Mysore, 1948. The hot Indian sun beat down on the bustling marketplace. Young N. Ranga Rao, with a twinkle of ambition in his eyes, weaved through the crowd, a basket of sugary treats swinging in his hand. Life for Ranga Rao had been a tough journey of hard work and hustle. Orphaned young, he'd learned to be resourceful early on. But a hidden dream, a desire for something more, flickered beneath the surface. Little did he know, destiny had a fragrant surprise in store for him.
One sweltering afternoon, seeking shade under a colorful stall, a curious scent tickled Ranga Rao's nose. It was the familiar smell of agarbattis, the incense sticks used in Indian homes for prayer and fragrance. But unlike the usual, smoky ones, this scent had a depth and richness that made him curious. Following the invisible trail of perfume, Ranga Rao found himself face-to-face with an agarbatti maker, his hands stained with colorful dyes.
A Spark Ignites:
Seeing the uneven quality of these incense sticks, an idea sparked in Ranga Rao's mind. He wanted to create something more - agarbattis that weren't just useful, but offered a delightful scent experience, a fragrant treat for the soul. The seed of an idea was planted, and Ranga Rao knew he had to chase it.
Kitchen to Fragrance Lab:
Back home, his tiny kitchen became his makeshift lab. He spent his days scouring local markets for exotic ingredients: warm sandalwood, strong musk, and the delicate perfume of jasmine flowers. Nights were a blur of experiments, the air thick with the mingled scents of his creations. His wife, his silent but solid support, watched as he battled frustration and celebrated small victories. Slowly, step by step, Ranga Rao began to unlock the secrets of making amazing agarbattis.
A Quest for Perfect Scents:
But Ranga Rao craved more than just local knowledge. He wanted to understand the science behind fragrance, how different scents worked together to create a truly delightful experience. With determination, he saved every penny he could and traded his sweets for passage on a ship to a faraway land – France, the perfume capital of the world! There, in grand libraries and dusty bookstores, he devoured every scrap of information he could find on essential oils and perfume-making. The Art of Fragrance: A Guide to Creating Exquisite Scents
Trials and Triumphs:
Back in his kitchen lab, Ranga Rao started fresh. He experimented with base notes, the foundation scents that would support the main fragrance, like the earthy smell of fresh soil or the cool freshness of morning dew. He painstakingly captured the essence of blooming jasmine, its sweet fragrance holding the promise of a summer night. He learned to balance the strong top notes, the first scents you smell, with the heart notes, the main part of the fragrance, and the base notes, the lingering scent that stays long after the flame dies down.
The Art of the Sale:
With his creations perfected, Ranga Rao ventured back into the marketplace, his heart filled with a mix of nervous excitement and quiet confidence. He didn't just sell agarbattis; he offered an experience. He'd light an incense stick, his calloused fingers gently cupping the delicate flame. As the smoke danced upwards, releasing a captivating blend of fragrance, he'd watch customers' faces transform. Some would close their eyes, transported to a peaceful temple courtyard. Others would breathe deeply, a smile gracing their lips as memories of childhood prayers flooded back.
The Fragrance of Desire:
But Ranga Rao held back. He wouldn't readily sell his creation. He wanted to create a sense of scarcity, a burning desire (pun intended) for his agarbattis. Here's where his clever marketing strategy comes in. Instead of setting up a stall, Ranga Rao would walk through the marketplace, lighting his agarbattis in front of different shops. The captivating fragrance would waft through the air, instantly grabbing the attention of shopkeepers and customers alike. They'd be mesmerized by the scent, asking the shopkeepers, "What is that amazing fragrance? Where can I get it?"
The shopkeepers, initially confused, would approach Ranga Rao, eager to buy the agarbattis and sell them in their stores. But Ranga Rao would politely refuse. This act of limited availability only heightened the desire for his product. On the third day, the shopkeepers became even more desperate. They pleaded with Ranga Rao, willing to buy anything just to get their hands on these magical incense sticks. However, Ranga Rao remained firm ...in his strategy. Instead, he offered a compromise. He'd give the shopkeeper a single pair of agarbattis, asking him to light them in his own home. The shopkeeper, initially disappointed, agreed. That night, as he lit the agarbatti in his home, the captivating fragrance filled the air, transporting him and his family. He experienced the same sense of peace and serenity his customers had felt in the marketplace. Now, it wasn't just about selling the agarbattis; it was about sharing this unique experience. The next day, the shopkeeper returned to Ranga Rao, not just wanting the agarbattis for his customers, but desperately wanting them for himself.
This clever strategy, playing on the psychology of scarcity and desire, proved to be a masterstroke. News of the "magical" agarbattis spread like wildfire through the marketplace. People, curious about the captivating fragrance, started seeking out Ranga Rao. He finally began selling his creations, but in limited quantities, ensuring the demand remained high. Soon, his agarbattis became the most sought-after incense sticks in Mysore, and Ranga Rao's journey from a simple sugar seller to a fragrance master had truly begun.
A Legacy of Fragrance:
Ranga Rao's passion for creating captivating scents wasn't just a business; it was a family legacy waiting to be born. He instilled his love for fragrance in his son, Mohan. Unlike Ranga Rao's self-taught journey, Mohan had the privilege of a formal education. Seeing his son's enthusiasm, Ranga Rao, with a twinkle in his eye that mirrored his own youthful dreams, encouraged Mohan to pursue a degree in perfumery at a prestigious institute in France – the world-renowned ISIPCA (Institut Supérieur International du Parfum, de la Cosmétique et de l'Aromatique). Years later, Mohan returned to India, not just with a diploma, but with a renewed appreciation for his father's legacy and a vision to expand Cycle Pure Agarbattis into a global brand.
