Through an eco-conscious lens, Ankita Jain tells us all about her entrepreneurial journey.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It’s a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Ankita Jain, the founder of Purple & Pure, gets it done like a boss.
Tell us the story behind your business.
My passion lies in protecting the environment and supporting women’s economic development. In 2017, after moving to Singapore and having my first child, I was inspired to start Purple and Pure. It’s an eco-friendly way of living and reducing single-use plastic consumption through sustainable gift options.
What are some milestones or achievements you’re most proud of?
We’re proud to announce several significant milestones achieved last year. We secured the opportunity to design custom plantable gifts for esteemed organisations such as Clarins, The Learning Lab, IHH Healthcare, and Temasek Polytechnic, among others. Additionally, we successfully reduced plastic usage by 900kg and recycled 960kg of cotton waste, demonstrating our steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability.
We also collaborated with Daughters of Tomorrow to sponsor the education of single mothers. This initiative underscores our dedication to social responsibility and our belief in the transformative power of education to positively impact lives.
These achievements reflect our creative capabilities and commitment to environmental stewardship, as well as our strong sense of corporate social responsibility. We look forward to building on these successes and continuing to make a positive impact in the years to come.
Share with us a setback that taught you a valuable lesson about running a business.
Embarking on my entrepreneurial journey, one of the most profound lessons I learned stemmed from a setback that, in hindsight, revealed valuable insights into the complexities of running a business. My late father, my guiding force in this venture, left me with a lasting lesson that transcends conventional wisdom: the paramount importance of unwavering hard work and an unyielding commitment to delivering products of the highest quality.
This lesson wasn’t confined to long hours or meeting industry standards; it embodied the spirit of perseverance and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. My father’s emphasis on hard work wasn’t just a mantra; it was a philosophy woven into the fabric of our business ethos.
In the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship, where challenges are inevitable, this lesson serves as the guiding North Star influencing our decisions and actions. It transcends the notion of working hard for its own sake; rather, it underscores infusing every effort with a dedication to providing the absolute best in terms of product quality. Through this experience, I’ve come to recognise that success isn’t solely about reaching a destination; it’s about the ongoing journey of consistently delivering excellence, fueled by the enduring spirit of hard work.
Describe a typical day in your life and what you love most about it.
Every day starts with a morning run and a healthy breakfast, keeping me energised. I head into client meetings and pack orders, all while revelling in the joy of achieving work-life balance. What makes me happiest is the routine and being able to witness my son growing up. It’s the simple pleasures and the time with loved ones that truly make each day special.
What’s your favourite book, movie, or TV show that has influenced your entrepreneurial mindset?
One impactful book that shaped my entrepreneurial mindset is “Cradle to Cradle” by William McDonough and Michael Braungart. This enlightening read explores sustainable design principles, inspiring me to integrate eco-friendly practices into my business. I also follow Kathryn Kellogg, a zero-waste advocate sharing practical tips for a sustainable lifestyle.
Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Embrace resilience; setbacks are stepping stones. Prioritise passion over profit; authenticity resonates. Cultivate a robust network; collaboration fuels success. Embrace change; it sparks innovation. Stay agile; adaptability is key in dynamic markets. Listen keenly; understanding customer needs is your compass.
Continuously educate yourself; knowledge is your greatest asset. Foster a positive mindset; optimism propels progress. Start small; every big success begins with a single step.
Lastly, don’t fear failure; it’s a teacher, not an endpoint. Success often emerges from the ashes of setbacks. Keep learning, stay passionate, and persist – the entrepreneurial journey is an ongoing adventure.
Top tip for maintaining a good work-life balance?
Prioritize “me-time.” Whether it’s a quiet walk, reading a book, or unwinding with a hobby, dedicate moments solely for yourself. This intentional break fosters rejuvenation, enhancing your well-being and, in turn, your professional effectiveness. Recognise the value of self-care in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Favourite thing to do on weekends?
Spending weekends enjoying picnics in parks with my family is my favourite pastime. It combines the simple joys of nature, good food, and quality time. From shared laughter to delicious bites, these moments create cherished memories, making weekends a source of relaxation and family bonding.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself that not many people know.
I love to dance.
Get in touch with Ankita Jain online.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. We offer almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring and media profiles on Honeycombers. Check it out and join us!
