2017 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Micro Business Award Finalist: Kalpana Kundra

Kalpana Kundra

Founder & CEO, UNSTICK by DAUGHKUN

Micro Business Award, CENTRAL

UNSTICK is a line of reusable non-stick cooking sheets and liners that was launched three years ago to deliver on the unmet consumer need of helping health-conscious, yet time-starved moms save time cleaning up after meals. Daughkun developed and launched seven products in total, six of which are for cooking. The line is also environmentally and socially responsible; all UNSTICK products are made with premium Japanese materials and are non-toxic. Products are currently available at retail store locations and on-line.

What is the one piece of advice that you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

You WILL make mistakes. In fact, you’ll make lots of them. Embrace your mistakes. Learn from them, but then move on. The mistakes that you make will teach you valuable lessons that will pave the way for your success.

What do you wish you knew at the beginning?

I wish I knew how difficult it would be to sell a product into retail. Developing a product line is one thing, but selling into retailers is another. You are faced with constant rejection, until you meet that one retailer that gives you a chance. You have to hold out for that retailer, and not give up too early.

Who else are we celebrating? See all of the 2017 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award finalists.