Bhumika Chauhan
In an era where convenience often overshadows authenticity, Village Spice is bringing back the rich, unadulterated essence of Indian flavors. Founded by Anamika Shakya and Rahul Dev under Smart People Tradewing, this rural-based spice brand is rewriting the story of entrepreneurship in India—one spice at a time.
The journey of Village Spice began with a simple yet powerful realization: India’s villages are treasure troves of tradition and skill, but they remain untapped in the modern economy. For Anamika, growing up in a small village instilled a deep love for authentic flavors and respect for the hardworking women behind them. She noticed how their expertise in making spices, pickles, and masalas was fading in a market dominated by machine-made, chemical-laden products. It wasn’t just about losing flavor—it was about losing heritage.
Village Spice was born on January 1, 2025, to preserve this heritage and create livelihoods. Today, it operates in more than 50 villages, engaging rural women to produce chemical-free, hand-ground spices using traditional methods. Each packet of spice is a product of care, skill, and dedication—a stark contrast to the faceless production lines of industrial brands.
The brand’s mission is twofold: to provide consumers with authentic, high-quality spices and to empower rural women by offering them financial independence. By sourcing locally and employing women, Village Spice strengthens village economies and gives women confidence, dignity, and purpose.
The impact is evident. Urban consumers seeking pure, traditional flavors have embraced Village Spice, appreciating not just its quality but its story. In a world where people are increasingly conscious of what they consume and where it comes from, Village Spice stands as a bridge between rural producers and urban homes.
Challenges, however, were part of the journey. Starting with limited resources and facing skepticism from both villagers and buyers, Anamika had to work tirelessly to build trust. Training rural women, ensuring quality consistency, and creating a reliable supply chain required patience and persistence. Her inspiration, Dr. Verghese Kurien—who revolutionized India’s dairy industry through empowerment—kept her focused on the bigger picture: sustainable, community-driven growth.
Looking ahead, Village Spice plans to expand across India, enter international markets, and introduce new products like traditional spice blends, herbal powders, and pickles. Eco-friendly packaging and a transparent supply chain are also in the works, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to quality and conscience.
For Anamika, Village Spice is not just a business; it’s a movement. “We’re not only selling spices,” she says, “we’re preserving traditions, empowering women, and transforming communities.” Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs reflects this philosophy: “Begin with purpose, not just profit. Build something that uplifts others—it’s the most rewarding journey you’ll ever take.”
Village Spice’s story is one of resilience, vision, and impact. It proves that when tradition meets innovation, and when entrepreneurship serves a greater good, businesses can become powerful agents of change.
