How One Woman’s Vision of Affordable, Organic Soy Milk Became a Beacon of Hope During the Pandemic
Sonam Yuden, a 28-year-old entrepreneur and the founder of Soyalla, has been making waves in Bhutan’s business landscape. With a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Population Studies, Sonam embarked on a mission to provide nutritious and chemical-free soy milk at an affordable price. Soyalla proudly stands as the first and only soy milk brand in Bhutan to utilize locally grown organic soya beans.
Nutrition Meets Affordability
Soyalla’s vision is simple yet profound – to provide nutritious and delicious soy milk, devoid of harmful chemicals, and make it accessible to all at an affordable price. What sets Soyalla apart is its commitment to using locally grown organic soya beans, making it the first and only soy milk brand in Bhutan to do so. Established in 2021, Soyalla is a testament to the promotion of organic products and unwavering support for local farmers.
Pandemic Sparks Entrepreneurial Spirit
The pandemic, with all its challenges, served as a catalyst for Sonam’s entrepreneurial journey. The private company travel consultant she had been working for shut down, leaving her with the determination to create something of her own. “I aimed to become self-sufficient without depending on the government,” she said. Her vision extended beyond self-reliance; she sought to create employment opportunities for those struggling during the pandemic.
Spotting a Healthier Trend
Sonam’s entrepreneurial instincts were sharp. After conducting extensive online research and customer surveys, she identified a rising awareness of the importance of staying healthy during the pandemic. The idea to start a business selling healthy drinks was born.
Overcoming Financial Hurdles
Sonam’s path to success was laden with financial challenges. “With a limited budget, I found it difficult to start the business on my own,” she admitted. Undeterred, she began as a home-based business. However, a turning point came with the support of the YERE project, which provided the necessary machinery to kickstart Soyalla. It enabled her to properly establish her business at a startup center.
“Having been competitive with exporters from third countries, I noticed a real change in the marketplace,” she observed. The ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship didn’t daunt her; instead, she adapted quickly to remain open to new opportunities.
Failure as a Stepping Stone
Despite encountering numerous failures, Sonam Yuden’s resolve remained unshaken. She viewed every setback as an opportunity for growth. Her thirst for learning and experiencing new things fueled her drive to become a successful entrepreneur. “Every challenge was an opportunity for me,” she exclaimed with unwavering enthusiasm.
Soyalla: A Health-Conscious Choice
Soyalla places a premium on healthy eating and makes informed choices about what we consume. For those focused on health and wellness, Soyalla’s soy milk is an excellent option. They produce fresh organic soy milk from soya beans and add different flavors to enhance the taste. Soy milk is available in vanilla, chocolate, and coffee flavors, with additional natural flavorings that give it a delicious twist. It’s also a plant-based protein that’s low in saturated fat, lactose-free, and vegan-friendly, catering to those with dietary restrictions.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Sonam Yuden’s journey speaks volumes about the entrepreneurial spirit. She emphasizes the importance of taking risks, even if it means facing failure more than once. Sonam herself spent a year developing her product and is still in the process of perfecting it.
To succeed in the business world with innovative ideas, she recommends conducting market research, SWOT analysis, and feasibility studies to identify new business opportunities. Crucially, she emphasizes that entrepreneurial ventures should address genuine market needs and contribute to economic growth, ultimately leading to job creation.
Sonam Yuden’s story is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and a commitment to making a positive impact on society. Her journey from a graduate in economics to a successful entrepreneur is not just an inspiration but a guiding light for budding entrepreneurs in Bhutan and beyond.
By Tendrel Zangmo
