In a world saturated with generic corporate gifts, The Curated Selections, a Bengaluru-based startup co-founded by industry veterans Arunjit Manna and Subhra Jyoti Ganguli, is redefining the landscape. They are not just offering products; they are crafting eco-friendly, sustainable, and socially impactful gifting solutions that empower brands to contribute meaningfully to both planet and community.
From Global Expertise to Purpose Driven Innovation
Both Manna and Ganguli bring over 24 years of extensive experience in global supply chain, sourcing, procurement, and digital transformation. Manna’s background includes leadership roles at Lowe’s, Conduent (erstwhile Xerox), and UnitedHealth Group, while Ganguli has held significant leadership positions at Cadbury, Coca-Cola, Shell, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, and Biocon Biologics across Asia-Pacific and global markets.
Despite their professional successes, the inspiration for The Curated Selections originated from a deeply personal place: their mothers’ shared vision of promoting conservation and thoughtful living. As Mrs. Kalyani Manna and Mrs. Maya Ganguli, the co-founders’ mothers, shared, “As our children grew, we taught them the importance of conservation, sustainable living, honesty and informed decision-making. In 2024, with our children’s support, we finally turned this dream into reality.” This heartfelt mission underpins their entire operation, aiming to transform corporate gifting from mere collections into meaningful contributions. In the Founders own words –“Move from Gifts as a Collection to Gifts as a Contribution”
Elegant gifts and Elegant Packaging
Addressing a Critical Market Gap
During his tenure as a procurement leader, Manna observed a glaring deficiency in the corporate gifting sector. “Vendors often lacked a comprehensive focus, customization on eco-friendly and socially impactful products,” he explains. “The quality and authenticity of sustainable options were lacking, and certifications of authenticity were rare.” This realization spurred the creation of a company that elevates gifts beyond simple objects, turning them into vehicles for environmental preservation and social upliftment. When you partner with The Curated Selections, you’re choosing sustainable impact, supporting your organization’s values, and making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of Indian artisans.
Our Distinctive Approach: Gifts That Transform
The Curated Selections sets itself apart by offering:
•Eco-conscious Products: From bamboo tissue paper office consumables and seed-paper stationery to sustainable apparel and handcrafted desk accessories, every item prioritizes environmental well-being.
•Profound Social Impact: They collaborate directly with manufacturers who employ local artisans and Anganwadi women, thereby preserving traditional Indian art and crafts while empowering rural communities. This partnership also helps provide housing for the homeless and education for children of these artisans.
•Purposeful Customization: “It’s not just about a T-shirt or a mug,” Manna emphasizes. “Imagine a jute tote bag hand-painted with ocean motifs and a ‘Say No to Plastics’ message. It’s about curating and crafting an experience. Give a gift that embodies a powerful theme, celebrates Indian heritage, and carries an impactful message that in turn strengthens your brand value.”
Navigating Challenges with Resilience:
Launching a startup always comes with hurdles, and The Curated Selections was no exception. A key challenge involved assembling a team genuinely passionate about creating meaningful gifts, not just selling products. Funding also presented a persistent obstacle. “In India, banks don’t support start-ups in the first two years, which is when you need them the most. Despite these challenges, the company has thrived through meticulous financial planning, strategic client segmentation, and an unwavering commitment to quality and operational efficiency—all while being entirely bootstrapped” Ganguli notes.
The Team – World Environment Day camp at Toyota Industries Engine India Pvt. Ltd.
Key Achievements and Future Horizons
Since its inception, The Curated Selections has achieved remarkable milestones:
•Secured 20 prestigious clients within months, building robust partnerships.
•Expanded its offerings to include exquisite Indian art and craft memoirs for international guests & clients.
•Collaborated with India’s largest event management companies to support eco-friendly events.
•Actively supported small firms by promoting their sustainable products.
These achievements underscore the startup’s dedication to making corporate gifting a force for good. Looking ahead, The Curated Selections aims to:
1.Become India’s leading B2B brand for sustainable corporate gifting.
2.Expand exports, showcasing Indian artisans’ talent on a global stage. They are looking at global importers for unique Indian artwork and eco-friendly products.
3.Launch a Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) e-commerce platform for art and craft products from across India.
“We’re building not just a company but a legacy,” Manna asserts. “Our goal is to make every gift an opportunity for positive change.”
Guidance for Emerging Entrepreneurs
For those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey, Manna and Ganguli offer sage advice: “Bootstrap for the first two years and plan your funding early. Have a clear, differentiated idea that you can nurture and grow.” They also underscore the importance of resilience: “Challenges are inevitable, but with passion, perseverance and planning, you can overcome those.” – GOOD THINGS TAKE TIME.
A Movement Towards Meaningful Gifting
The Curated Selections is more than a business; it’s a movement toward thoughtful consumption and meaningful giving. By blending sustainability, social impact, and exceptional quality, the startup is setting a new standard in corporate gifting.
To learn more or explore their offerings, visit: www.thecuratedselections.com
Connect with the team on LinkedIn:
• Company: The Curated Selections
• Arunjit Manna: linkedin.com/in/arunjit-manna
• Subhra Jyoti Ganguli: linkedin.com/in/subhra-jyoti-ganguli-cscp-5639b813
For orders, write to sales@thecuratedselections.com or call +91-960-690-4582.
In Manna’s own words: “Together, we can create gifts that bring happiness, build relationships, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”
