How to start a mehndi cone making business in India?

Overview & first stepsHello — I run a small home-based mehndi cone unit and this is the practical path I followed.1. Research & recipes - Source good quality natural henna powder (fresh, finely sifted). Mix tests with lemon juice, eucalyptus or clove oil, and sugar to get a smooth paste and good colour release. Keep a small lab notebook for recipe tweaks.2. Equipment & packaging - Basic: weighing scale, stainless steel bowls, spatulas, filter cloth, cone-making film/sheets, sealing tape, and small plastic cones or cone wrappers. - Hygiene: gloves, hairnets, sanitized work surfaces. - Packaging: invest in neat cone wrappers (print your brand) and include batch date and usage instructions.3. Quality control - Small batch testing — check colour stain after 24 and 48 hours. - Note shelf life: freshly made cones typically last 2–4 weeks depending on preservatives and storage.4. Sales channels & pricing - Begin locally: bridal artists, salons, henna artists, boutique stalls at marriage expos. - Online: Instagram + Facebook for visuals; list on marketplaces later. - Price competitively by offering sample packs and bulk discounts for artists.5. Branding & legal - Simple logo and clear labeling build trust. - If you add essential oils or preservatives, ensure labels list ingredients.6. Scaling - Once demand stabilizes, hire assistants for filling/coning, and look for a small rented unit to increase capacity.Tip: Offer a “practice cone” or starter kit for beginners — it’s a great low-cost lead magnet.

A slightly different take — emphasis on marketing and marginsI used to supply cones to wedding artists; packaging sold more than paste at times.- Focus on packaging design: a professional-looking cone wrapper increases perceived value and allows you to charge more. Include usage instructions and safety notes.- Optimize cost per cone: buy raw henna powder in 25–50 kg sacks to lower input costs; make cones in batches to save time.- Seasonal planning: demand peaks around festivals and wedding season — plan production calendar to avoid wastage.- Build trust with samples: send 2–3 free cones to local top artists in exchange for feedback and shout-outs.- Optional link for deeper process steps: https://www.startupyo.com/mehndi-cone-making-business/