How I am teaching kids about Climate Education

Founder, Kuki & Mani
India
Education
Hi, I’m Reshuka, a new mom, educator and climate enthusiast, based in Hampi and Hyderabad, India.
I started Kuki & Mani in February 2024. It is an educational organization dedicated to empowering young minds with the knowledge and tools to address climate change. Our mission is to foster a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who are prepared to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Engineer by profession, I never pursued it as a career. My heart has always been in the education space working with children. Being fond of nature and always concerned about the future generation not being able to see it the way we did, I decided to do something. Children and stories go hand in hand, so why not write stories that explain this complex topic in a fun way?

How did you go from idea to product? Take us through your process of starting and building your business.
To start with, I conducted parent consultations to gauge interest and refine my vision. A detailed outline was created keeping in mind the must-haves from a customer POV, followed by multiple rounds of drafting and feedback from a select group. The final product was illustrated using a combination of Canva and AI tools.
Initially, I leveraged Instagram to market the book. Following over 100 sales, the book was successfully launched on Amazon and Flipkart. Recently, we expanded our offerings with the launch of "Environment & Climate Professions Flashcards," designed to introduce children to various eco-friendly careers and foster awareness about unconventional paths.
How did you grow your business? And get your first customers?
Initially, I took a cautious approach, starting with a smaller investment and focusing on organic marketing. I leveraged Instagram and my personal network to spread the word. Additionally, setting up offline stalls in my community and nearby schools provided valuable insights and direct feedback. I personally managed all customer communications through WhatsApp Business.
Once we gained momentum and received encouraging orders, we expanded our reach by launching the books on Amazon and Flipkart. While we don't have a dedicated website, we continue to efficiently handle orders through WhatsApp, ensuring a personalized touch in our customer interactions.
What are the lessons you have learned?
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Be consistent with tracking the business numbers.
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"Ask why" & "How is it benefitting the business" before every action you take
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It's not about starting your entrepreneurial journey, it's about continuing it and staying at it.
How are you funding your startup?
I've invested my own savings. And have re-invested whatever we made through the business. Our average monthly revenue is approximately $800.

What advice do you have for budding founders?
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Always plan your execution to the T. Keep the backup plans handy as well.
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Don’t get demotivated if you don’t taste success early.
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Be consistent.
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Learn sales! It’s the hardest.
What role has your family or support system played in your entrepreneurial journey?
My husband and siblings have been the biggest support system. From mentoring, reviewing the content to liking the Instagram post as soon as it goes live, they have always been there.
Where can we find you?
Book Recommendations
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Atomic Habits by James Clear
