Karmalize.me drew on the principles of meditation
to create a business model where 50 percent of net profit
goes to charity. And that's just the beginning.
BY SARA KAY
Meditating on Success
A
mit Haryani and Shubhra Bhatnagar didn't start their careers thinking
they'd be selling organic snacks and nut butters online.
Haryani, a former environmental engineer and project manager, and Bhatnagar, a
former investment banker, met while volunteering as meditation teachers at the Art of Living, a
foundation that offers meditation and yoga, with all the proceeds of the programs going to chari-
table contributions and humanitarian projects.
From their work with the foundation,
they were inspired to create a business with
a similar model—where the profits give
back to make a difference in society. "We
have both been meditating for over 20 years,
and doing good and giving back to soci-
ety is a belief that meditation teaches," says
Haryani. "It's a spiritual belief as well as a
practical one." Karmalize.me, a play on the
words Karma Lies (in) Me, was launched in
October 2014. The company started by offer-
ing chia seeds and quinoa and now sells 42
different SKUs, including its best-selling nut
butters.
"We have both been
meditating for over
20 years, and doing
good and giving
back to society is a
belief that meditation
teaches. It's a spiritual
belief as well as a
practical one."
giving back
PHOTO:
KARMALIZE.ME
A look at suppliers and buyers who
are making a difference through their
business philosophies, models, or
charitable efforts.
Shubhra Bhatnagar and Amit Haryani
69 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com
