Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business?
Mir Hashim Ali: Actually my father, Mr. Hyder Ali is the main source of inspiration. He is the owner of ‘Yakun Marketing Private Limited' which is a leading processors and exporters of natural agro products from India. His strategies and inspiration has helped me a lot to understand this business. Under his guidance only I acquired the knowledge of the export and import business. Eventually I came up with the idea to trade premium quality of dates and saffron.
Great Companies: What are the various services provided by Salonik
Mir Hashim Ali: Our company, SALONIK.IN is the leading supplier of premium and finest dates as well as saffron in India.
Great Companies: What makes Salonik different from hundreds of other similar service providers?
Mir Hashim Ali: Our 'No compromise policy' with the quality of products is most demanding one in the market. At times we have got price competition from other brands but we never lowered the price by reducing quality just to attract people. We are stubborn on supplying quality products only. Apart from this, High level of transparency and real time surveillance is our major strength. Right from collection of quality products from the city of Bam in Iran to their packaging and transportation, everything is recorded properly to avoid adulteration.
Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
Mir Hashim Ali: Understanding the supply chain properly is probably the major hurdle in this business. So initial days were quite tough for me as well but as I already told you, my father stood by my side as a rock and I crossed this hurdle successfully. Apart from this I had to face some difficulties because of my very young age. I was just a teenager when I started it. So, while some people praised me for being young others didn't take me seriously. I had to prove myself time and again in order to be there in the market.
Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for Salonik?
Mir Hashim Ali: I want to make SALONIK.IN, an international brand. Even I want to open a brand with my first name, 'MIR' and make it famous like any other world famous brands. Currently I am supplying my products in India but soon I am planning to launch it worldwide. Let's hope for the best.
Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Mir Hashim Ali: Just one Quotation, " Ordinary people can choose to be extraordinary." This is what I firmly believe in. Never be afraid to start something and never give up on your dreams. Stay in touch with your loved ones and keep working. Apart from this develop the habit of reading. This will enrich you with the experiences of others and you are less likely to do certain mistakes which were already done by many people. Eat healthy, do some exercise and keep going.