Despite near-term challenges brought about by COVID and more, in certain construction sectors, the industry in India is intact. While the construction industry in India is expected to reach $1.4 Tn by 2025, the infrastructure sector in India is poised to grow at a CAGR of 8.2 percent by 2027. Archana Ashok, Co-Founder of Karmik Infra- a Bangalore-based expert in Civil and External Development services is an accomplished leader contributing to relishing this growth.

Recently, the Women Entrepreneur magazine team interviewed her to know more about her leadership stint in Construction and Infra, and her company Karmik Infra.

What are some important facets of your life, education, and professional journey? How does your diverse professional experience empower you as a business leader today?

I hold a Bachelor’s degree from MES college, Bengaluru & Master's degree in MBA (Marketing and Finance) from SRN ADARSH, and have also pursued additional qualifications like NTT (Nursery Teacher Training) from Estherland, Bangalore. Currently, I am in the final year of pursuing a B.Ed degree from Savita Maharshi College, Bengaluru. Instilling within me the importance of hard work, dedication, and the strive for continued excellence, my parents were instrumental in shaping my values and character. Also, growing up with animals, I am compassionate and hold a sense of environmental responsibility. With a family that comes from diverse industries such as acting (actress Pandari Bai being my grandmother), banking, and education, it's no surprise that I eventually ventured into entrepreneurship and real estate.

During my prior industry experience, I gained valuable insights that empower me as a business leader today. As a bank officer, I learned to prioritize customer service and understand clients' needs. As an educator, I honed skills in communication and continuous improvement. Moreover, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I acquired digital marketing skills, enabling me to create content and plan marketing strategies effectively for my business.

What led you to establish Karmik Infra? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the venture and its key areas of specialization.

I want to acknowledge my husband, Pratheek Kundapur’s significant contribution to our entrepreneurial journey, which started six years ago on May 1st, 2017. His expertise as a Civil Engineer from NITTE, Karkala has laid the foundation of Karmik Infra. We believe that the outdoor spaces we create have the power to enhance lives and foster a deep appreciation for the natural world. Together, with our shared passion for nature and outdoor living, we have harnessed our collective energy to create outdoor spaces that bring a source of joy, relaxation, and inspiration.

Our key areas of specialization include a comprehensive range of external development services that we cater to Real estate brands and Real estate developers like Excavation, Landscape Design & Execution, Roads, Driveway, Parking Area, Pathway, Kerb, Granite Flooring, Planter Box, Drain, Softscape, Hardscape Works, Rammed Earth, Paving, Stepping Stone, Jacuzzi & Pool, Retaining Wall, Fencing, Laterite works, Irrigation, Water Conservation, Biomass management, External lighting, Stone Pitching, Reflexology Track, Adventure Track, Jogging track, and Sports Infrastructure.

In your opinion, what are some of the most challenging aspects of leading the company? What steps do you undertake to overcome these roadblocks?

Karmik Infra, started as a bootstrapped business has achieved remarkable success. However, expanding further requires overcoming funding challenges. Despite government schemes, their full potential remains untapped. Moreover, the construction industry carries a certain stigma. To overcome these obstacles, we embrace the unknown, educate ourselves on available resources, seek professional assistance, and establish a robust legal network to safeguard against exploitation.

“Investing in the latest technology & tools, we strive to enhance our capabilities, streamline processes, & deliver exceptional results to our clients”

Tell us about the top three milestones you have achieved throughout your professional journey. What has been your mantra for success?

As an entrepreneur, there have been several milestones that I am proud of, but if I have to narrow it down to the top three, I would say they are precious six years in the industry, during which we have established and sustained a successful business, demonstrating our expertise and credibility in the market. We have successfully expanded our services to include external development works, focusing on landscape and hardscape projects. This expansion showcases our ability to tackle diverse projects and provide comprehensive solutions. Our designs are a testament to our commitment to excellence. We create transformative outdoor spaces by seamlessly integrating hardscape elements, softscape features, and meticulous detailing, bringing our client’s visions to life.

My mantra for success is to learn daily, help others, and laugh more.

How has Karmik Infra’s growth journey been so far? Delineate your future roadmap.

Our journey with Karmik Infra has been full of valuable lessons and empowering experiences, undergoing steady and organic growth. In the past two years, we have actively connected and collaborated with landscape architects, which has significantly boosted our business. As part of our growth strategy, we are focused on building a bigger and stronger team, comprising talented professionals who share our passion for creating luxurious outdoor spaces. To stay at the forefront of the industry, we are investing in the latest technology and tools. This allows us to enhance our capabilities, streamline processes, and deliver exceptional results to our clients.

In terms of the firm's next phase of growth, our roadmap entails focusing on sustainable and strategic growth, driven by our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and delivering exceptional and transformational outdoor living spaces.

Archana Ashok, Co-Founder, Karmik Infra

Holding a Bachelor’s degree from MES college, Bengaluru, and Master's degree in MBA (Marketing and Finance) from SRN ADARSH, followed by additional qualifications like NTT (Nursery Teacher Training) from Estherland, Bangalore, and currently, in the final year of pursuing a B.Ed degree from Savita Maharshi College, Bengaluru, Archana is a passionate professional contributing to strengthening the Indian Construction & Infra space. At present, she has also been selected for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women at NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore.