About Us and Our Story

Meet

Our Founders

Nalini Dhall

The Visionary Behind Gardenia Whispers

Driven by a deep passion for creating a world infused with care and joy, Nalini left behind a thriving corporate career spanning over two decades to pursue a purpose closer to her heart. This leap of faith led to the birth of Gardenia Whispers—a brand built on her vision of blending business with humanity to create a positive societal impact. Nalini is more than a founder; she is a creative force with a mission to redefine how businesses operate. Her goal for Gardenia Whispers is clear: to elevate every part of the value chain while delivering premium, fresh, and ethically sourced products. By collaborating with farmers and workers who share this vision, she has built a brand that stands for fairness, quality, sustainability, and care. As the driving force behind strategy, communication, innovation, and excellence at Gardenia Whispers, Nalini leads with unwavering commitment. Under her guidance, the brand not only brings exceptional spices to kitchens worldwide but also uplifts the lives of those who grow and process them. Through Gardenia Whispers, Nalini transforms her vision into action—fostering a business that cares, empowers, and makes a meaningful difference in the world.

Sulekha Prakasan

The Heart of Gardenia Whispers

Sulekha Prakasan, a passionate culinary enthusiast and homemaker, brings the rich traditions of her Kerala village to Gardenia Whispers. Growing up surrounded by the rhythms of spice cultivation, Sulekha gained a deep appreciation for the role of spices—not just as flavour enhancers, but as powerful agents of health and wellness. Her firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by farmers fuels her mission to honour their craft and elevate their contributions. As the guiding force behind Operations, Sourcing, and Quality at Gardenia Whispers, Sulekha is unwavering in her pursuit of excellence. She meticulously oversees every aspect of the spice-sourcing journey, from selecting farming locations with ideal conditions to partnering with farmers committed to natural and organic methods. Her dedication ensures that every spice adheres to the highest standards of hygiene, safety, and freshness. Sulekha’s perfectionist approach and attention to detail embody the core values of Gardenia Whispers—delivering products that are as pure and authentic as the hands that cultivate them. With her at the helm, every spice carries the promise of care, quality, and the vibrant spirit of Kerala’s spice heritage.

Gardenia Whispers: Unveiling the Legacy of Indian Spices

For centuries, Indian spices have captivated the senses with their rich aromas, bold flavours, and unparalleled potency. Across Indian kitchens, the preparation of daily meals is more than a routine—it’s a heartfelt tradition passed down through generations. Each dish is a celebration of family, love, and shared memories. At Gardenia Whispers, we are passionate about sharing this legacy with you. We bring you the freshest single-origin Indian spices, each bursting with the vibrant essence of their homeland. These culinary treasures are designed to transform your cooking, filling your kitchen with the magic of India. Our process begins with selecting the ideal geographic regions where each spice variety flourishes. We partner with farmers who prioritise sustainability, fair treatment, and responsible farming practices. By sourcing directly from these dedicated farmers and paying them well above market rates, we ensure not only exceptional quality but also the empowerment of farming communities. From farm to table, we maintain rigorous standards of quality, hygiene, and freshness, preserving the natural potency of these extraordinary spices. At Gardenia Whispers, every spice tells a story of heritage, care, and a commitment to uplifting those who cultivate them. Experience the rich tradition of Indian spices—fresh, authentic, and full of life—with Gardenia Whispers.

Our Story

How a trip to Kerala inspired me to start Gardenia Whispers

After spending over two decades in the corporate world, I realized something was missing. Deep within me was a yearning to create something meaningful—something that combined my passion for food, my love for people, and my dream of giving back to society. One day, I decided to take the leap, leaving behind the familiar for a path filled with purpose.

As I searched for inspiration, a vivid memory from years ago came rushing back: my first trip to Kerala, the enchanting land of spices. I could almost taste the delicious fried fish, aromatic chicken gravies, and comforting vegetable stews that I had enjoyed during that visit. The flavours and aromas were unlike anything I had ever experienced. When I asked the chef for his secret, his answer was simple yet profound: “It’s the freshness of the spices. We grow them in our backyard or source them from nearby farms.”

That moment planted a seed in my mind. Why not share the magic of these incredible spices with food lovers around the world? Why not work directly with farmers to uplift their livelihoods while promoting sustainable farming practices? This idea resonated deeply with me. It wasn’t just about business—it was about creating something that touched lives, from farm to kitchen.

