In the heart of Uttar Pradesh, where fields stretch endlessly and the aroma of freshly ground spices fills the air, Village Spice was born—a brand with a mission far beyond business. Founded by Anamika Shakya and Rahul Dev under Smart People Tradewing, Village Spice is a testament to the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
For Anamika, food was never just sustenance; it was an emotion, a way to connect generations. Growing up in a humble village, she experienced firsthand the authenticity of traditional flavors and the resilience of rural women who created them. Yet, she also witnessed a painful truth—while these women possessed incredible skills, they lacked opportunities to showcase them or earn a living. This inspired her to start Village Spice, a venture that bridges the gap between rural talent and urban demand.
Launched on January 1, 2025, Village Spice is not just a spice brand—it’s a movement. Currently working with women across 50 villages, the brand offers hand-ground, chemical-free spices made using age-old techniques. This isn’t just about delivering authentic taste; it’s about empowering women with financial independence and dignity.
The market impact of Village Spice is undeniable. At a time when mass-produced, preservative-laden products dominate shelves, Village Spice brings back authenticity. It promotes conscious buying by connecting consumers to the origins of their food. For urban kitchens, these spices aren’t merely ingredients—they are stories of tradition, hard work, and change.
The social impact, however, is what truly sets Village Spice apart. By training and employing rural women, the brand provides stable incomes, revives fading spice-making traditions, and strengthens local economies. Every packet sold represents not just flavor but empowerment.
The journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Lack of infrastructure, skepticism from communities, and limited resources tested Anamika’s resolve. Yet, persistence, patience, and a clear vision kept her going. She draws inspiration from Dr. Verghese Kurien, the visionary behind India’s White Revolution, who transformed farmers’ lives through cooperative entrepreneurship. Like him, Anamika believes that empowering producers ensures long-term, sustainable success.
Looking ahead, Village Spice is poised for growth—expanding across India and beyond, introducing new products like masala blends and pickles, and empowering over 10,000 women. The dream is simple but powerful: to make Village Spice synonymous with trust, tradition, and transformation.
Anamika’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “Start small but start. Purpose is your greatest strength. When your work uplifts others, success is inevitable.”
