newer business avenues, she avidly believes. “Preservation of flowers is both Science and Art.
Continuous updates on new development are crucial for scientific research. I continue to explore methodologies for a variety of exotic flowers and experiment with the artistic style of presenting products. Moreover, ensuring a compassionate approach while dealing with your workforce is a must to scale greater heights. A collaborative culture with an optimistic environment can do unimaginable benefits to any organisation and aspiring entrepreneurs must pay immense heed to it,” affirms the insightful luminary explaining the secret to her success.
NOTCHES ON THE BELT
Within a short period, Lyo Florals has managed to make significant strides by crossing some major milestones and bagging multiple recognitions. This became possible under the auspices of Dr. Mahalakshmi who has been showered with several awards.
Here, a few of the worthy mentions have been enlisted below-
- Dr. Mahalakshmi has been honoured by the National Institute of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (NIMSME) as Best Start-up Entrepreneur in 2018.
- Enlisted under the list of successful entrepreneurs released by ALEAP, India.
- Women Entrepreneurs of India Magazine has featured her triumphs under the list of- Top 10 successful Entrepreneurs in Hyderabad in 2021.
A GLANCE AT THE FUTURE ENDEAVOURS
The visionary entrepreneur has aspired to promote flower preservation technology across India where she will explore new arenas of utilizing the botanical resources for healthier living. Most recently, she has put her sheer focus on finding edible flowers and acquiring knowledge on the latest technicalities and applications to help people choose healthier food. Furthermore, she also wishes to mentor and guide the budding entrepreneurs with a steadfast passion for flowers, wanting to establish a successful venture.
AN OVERWHELMING MEMO SHARED BY THE FOUNDER
“Wholeheartedly, I appreciate women entrepreneurs who put efforts into financial independence. Choosing a unique business idea and strengthening knowledge and exposure to run the business efficiently should be the ultimate goal of every entrepreneur. Opting to grow slowly and systematically with minimum resources will reap success in the long run. Compare entrepreneurial roles to driving a car on rough roads. Keeping the car in condition and choosing the right direction will take you to your destination smoothly.”