Mohan, armed with his scientific knowledge and a deep understanding of his father's artistic touch, took Cycle Pure Agarbattis to new heights. He introduced new, modern fragrance blends while staying true to the company's core values of quality and innovation. He established partnerships with international suppliers, ensuring access to the finest ingredients from around the world. Today, Cycle Pure Agarbattis remains a family-run business, a testament to Ranga Rao's entrepreneurial spirit and his unwavering belief in the power of fragrance to touch people's lives. The company's captivating scents continue to waft through homes across the globe, a reminder of the humble sugar seller who dared to dream of creating something beautiful and the legacy he ignited.
A Whiff of Change: The Up and Down Journey of Cycle Pure Agarbattis
For decades, Cycle Pure Agarbattis had been the undisputed fragrance king. Their captivating scents, a testament to Ranga Rao's genius and Mohan's scientific expertise, filled homes with a sense of peace and serenity. But even the most beautiful melody can become monotonous. A subtle shift began to emerge – a silent rebellion against the familiar. Customers, while undeniably drawn to Cycle's unique fragrances, started yearning for a change. They'd buy a pack, revel in its captivating aroma for a while, and then, inevitably, seek a new olfactory adventure from another brand. Sales, once a steady stream, became an unpredictable trickle.
Mohan, ever the keen observer, noticed this fragrant fickleness. He wasn't about to let his father's legacy fade into a faint memory. He delved into market research, his brow furrowed in concentration as he pored over data and customer feedback. A pattern began to emerge – people loved Cycle's agarbattis, but craved variety.
The Stroke of Genius: The 3 in 1 Agarbatti
One evening, while sipping chai on the balcony overlooking their sprawling factory, inspiration struck Mohan like a bolt of lightning. He envisioned a product that offered not just one, but three distinct fragrances in a single pack – a fragrant symphony for the senses. He called it the "Cycle 3 in 1 Agarbatti" – a box containing three different, carefully curated scents. This way, customers could enjoy the familiar comfort of Cycle's fragrances, while also indulging in a touch of novelty.
The Test:
The launch of the 3 in 1 Agarbatti was a gamble, but a calculated one. Mohan held his breath as the first boxes rolled off the production line. The response was immediate and exhilarating. Customers flocked to the new offering, their faces lighting up with the promise of fragrant variety. The 3 in 1 agarbattis became a runaway success, reigniting the love affair with Cycle Pure Agarbattis.
Beyond the 3 in-1: A Journey of Fragrance Innovation
But Mohan wasn't content to rest on his laurels. The 3 in 1 agarbatti was just the first step. He spearheaded a fragrance innovation project, bringing on board young perfumers with fresh ideas. They experimented with exotic ingredients, drawing inspiration from faraway lands and ancient traditions. Here's where a little-known fact comes in: Mohan even embarked on a secret expedition to the headwaters of the Amazon, seeking a rare and elusive flower rumored to possess an intoxicating fragrance. The legend turned out to be true, and the essence of this Amazonian blossom became a key ingredient in their most popular new scent, "Enchanted Rainforest."
The result? A kaleidoscope of new fragrances – from the earthy musk of the Indian monsoon to the delicate sweetness of a Parisian springtime. Cycle even dabbled in unexpected territory, launching a line of "Chakra Agarbattis" – each scent formulated to promote a specific energy center in the body. This line, initially met with skepticism, surprised everyone by becoming a favorite among yoga enthusiasts and meditation practitioners.
An Enduring Legacy: More Than Just Agarbattis
Cycle Pure Agarbattis isn't your typical incense company. It's a family fueled by a passion for fragrance and a healthy dose of friendly competition. Mohan's sister, Priya, a whiz at marketing, spearheaded a campaign that went beyond selling agarbattis. They created a whole sensory experience. Their website became an interactive journey, where visitors could virtually walk through fragrant gardens and bustling marketplaces, each location offering a sample of Cycle's unique scents. They even partnered with travel companies, offering custom-made agarbatti blends designed to evoke the essence of different destinations.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Beyond fragrance, Cycle Pure Agarbattis is committed to environmental and social responsibility. In 2008, the company achieved carbon neutrality through a combination of internal emission reduction and investment in external carbon offsetting projects. This dedication to sustainability ensures their fragrant creations don't come at the cost of a healthy planet.
Cycle also fosters a progressive work environment. In 2017, they implemented a 21-day paternity leave policy, a rarity in India . This policy recognizes the importance of fathers in childcare and family bonding.
Today, the aroma of Cycle Pure Agarbattis wafts across the globe, a constant reminder of Ranga Rao's dream. Walking through a bustling Indian market, the heady blend of spices and sandalwood might be a Cycle creation. In a quiet Parisian cafe, a whiff of lavender and croissant could be a touch of "French Morning" from Cycle. The company's success isn't just about clever marketing or exotic ingredients; it's about capturing emotions and memories in a single scent. It's about the ability to transport someone to a temple courtyard with a single light of an agarbatti, or evoke the feeling of a summer night with a wisp of jasmine smoke. Cycle Pure Agarbattis isn't selling incense; they're selling a fragrant journey for the soul, all while leaving a positive .impact on the environment and their workforce.
The Final Note:
The company's future seems bright, as fragrant as the jasmine fields that inspired Ranga Rao all those years ago. Mohan's son, Akash, is now showing a keen interest in the family business. Perhaps the next generation will take Cycle Pure Agarbattis on a new olfactory adventure, venturing into unexplored territories of scent and emotion, all while staying true to the company's core values of sustainability, innovation, and a commitment to its people and the planet. The legacy of the humble sugar seller who dared to dream of beautiful fragrance seems destined to continue, filling the world with captivating scents for generations to come.