NICE NEWSLETTER | MAY 2024

Namaste,?

As May begins, we are excited to share updates about the programs and outreach efforts conducted during the past month of April 2024. We want to express our gratitude for your ongoing support on our NICE journey. Let's make this new month amazing together and don't forget to stay tuned for updates on what's happening in the NICE community!

Here is a monthly round-up of April 2024 at NICEorg

HAPPENINGS AT NICE IN APRIL 2024!

NICE PROGRAMS

NICEorg presents NICE Samanvay - the first of its kind cultural entrepreneurship summit! The event will be hosted at the Bangalore International Centre on the 29th and 30th of June, 2024. This two-day event will encompass Cultural Enterprises showcasing their journeys, engaging discussions with Industry experts, Investors, Academicians, and Government officials on the growth of Cultural Entrepreneurship (and some entertainment too!)?

?Watch out for more details of our curators, guest speakers and much more on our social media handles! (Instagram and LinkedIn )

NICE Stories

Founded by Sudha amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, Aruha’s journey began with a simple yet profound realization – the importance of self-care and conscious skincare. At Aruha, every product is meticulously crafted with care and attention to detail. Their skincare range includes essentials like the Brightening Face Cleanser, Day Moisturizer, Deep Cleansing Face Scrub, Detoxifying Face Mask, and Hydrating & Nutrient-Intense Skin Elixir . They also provide haircare essentials such as their Revitalizing Hair Oil, Scalp Nourishing Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner . Aruha’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond its product formulations. By embracing the mantra that “Skin Has No Gender,” Aruha invites individuals to celebrate their unique beauty free from societal constraints.

Read the entire story here: https://niceorg.in/blog/nicestories-aruha-wellness-where-conscious-indulgence-meets-inclusivity/

ENTERPRISE UPDATES

Get insights straight from the enterprises within the NICEorg Network

Congratulations to Adukale on securing INR 11 crore in pre-Series A funding! Established in 2009, Adukale is a food cultural enterprise selling ready-to-eat items made with natural ingredients without any added preservatives or artificial colours. With a significant presence in Karnataka, the brand has successfully integrated into supermarket chains through its well-established distribution network. Creating a unique space in an already thriving market is a significant challenge for the cultural business, which Adukale has also faced. Dominated by well-known brands in the market, they carved out a factor that differentiated them from other brands by selling their products in organic food stores. Since their products were 100% natural with no added chemicals or preservatives, their products appealed to a very organic-centric community within the customers. Adukale was a part of the NICEorg panel at the Inaugural Edition of the Cultural Entrepreneurship in 2023 and is a part of the NICE Bangalore Chapter. To know more about the brand: Adukale.

Congratulations to Bare Necessities on being the first FMCG company in India to be Certified B Lab B Corporation! This is a significant milestone demonstrating that all of us can lead a sustainable lifestyle. Their dedication extends just beyond their product, it includes sourcing, team building, and more. Sahar's (founder) inspirational thought - "Many of our Indian traditions are rooted in ecological practices or what we now call 'zero waste practices,'" has been a guiding force in making Bare Necessities reach this height!

Bare Necessities, is an eco-friendly #culturalenterprise dedicated to zero waste, ethical consumption, and sustainability, making it easy for conscious consumers to opt for eco-friendly choices. They were the winner of the #NICEAarohana Business Plan Competition (Growth Stage), 2021. NICEorg acknowledges #CulturalEntrepreneurs like Sahar Mansoor, who are making a positive impact on society and are contributing to the growth of Brand India.

To know more about the brand: Bare Necessities

Arundhati Kumar is a trailblazer in eco-conscious design, leading the way with her visionary approach to sustainability in fashion. Through her brand - Studio Beej , she has successfully merged style and environmental responsibility, creating a brand that is a true embodiment of ethical practices and thoughtful craftmanship. Elle India recognized these efforts and awarded Studio Beej with the Elle Eco - Innovation award at the Elle Sustainability Awards 2024.

NICEorg would like to congratulate Arundhati and the team for not only promoting Brand India but also helping nudge the narrative in the right and sustainable direction.

Ekibeki welcomes you to an immersive experience on the history of the land, learning the stories through its crafts in an unforgettable way. Join them at the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum Plaza for Kalaangan , a special festival showcasing over 40 carefully curated Indian artisans. A combination of traditional and contemporary styles of ethnic craftsmanship & few languishing crafts from across India. Featuring a diverse array of handmade products including textiles, accessories, jewellery, and home decor for sale. With workshops, panel discussions, live activities, food and lots more. ? A chance to explore the expertise and the relevance of ethnic art. Hands-on learning from the artisans in curated workshops. The Human Library concept of the curated artisans is specially created to display the histories of our country. ?

Date: 10-12 May Time: 10 am to 7.30 pm

Location: Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Byculla, Mumbai

More details on https://www.ekibeki.org/kalaangan-craft-festival-24

NICE CHAPTERS

NICE Bengal- Chapter Meet on 26th April 2024

The chapter saw the participation once again of a diverse set of Cultural Entrepreneurs across various NICEorg sectors all echoing the common sentiment of fostering collaboration and working together in growing the Cultural Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. Besides exploring collaborative avenues and capitalising on the NICE network, members also brainstormed on co-curating a NICE Bengal Pavilion at the upcoming Cultural Entrepreneurship Summit in Bengaluru in the month of June 2024

Join the Bengal chapter: nicebengal @niceorg.in ??

NICE Delhi - Chapter Meet on 12th April 2024 ?

The NICE Delhi chapter met with a small niche group of Cultural Entrepreneurs to brainstorm and see how the NICE community of Enterprises could engage and tackle some of the local ecosystem challenges that Enterprises encounter. NICEorg is now working with the group to figure out specific avenues to showcase and disseminate the narrative and stories of brands and open new market access avenues.

Join the Delhi chapter: [email protected]

Upcoming Events at NICEorg

Watch out for more details about NICE Samanvaay!

Be a part of NICEorg

To join the NICE Chapters and contribute to building the cultural entrepreneurship community in your city.

• Join the Bengaluru chapter: [email protected]
• Join the Mumbai chapter: [email protected]
• Join the Chennai chapter: [email protected]
• Join the Hyderabad chapter: [email protected]
• Join the Delhi chapter: [email protected]
• Join the Bengal chapter: [email protected]
• Start a Chapter in your City: [email protected]

Want to participate as a moderator/speaker or have a topic you would like us to cover? Visit NICE Instagram and drop a message with topic - NICE Live ? Get featured on NICE Stories. Tell us about your enterprise. ?

Fill this Google Form to share your story: https://bit.ly/nicestories

Interested in Partnering / Volunteering / Collaborating with us in this exciting journey of building Brand India? Please write to us at [email protected] Follow us on our social media to learn more about our work and to connect with us!