Written By: Tanisha Malyan
PLANTING THE SEEDS OF CHANGE: SHIBANI SHETTY’S PATH TO A FUTURE THAT CAN BE MAINTAINED ON LESS
An entrepreneur whose genuine passion is nature and adventure can be found in Bangalore’s bustling world of fast living and consulting. Introducing Shibani Shetty, the creator of LESS, a hemp-based business she launched in 2018 with the goal of cultivating, disseminating and selecting environmentally friendly hemp products. Her work has expanded beyond India’s boundaries into Thailand where she is still advocating for ethical practices and community-driven change in the global hemp industry along with zero-waste clothing and sustainable housing.
An Adventure Stemming from Nature:
During the week, Shibani works as a brand consultant at Deloitte Digital and on the weekends she works on her passion projects. Her passion for nature and her goal to develop goods that go well beyond fashion gave rise to LESS. Building breathable homes, helping farmers, enhancing nutrition and advancing wellness and medical cannabis in India are all priorities for the company. Its extensive selection includes skincare products, wellness items, home furnishings and hemp apparel.
At the Core of Sustainability:
The foundation of LESS is a strong commitment to sustainability. Shibani and her team source hemp directly from farmer communities, ensuring both high-quality products and better livelihoods for growers. Because hemp is environmentally friendly and it grows quickly, requires little water, improves soil quality and has a wide range of uses, it was carefully chosen. According to Shibani, LESS is about having a long-lasting effect on both people and the environment and not just a business.
Spirit of Entrepreneurship:
Despite coming from a medical family, Shibani’s interest in complementary and alternative medicine inspired her to start Grounded Grandma, a project that focuses on natural remedies. LESS was ultimately the outcome of her desire to work with hemp. The brand according to her is a movement to foster change and create a self-sufficient future in which people and nature coexist peacefully. Building brands with stories and values at their heart is part of her leadership style. She thinks that maintaining a close relationship with nature, learning new things constantly, establishing specific goals and surrounding herself with a creative and talented team are the keys to success.
Obstacles and Watersheds:
Like every entrepreneur, Shibani faced crucial decisions. Expanding LESS into skincare and wellness products in addition to clothing was a significant step that aided in the brand’s growth. Another significant event was the company’s daring decision to enter the Thai market which increased its influence and reach throughout Southeast Asia.
Gazing Ahead:
In order to assist farmers and address climate issues, Shibani intends to cultivate hemp in areas of India that are experiencing drought. LESS is collaborating with reliable partners to produce extractions locally in Thailand in an effort to increase access to medical cannabis. In order to have a greater worldwide influence, she also hopes to impart best practices and knowledge to communities in Thailand and the EU.
Leading with Values:
According to Shibani, leadership is more than just establishing objectives, it’s also about fostering an innovative and cooperative culture while always adhering to the company’s basic principles which include respect for people and the land. Transparency ensure that sustainability and community support are part of every product, decision and partnership.
Nature-Based Teachings:
Whether it’s strolling through forests, watching wildlife or just taking in the silence under the moon, Shibani finds inspiration in nature exploration when she’s not working. Her vision for LESS is strengthened and her connection to the earth is strengthened by these experiences.
The Development of the Hemp Industry:
As more consumers value natural, sustainable products, the hemp industry has expanded quickly. LESS is a component of this change, demonstrating how hemp can promote eco-friendly and healthier lifestyles.
Advice for Future Entrepreneurs:
Shibani motivates other budding entrepreneurs to be flexible, stick to their values and take challenges as lessons so that they can learn from them. She always put emphasizes on passion, constant learning and building a strong support system.
Also read: 6 Effective Marketing Strategies to Make Your Business Thrive
Conclusion:
The goal of Shibani Shetty’s LESS initiative is to create a world where sustainability, empowered communities and eco-friendly practices coexist. It goes far beyond hemp. Purposeful entrepreneurship can result in significant change, she has learnt this from her experience. LESS is a promise for a better and more environmental friendly future, not just a brand.
