Sudha Sathaye is the Founder of Ultimate Kitchen and Furniture, a venture which began over 20 years ago. Her love for interior designing led her to design her first kitchen in her own home at a time when modular kitchens as a concept was completely unthinkable. Since then, there has been no looking back. Realizing the untapped opportunity and her desire that Indian women should deserve the comfort of a well-equipped, customized and beautiful kitchen which adhered to international standards, she drove herself to start her company.

From displaying a modular kitchen concept in a supermarket chain in Mumbai to showcasing it at building and construction exhibitions (with demonstrations), she acquired the patent for designing kitchens by the Indian Government and soon Ultimate Kitchen and Furniture was incepted. In the last 20 years, she has designed kitchens for many customers ranging from a kitchen size of about 2.5 ft to an industrial size kitchen of about 3,500 ft! From kitchens, Sudha moved on to designing furniture, with the company's tag line - 'Kitchen on Wheels and Furniture of Steel.'

Sudha owes her success to the people she deals with - the Indian skilled workers and good technicians. Prior to setting up her business, she worked for a bank and while dealing with many business customers, she was inspired to do something on her own. The initial capital requirements, place, time, and labour concerns were a challenge as the concept of a modular kitchen then was new. Her advice to entrepreneurs is to keep yourself updated of what the customer's choices and requirements are which will ensure long term success in any business venture. According to Sudha, since women have family obligations, it is important to balance every responsibility and learn to multi-task.

Mentoring and ISB's Goldman Sachs programme had empowered her. It was here that she could devise futuristic business plans. Currently, Ultimate Kitchen and Furniture manufactures and designs modular kitchens, stainless steel kitchen trollies and furniture as per requirements. Sudha plans to manufacture and set up modular kitchens for the masses, including for homes under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority's scheme.

Here's wishing Sudha the very best for her future plans!

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