The Sweet Recipe for Success: Lessons from Shaishav Mittal, Founder & Director of Lovely Sweets & Lovely Bake Studio

India’s love affair with sweets is legendary. From grand celebrations to quiet moments of indulgence, sweets are an essential part of life. But have you ever wondered what it takes to build a thriving sweet shop empire in India?

In a recent episode of Launch Codes by Masters’ Union, Shaishav Mittal, the Founder & Director of Lovely Sweets & Lovely Bake Studio, revealed the business strategies, financial insights, and operational tactics that helped him scale Lovely Sweets to 15 stores across six cities in Punjab, with a projected revenue of ₹150 crores this year. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or just curious about what goes into making a sweet shop successful, this conversation was packed with invaluable insights.

What does it take to run a successful sweet shop in India? Watch the video to know more!

Building a Nationwide Sweet Sensation

Shaishav Mittal’s journey in the sweet business was driven by more than just passion—it required precision and a deep understanding of scalability. He established a business model that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern business principles. With plans to expand to 100 stores by 2030, Lovely Sweets is reshaping India’s sweet retail landscape.

Investing Right: What It Takes to Set Up a Sweet Shop

Setting up a sweet shop is more than just renting a space and stocking it with ladoos and barfis. Here’s what you need to know about the financials:

• Initial Investment: ₹70 - 75 lakhs for a standard store (800 - 1200 sq ft)

• Staffing Requirements: A 1,000 sq ft store needs about 8 - 10 employees with a monthly payroll cost of ₹2.5 - 3 lakhs

• Inventory Management: New stores should maintain an opening stock of ₹5 - 10 lakhs, ensuring fresh inventory turnover within 48 hours

• Expected Revenue: Between ₹3 - 4.5 crores annually with a net profit margin of 10 - 12%

• Payback Period: Approximately 2 years to break even

This business demands a significant initial investment but promises strong returns when executed strategically.

Crafting a Brand That Stands the Test of Time

The success of Lovely Sweets goes beyond high-quality products. Brand-building and customer engagement play a crucial role. Shaishav highlights three key elements:

1. Authenticity Matters: Customers don’t just buy sweets; they connect with the story behind them. A compelling brand identity builds trust and loyalty.

2. Innovation in Taste & Presentation: Constant research and development (R&D) keeps customers excited with new flavors and unique product offerings.

3. Community Engagement: Hosting cooking sessions with celebrity chefs and launching exclusive offers create strong local connections and repeat customers.

Scaling Smart: Challenges and Opportunities in Expansion

Growth in the sweet business is not just about increasing store numbers - it’s about maintaining quality and consistency. Shaishav emphasizes that:

• Understanding local preferences is crucial. A best-seller in Punjab might not be as popular in Bangalore.

• Technology integration streamlines multi-location operations. Software for inventory, billing, and finance ensures smooth scaling.

• Retaining skilled employees is one of the biggest hurdles. Competitive salaries, training programmes, and a strong work culture improve retention.

Marketing That Makes an Impact

In the sweets industry, effective marketing isn’t about generic ads—it’s about creating experiences that leave an impression.

• Influencer Collaborations: Partnering with social media influencers boosts visibility and attracts new customers.

• Exciting Launch Offers: Promotions like buy-one-get-one-free generate high initial footfall.

• Hyperlocal Engagement: Sponsoring festivals, collaborating with local businesses, and running community-driven campaigns create brand recall.

Franchising: A Faster Path to Business Success

For those hesitant to start a business from scratch, franchising offers a strategic entry point. Lovely Sweets provides franchisees with:

• Comprehensive training to ensure consistency in product quality and service

• Operational support for logistics, supply chain, and day-to-day management

• An established brand identity, reducing the risks typically associated with new businesses

With a proven system in place, franchising through Lovely Sweets allows entrepreneurs to enter the market with significantly lower uncertainty.

Shaishav Mittal’s journey proves that a thriving sweet business requires more than just great products - it demands a sharp business strategy, continuous innovation, and deep customer connections. Whether you’re considering opening a store, investing in a franchise, or simply curious about the business of sweets, his insights offer a clear roadmap to success.

For those with a passion for sweets and a strategic mindset, this industry holds vast opportunities. In a country where sweets symbolise joy and tradition, the potential for growth is as endless as the love for mithai.