When your job is to interview founders of a startup, you immediately think of professionals who have been there and done that. But we were in a unique position as our entrepreneurs were three young, full-spirited students of PGDM Batch 2015 -17 of Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow with big dreams in their eyes.

Vaibhav Srivastava, Tammar Rizvi and Shubh Gupta came up with an idea for a Healthy Shake Cafe in a Business Proposal contest launched by Dr. Reena Agrawal, Chairperson, The Centre for Entrepreneurship. Picked from several proposals for its initiative, “Crazy Straws” came into being. Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow campus is now on high energy with these tree student entrepreneurs bringing their ideas to execution and functioning successfully even before their PGDM is completed.

The café was launched on October, 2016 by Dr. M Ashraf  Rizvi, Director, Jaipuria, Lucknow. It was a proud moment for our entrepreneurs and faculty members alike, but the seeds of the venture were sown from Day 1 at Jaipuria Lucknow.

Through its industry-oriented curriculum, E-cell initiatives, interaction sessions with corporate professionals and personality development classes, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow tries to build entrepreneurial spirit amongst students. The initiatives build students’ confidence to go out there and achieve their dreams.

Three musketeers behind “Crazy Straws” have done just that and are gung ho about their new venture. We spoke to them about what drove them to take on the project and what their expectations from the business venture are.

According to the new entrepreneurs, the idea for the business stemmed from the need and focus on the demand. “Students often consume oily, unhealthy meals. We just thought that it would be great if there was an alternative, which we aim to provide with our healthy shakes,” they said.

The team has dedicated time for market research and intends to offer their consumers good value for money. “Of course the taste and quality of the shakes will be our primary concern. But we also intend to provide our shakes at half the market rate,” they claimed.

These entrepreneurs are optimistic about a good response and hope to make decent profits. They already have plans to keep things interesting for their consumers. “With winter coming we will make few changes to the menu; you will soon find Hot Chocolate at the café,” they said with a smile.

Dr. M Ashraf Rizvi couldn’t have been prouder of the venture. “Crazy Straws is an exuberant initiative, which will not only assist them in learning the nuances of running a business, but will provide them an opportunity to handle a business in totality,” he said.

He believes that it’s a platform for students to put management concepts into practice and hopes the enthusiasm will be passed on over batches. “I would like them to focus on the venture with commitment and dedication while working for profit with principles,” was his advice to them.

The entrepreneurs meanwhile are prepared to “shake” things up and make sure that their café is a huge success.