Against All Odds: Navnoor Kaur, From Bank Job to Jaggery Business
Against All Odds: Navnoor Kaur, From Bank Job to Jaggery Business
Navnoor Kaur’s story inspires entrepreneurs with her success in transforming a small startup into a profitable business that now spans 22 districts.
Navnoor Kaur, a first-generation entrepreneur, left behind a high-paying job at a large private bank to pursue her dream of running a food business. Despite the initial challenges, her company, Jaggercane, has grown into a thriving business with an annual revenue of ₹2 crore. Today, her products are not only available across India but are also exported to foreign markets.
A graduate of IMT Ghaziabad, Navnoor completed her MBA in 2019. Soon after, she joined Kotak Bank in Gurgaon, earning a good salary. However, she always harbored a deep desire to enter the food industry. Her idea for a jaggery-based business was inspired by the health concerns within her family, many of whom struggled with diabetes. Realizing there was a gap in the market for chemical-free jaggery, she decided to explore this space.
With ₹5 lakh of savings from her job, Navnoor started a part-time business from her home. She experimented with jaggery, developing different products, and began door-to-door marketing. As she gained confidence from positive customer feedback, Navnoor connected with Kaushal, a former student of her father, who ran a manufacturing plant in Punjab. The two collaborated, with Kaushal overseeing the production while Navnoor focused on branding, operations, and business tie-ups.
The journey, however, wasn’t without its struggles. Many shopkeepers initially rejected her products, citing low profit margins and short shelf life. Despite these setbacks, Navnoor remained determined. Kaushal managed to extend the shelf life of their products from one month to nine months, making them more viable for retailers and consumers alike.
Today, Jaggercane employs 25 people, including 7-8 women, and has expanded its reach to 22 districts across India. The company’s success is a testament to Navnoor’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. From a small-scale startup to a growing business, Jaggercane now generates annual revenue of ₹2 crore, a remarkable achievement that reflects Navnoor’s hard work and determination.
Navnoor Kaur’s journey is a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those contemplating leaving stable jobs to pursue their passions. Her story highlights the power of perseverance and the belief that with hard work, success is within reach.
