As an MBA student at Harvard Business School, Ahana Gautam struggled with weight despite a consistent workout routine. It wasn’t until a friend pointed out her daily breakfast of bread and butter that she began to understand the critical role of a healthy diet.
Her motivation strengthened when her 15-month-old niece was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Watching her sister-in-law struggle to find healthy snack options, Ahana was inspired to start ‘Open Secret’, a brand offering healthier alternatives to everyday snacks.
“India is an innovation hub, and yet, there was no one solving the problem of making healthier biscuits, cookies, and chips,” Ahana shares. Open Secret provides snacks made from dry fruits and millet, free from artificial preservatives.
Ahana’s entrepreneurial journey began at IIT-Bombay, where she was inspired by her mother’s belief that education levels the playing field. This foundation fuelled her drive to build a brand with a purpose.
Her professional journey included a stint at Procter & Gamble before she pursued an MBA at Harvard Business School. A visit to Whole Foods Market in the US became a turning point, sparking her vision for creating healthier snack options in India.
In 2018, Ahana returned to Mumbai and conducted surveys to understand what people really wanted in snacks. “Everyone said that they wanted to eat healthy, but no one wanted to compromise on taste,” she recalls. She knew she could solve this problem.
After testing the product with 100 mothers, she launched Open Secret in 2020. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the brand quickly gained traction, selling over 10 lakh cookies in its first few months.
Ahana’s commitment to empowering women is evident in her factory, which is run by 200 women, with over 50% of the brand’s workforce comprising women.
Today, Open Secret boasts a diverse range of more than 30 products, including cookies, chips, and chocolates. They are available on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Big Basket. Ahana aims to achieve Rs 100 crore in revenue this year, with plans to expand further.
For Ahana, Open Secret is a tribute to her mother, who taught her that nothing is impossible. “It is an ‘open secret’ that we are who we are because of our mothers,” says Ahana.
Ahana’s mother witnessed her daughter’s rise but passed away during the second wave of COVID-19 in 2021. The next day, Ahana chose to attend an investor meeting for the Series A round. “I had to build this brand and keep my mother’s legacy alive,” she says.