When I shared this dream with my close friend Sulekha, who grew up in Kerala, she immediately connected with the vision. Her passion and understanding of spice cultivation made her the perfect partner. Together, we crafted the guiding principles for what would become Gardenia Whispers, setting out on a mission to bring the freshest, most flavourful spices to the world.

The journey was far from easy. For six long months, we searched for farmers who shared our values and commitment to quality. There were moments of doubt when we wondered if we should return to the security of corporate life. But one day, we met a farmer whose sincerity and confidence reignited our hope. He said, “I’m certain my produce will exceed your expectations,” and he was right. His sample not only passed rigorous lab tests but also set a new benchmark for quality. That moment marked the beginning of our dream becoming a reality.

We named our brand Gardenia Whispers, inspired by the delicate beauty and fragrance of the Gardenia flower—a symbol of grace and purity. Just as the flower’s scent leaves a lasting impression, we envisioned our spices doing the same in kitchens around the world.

At Gardenia Whispers, we are meticulous in every step of the process:
● We select geographic regions with the perfect soil and climate for each spice, ensuring maximum potency.
● We partner with farmers who adhere to natural and organic farming practices, conducting thorough due diligence to ensure alignment with our vision.
● We prioritize the best varieties of spices, rich in size, color, and potency, and seal in their freshness as soon as they’re harvested.
● We follow strict quality control measures to guarantee hygiene and aroma retention.

Our mission is simple: to bring you the freshest, most natural spices, helping you create unforgettable meals and memories. For me, this journey is personal. Every time I see someone enjoying a dish made with our spices, I’m reminded of my cherished Kerala trip—the inspiration that started it all.
I hope Gardenia Whispers becomes part of your culinary story, bringing the essence of India’s spices to your kitchen and creating moments you’ll treasure forever.

Our Non-Negotiable Values

Trust & Care

At Gardenia Whispers, trust and care form our core values, extending to everyone contributing to our operations. We deliver exceptional products with unwavering trust and genuine care. Our world-class offerings and trustworthy approach embody our commitment. We mean every word, standing by our promise to give you trust and care.

Quality

We offer only the utmost quality products, personally curated through a stringent checklist. Anything not meeting our high standards is swiftly rejected, ensuring that only the best reaches you. Experience the delight of garden-fresh spices with their full aroma, flavor, and medicinal benefits intact, every time you choose Gardenia Whispers.

Fairness

At Gardenia Whispers, we champion equitable business practices, emphasizing fairness in every transaction. Every stakeholder is invited to contribute to the creation of world-class products, receiving fair prices and treatment. Our commitment extends to purchasing farm produce at rates above market standards, fostering better earnings and promoting fair practices in cultivation, harvesting, and processing.

Innovation

Innovation is the heartbeat of Gardenia Whispers, propelling us toward heightened efficiency, sustainability, and customer delight. Our steadfast commitment to process enhancement defines our business ethos. By infusing innovation into every facet, we not only elevate efficiency but also cultivate sustainable practices, all aimed at ensuring the utmost satisfaction for our customers.

Sustainability

At the core of our ethos lies a commitment to a sustainable ecosystem, a gift for generations to come. Our farmers embrace time-honoured natural and organic agricultural practices, safeguarding soil, water, and air. The rituals of ‘Reduce’ and ‘Reuse’ echo in every operation, with a conscious effort to utilize recyclable materials whenever possible.

Giving Back

Society has played a crucial role in shaping our lives, prompting Gardenia to reciprocate. “Giving Back” is a driving force for Gardenia Whispers, with a commitment to allocate a certain percentage of profits to uplift farmers and farm workers.

Our Gallery

An image of one of our partner's clove plantation

Image of clove buds that are ready to harvest

Group photo with company founders and farm owners and workers

Gardenia Whispers founder inspecting a Nutmeg Tree

Nutmeg fruits a few days away from harvest

Nutmeg Tree growing underneath clear skies and clean air

Photo of Gardenia Whispers founder on the left and farmer partner on the right.

Black Peppercorns being dried in the sun

Nutmeg and Mace harvested from the Nutmeg fruit

This work is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)