Suresh Shrestha-Jenish Paints

For almost three years, he bared loss but he didn't lose his hope as he had strong wish to gain success and today he has been able to provide employment opportunities to about "thirty" people through his business. He is the owner of "Jenish Paints", Suresh Shrestha. He was born (2029 Asoj) and brought up in Kathmandu with four siblings. His father, Purna Lal Shrestha worked in government office and his mom, Bhiju Maya Shrestha was housewife.

From his childhood he grew up on his own way. He had to face many difficulties to live a peaceful life as his family was not settled one. It wasn’t a carefree childhood for him yet there was no burning desire to be a "topper". He was an average student clearing his SLC from Ajhad Ma. Bi. School and completed his intermediate level from People’s college, Pakhnajol and pursued his Bachelors in Management study but could not complete it.. As a child, his aim was to be a banker but was also interested in business but the problem of what to do "remained".

Following his interest, he entered in the business world by selling "consumer items" at the age sixteen. He struggled a lot for starting this business. He even worked with relatives and thus gained a lot of experience and knowledge. The return from this business was sufficient to maintain his livelihood.

Two years later, at the age of eighteen, he got involved into "chemical business" with his friend who was already involved in this business. He had a gap of around one year between his consumer and chemical business. At that time, he sold out his consumer items and invested that amount to chemical business. He and his friend worked together in partnership. Due to less investment he had many obstacles to run his small business. After some time, his partner also left. So, he had to look after the work alone. Hence, he decided to leave consumer business and get involved in chemical business as it was more profitable. He continued this work for long time.

After working for around three years in chemical business, he experienced a lot in paint field, had made a good contact with paint dealers and retailers. During those days, his friends were already involved in "paint business" that encouraged him to get involved in this particular business.

His decision of getting involved in paint business was influenced by his friend's success in this business and the scope of the business. He didn't carry out any feasibility analysis rather he depended on his friend's knowledge and experience which turned out to be a good decision. This refers that initially he had no idea about paint products, market, competition, chemicals used, procedures, strategies for market survival and so on.

One fine day, twenty years ago, he started paints "trading" business with small scale of investment under the name "Jenish Paints and Rainbow Marketing Private Limited". For startup, he took financial support from bank partially. He even got moral and financial support from family. His company retailed various paint brands such as Berger paints, Nerolac paints etc. He worked on this field for around eight years. Gradually he gained experience from paints trading business that acted as motivational factor and foundation for creation of business focused on production line of paints.

After eight years of establishment of "trading" business of paints, he commenced "Jenish Paints and Chemicals Private Limited" as paints "production" business with factory set up at Gothatar. In this way, he became sole owner of two companies which he named after his elder son "Jenish”.

“Decorative Cement Paint” is the first product his company produced. Mainly paints business is divided into three categories i.e. Automative, Constructive and Domestic. Mr. Shrestha’s business is focused on “domestic” section. Under domestic section, his company manufactured – Ecoseal Exterior Emulsion, Lotus Interior Acrylic Emulsion, Jenish High Glass Finish Enamel (Premium Quality), Jenish Primer, Jenish Paint Rainbow Wall Putty, Rainbow Acrylic Washable Distemper, G-Max Acrylic Distemper, Rainbow Cem Water Proof Cement Paint, Rainbow Lime and other products.

This business has more market coverage in Kathmandu Valley and he has extended his supply to Pokhara, Butwal, Chitwan, Dang, Sindhupalchowk through around 250 dealers.

 To know whether the consumers are satisfied with the products or not, he frequently takes feedback and provides various schemes to the dealers such as tour packages, cash discount and so on. Till date he have been introducing new product slowly and have been spreading his product in major cities gaining good reputation. He purchases his raw materials from foreign countries.

He is spreading information about his products through shutter painting, flex board, F. M. He has no intention exporting his products because he wants to capture Nepali market itself. He shared the knowledge about paint market. According to him, paint market covers six arab out of which 60% is taken by multinational companies such as Berger paints and Asian paints. Around twenty five local companies cover rest of the paint market.

He has also contributed to the society by being a member of Buddhanagar development committee. Whenever needed, he has provided financial support to the committee. He sponsors events like live concert in Buddhanagar and various other big events. He further plans to increase his sales in paint business and extended distribution channel across Nepal.

Recently, he also became partner in Technoplast Private Limited, which is a packaging business. He is also one of the partners of “Royal Chemicals” which import chemicals.

Advice to Young Entrepreneurs:

According to Suresh Shrestha, "Every business is good in its own way and has scope but if you want to make an impact and reach out to many people you have to study the competition and competitor, business knowledge and economy. In addition to this, teamwork is very essential to carry out business successfully. "

by-Deeksha Bhatta/Rajiya Kayastha/Shreya Bajimaya/Smriti Amatya/Sheryanka Dwa(3rd year students of Nepal College of Management ,KU, Dhobighat)