Jan 103 min read

Teena Abraham | 100 Inspiring Entrepreneurs of India 2023

Teena Abraham, a seasoned HR professional, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey four years ago, taking a maternity break after the birth of her first child. The catalyst for her venture, Homes and Hills, arose from a desire to provide her baby with unadulterated sweeteners after the age of one.

It was during a visit to her in-laws in the Kanyakumari borders that She discovered the exquisite flavors of raw honey, coconut palm jaggery, and other unprocessed delights—a culinary experience reminiscent of heavenly tastes. Intrigutedly she learned that these products that are home produced support their livelihood. Motivated by her mother-in-law, she decided to bring back a few kilograms of these authentic delights to Bangalore and share them with her neighbors. The response was overwhelmingly positive, evoking a wave of nostalgia for those who tasted the unadulterated flavors, reminiscent of their childhood days. This moment marked the inception of Homes and Hills, a brand rooted in the essence of home-based production for coconut palm jaggery and the hills from which spices and honey are sourced. The subsequent year saw the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, reinforcing the importance of unadulterated products to boost immunity.

In her entrepreneurial journey, She has gathered valuable insights and learned from her mistakes. One key lesson she shares is the significance of consistency. Despite initial quiet observations, Teena emphasizes that people are indeed noticing and quietly appreciating her work. She advocates for perseverance and the ability to unlearn and relearn, emphasizing the importance of following one's heart.

Her success comes from within and the appreciation of her clients. Small gestures of recognition from clients serve as powerful motivators, validating the countless sleepless nights dedicated to her business. Family support has been integral to her success, with her husband, mother-in-law, and even her infant providing invaluable assistance in various aspects of the business, from managing stalls to coordinating with vendors. It wasn’t an overnight process for her, It took nearly two years of unwavering commitment, consistency, and clarity to establish Homes and Hills as a confident and reputable brand. Challenges were aplenty, especially in connecting with tribal farmers residing in remote areas with limited connectivity. Overcoming obstacles such as waiting for the next crop season, price fluctuations, weather issues, and transportation logistics required building trust with these farmers, particularly for spices.

Homes and Hills, based in Bangalore and catering to customers across the globe, specializes in fresh dry fruits, raw honey variants like Tulsi, Neem, and Multifloral, as well as authentic tribal-farmed spices and coconut palm jaggery. The brand acts as a bridge connected dots between tribal farmers and consumers. Additionally, Homes and Hills curates thoughtful gift hampers for all occasions, catering to both individuals and corporate clients.

Homes and Hills has carved a significant niche in the industry, leaving an indelible mark with its commitment to authenticity and direct farmer-consumer connections. The company's impact is palpable in its elevation of traditional, tribal-farmed products—ranging from raw honey to exotic spices and coconut palm jaggery—transforming them into sought-after, high-quality goods. Teena's unwavering dedication to maintaining the purity and unadulterated essence of these products has resonated with consumers nationwide, fostering a heightened awareness of the Importance of genuine, farm-to-kitchen offerings. Also, as her tag lines mentions “TASTE YOU CAN SHARE.” It's indeed true that once u taste their products you can always share about it with others.

In an industry often characterized by mass production and commercialization, Homes and Hills stands out as a beacon of ethical sourcing, elevating the livelihoods of tribal farmers and redefining the narrative around pure, unprocessed consumables. The brand's impact is not just economic; it extends to a broader cultural appreciation for traditional farming practices, fostering a sustainable and conscious approach to consumption. Homes and Hills has, indeed, become a transformative force, setting new standards of excellence and ethical business practices within the industry.