Hatch Accelerateher Alumni- Miris by Islandmum

By Zuleika Buhar.

Hot peppers and condiments are truly a gift we didn’t know we needed. These chiles that burn your mouth, make you tear up, and gets your forehead sweating actually have a ton of benefits. Not only do hot peppers add flavor to your meals, but they can improve your health, increase weight loss, and build a stronger immune system. If you want the best for your body, Miris by Islandmom is just the place for it. The brand was started to celebrate local varieties of naimiris chili in Sri Lanka. They specialize in fiery chili condiments made from all-natural ingredients with no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or other additives. Priority is given to sustainably sourced local produce and spices and they deliver it right to your doorstep.

Accelerateher Alumni and founder of Miris, Shivani Tyronne sat down with us and answered a few questions about what it was like getting this far along in her journey.

Why is Miris by Islandmom so different from what already exists in the market?
How we differ from the rest is that our products are 100% natural with a certified shelf life of 11 months. That lengthy shelf life is hardly ever possible with 100% natural products but with constant testing and several adjustments are brand has managed to successfully reach that level. That itself gives a lot of credibility to our products, furthermore, our products are vegan and gluten-free. Most of our flavors are centered around Sri Lanka and inspired by the existing chilies available within our country. We also have different spice levels to suit your palate. It’s these little things that make up our brand truly special. We offer something beyond what the current market offers.

As a woman entrepreneur, what were the challenges you faced in the industry?
When I started Miris I had a lot of these questions thrown at me. As a woman can you really drive this business.; It was very male-oriented, so I was questioned on how I would cater to the market. In the beginning, I was demotivated but I decided to pursue my business plan anyway. I started by doing a lot of research on this particular condiment. It was during my research that I found that there was a large audience of female consumers. I was thrilled to see this information and as I started off with my business 80% of my consumers were actually female. If I had believed everything everyone told me I would have never gone on with my business. I catered my products to first females, let me start there and then expand. My competitors were all men but I found my audience and went on with it. It’s just about doing your research and finding your audience.

When you have your moments of doubt, what pushed you through?
I think whenever someone is starting a business or pursuing an idea if you have just ONE person to believe in you. That pushes you through. That was my husband for me. There have been days that I have cried in front of him. I’ve told him that I’m going to give up on this. He knows that Miris is something I love and want to see through. He told me you’re going to somehow achieve this, and you’re not turning back. My husband was my rock through all that. During the program when the economic crisis hit, I didn’t know what to do. All those doubts and worries were significantly minimized when I had someone behind my back. It can be a friend or family member, having someone there through it all makes dealing with those doubts a lot easier.

How did you persevere through these tough times?
When the economic crisis hit, it was tough for me to understand what was going on and
how I would strategically tackle this. I’m extremely thankful for AccelerateHer because the crisis broke out in the middle of the program and we had mentors and an entire team guiding us through this. Something they said was, stay focused; don’t lose focus. They stood next to me through it all. Another tip, that would help business owners would be buying in bulk. That has helped me and saved me costs. I was able to source my raw materials because I had initially
brought them in bulk. I had some reassurance that I had stocks in hand.

What is an important piece of advice you received from AccelerateHer ?
No matter the situation. Stay focused. As an entrepreneur, you need to be able to stay focused and adjust accordingly to any information you get at hand. It’s really hard to relax but you need to stay focused. I kept my feed active and updated throughout everything and that allowed customers to have faith and confidence in my brand.

What are your plans for Miris in the future?
AccelerateHer is a great foundation for any business. I plan on building off of the platform that this program has given me. Right now Miris is hoping to pursue the opportunity to place our products on commercial market shelves. At least 3 or 4 outlets so my customers have the ability to get it without the hassle and cost of delivery. We’re also working on exporting our products soon.

As a woman in business, how do you deal with the scrutiny they have against working
mothers?
I quit my career for my son. When I decided to apply after a year of a career break, I applied for 70 jobs and I didn’t get a single call back. Not even for a first interview. I experienced the bias companies had against women especially after they get a child.
How they see us as incapable. I needed to do something to prove my abilities. I ignored all those rejections and started my own business and it’s come this far. Just ignore what everyone says and do what you’re passionate about. If you have one person who has your back that’s sufficient. Go for it. Stay focused and make that leap.

Miris is definitely a force to be dealt with and we wish the company and Shivani all the
best for the rest of the program.

Accelerateher is a curated 3-month program tailored to your startups’ needs and growth objectives.
The program mentors and experts are individuals with deep industry, investment, and entrepreneurship experience, and have worked across all stages of a startup.
They’ll be on hand to guide you and your team towards your growth objectives.

Head on over to their website to learn more!
http://www.accelerateher.asia/