Page 13 - HBiz_September_2024

INTERVIEW
HOSPITALITY BIZ SEPTEMBER, 2024 13
n

‘Our authenticity sets us apart’

With over 27 years in the corporate world, Kewal Kotian, Founder & CEO of the
artisanal serveware brand The Leafbud, views experience as a crucial asset. His
diverse background in advertising, news, travel, and visa services, where creativity
and information were key, has significantly shaped his approach to Leafbud. Kotian
believes that creating more customer-focused narratives through their serveware
pieces is essential, as periodic refreshment of serveware can drive engagement and
repeat business. In a conversation with Hospitality Biz, he shared that founding
Leafbud was a conscious and personal decision, motivated by his passion for building
customer-centric businesses.

Q How does Leafbud’s artisanal crockery serveware, there’s still an opportunity to create welcome. We have established clear SOPs
more customer-focused narratives through our
stand out in the competitive luxury
around these processes, ensuring consistency
hospitality market? What unique features or pieces, rather than solely focusing on branded in quality and timely delivery every time.
benefits do you offer that differentiate your items. Periodic refreshment of serveware helps
brand from others? in driving engagement and repeat business. Q What strategies have you implemented
At Leafbud, we live by the principles of artistry, to overcome the challenges associated
craftsmanship, and authenticity. We’re not Q How do your products enhance the with transitioning from individual consumer
just another tableware design brand; we’re a dining experience for guests and sales to institutional sales?
community of passionate artisans devoted to contribute to the overall ambiance of the As mentioned earlier, we’ve mitigated potential
creating designs that bring joy, beauty, and establishment? challenges by developing separate supply
functionality into your life. When you choose Dining out is about much more than channels for each market. In our view, there’s
us, you’re not merely purchasing homeware— just food; it’s about hosting, celebrating, no “transition”—both channels exist and
you’re embracing a unique and meaningful and networking—each aspect rooted in operate in parallel, each with its distinct focus
experience. We recognize the crowded engagement and storytelling. At Leafbud, we and strategy.
landscape filled with talented brands, but our craft uniquely authentic artisanal serveware
authenticity sets us apart. From concept to and décor, celebrating the imperfections that Q How do you plan to build relationships
execution, everything we do is distinctly ours. make us truly remarkable. Our creations are with key decision-makers in the
Authenticity and differentiation are two sides more than just products—they are vessels HoReCa industry?
of the same coin for us. We ideate from a place of stories, woven from the hands of skilled Direct contact remains the most effective
of true reflection of our identity, building artisans. Sharing these stories with guests strategy. My previous experience in the travel
on what makes us exceptional. We don’t just allows restaurants and hotels to leave a and hospitality sectors is certainly an asset.
keep pace with competitors; we carve out new lasting impression, turning every meal into a However, at the end of the day, the product
paths where they can’t follow. When others memorable experience. must speak for itself. We are confident that the
zig, we zag—this is how we create a sustainable positive experiences our products provide will
competitive advantage. Can you discuss more on Leafbud’s generate a strong word-of-mouth buzz within
Q scalability and production capabilities? the industry.
Q According to you, what specific needs How do you ensure consistent quality and Are you open to exploring B2B
timely delivery for large-scale orders from
or pain points of luxury hotels and
restaurants does Leafbud’s crockery address? HoReCa clients, including customisation Q partnerships with hospitality consultants
The first thing that comes to mind is the requests? or distributors to accelerate Leafbud’s market
“sameness” that plagues many restaurants. While we hold our brand proposition as penetration? What kind of partnerships would
Most establishments use serveware that is sacrosanct, Leafbud has established two you be interested in pursuing?
nearly identical, often failing to make a lasting distinct supply channels to cater to the specific As a startup, we’re eager to explore any and all
impression. Today’s discerning customer is needs of D2C and institutional clients. Our opportunities that allow us to showcase our
exposed to global themes, trends, and cultures, supply lines are designed to accommodate products and grow our business. Our business
and they expect experiences that extend the unique pain points, requirements, and acceleration is closely tied to the growth of our
beyond food and service. At Leafbud, each customizations of each channel. We’ve even supply chain. We’ve set stage-wise goals and
product carries a backstory, and I see no reason crafted exclusive products tailored for each are more than open to discussing these with
why restaurants catering to sophisticated market. Our partners and studios are equipped potential partners or consultants who can add
patrons shouldn’t leverage that. While luxury to meet demand, and customization requests value to our journey. n
hotels are ahead of the curve in terms of that align with our brand philosophy are always

WWW.HOSPITALITYBIZINDIA.COM