From Stuff to Significance: A New Era of Corporate Gifting

Say goodbye to meaningless merchandise. The Curated Selections is redefining gifting with eco-friendly, artisan-crafted products that tell stories and spark impact.

 From Stuff to Significance: A New Era of Corporate Gifting

In a world where corporate gifting often feels impersonal and wasteful, The Curated Selections, co-founded by visionary entrepreneur Arunjit Manna, is rewriting the narrative. This pan-India startup based out of Bangalore, specializes in eco-friendly, sustainable, and socially uplifting gifting solutions—and in doing so, they’re not just offering products but creating meaningful contributions to society and the environment. The Curated Selections empowers your brand with corporate gifts that heal the planet and uplift communities.

The Spark Behind the Vision

With over 24 years of experience in supply chain, digital transformation, and procurement for global giants like Lowe’s, Xerox, and UnitedHealth Group, Arunjit Manna is no stranger to solving complex problems. Yet, the inspiration for The Curated Selections came from a deeply personal place—his mother’s dream of promoting conservation, sustainability, and thoughtful living.

“As our children grew, we taught them the importance of conservation, sustainable living, and informed decision-making,” recalls the co-founders’ mothers. “In 2024, with our children’s support, we finally turned this dream into reality.” This heartfelt mission underpins every decision at The Curated Selections. There goal is move people from Gifts as a collection to Gifts as a Contribution

Bridging Gaps in the Market

During his tenure as a procurement leader, Manna noticed a glaring gap in the corporate gifting industry. “Vendors often lacked a comprehensive focus on eco-friendly and socially impactful products,” he explains. “The quality and authenticity of sustainable options were lacking, and certifications were rare.” This realization spurred the creation of a startup that transforms gifts from mere objects into contributions to environmental conservation and social upliftment. So when you work with The Curated Selections, you Choose sustainable impact, not just stuff. Show your values and Make a difference.

Unique Selling Proposition: Gifts That Make a Difference

The Curated Selections sets itself apart by offering:

Eco-friendly Products: From bamboo tissue paper to seed-paper stationery, to sustainable T-shirts and craft, everyproduct is designed with sustainability in mind.
Social Impact: The startup collaborates directly withmanufactures who use local artisans, Anganwadi women, helping preserve traditional art and crafts while supporting rural livelihoods.
Thoughtful 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 creating an experience. Give a Gift that has a powerful theme, Indianness and an impactful message which uplifts your brand value.

Overcoming Challenges: Passion and Perseverance

Building a startup is never easy, and The Curated Selections faced its share of hurdles. One major challenge was curating a team passionate about crafting meaningful gifts rather than just selling products. Additionally, funding has been a persistent obstacle. “In India, banks don’t support startups in the first two years, which is when you need it the most,” Manna notes. Despite these challenges, the company has thrived while being bootstrapped, thanks to meticulous planning and an unwavering commitment to quality and operational effectiveness.

Milestones and Recognition

Since its inception, The Curated Selections has achieved remarkable milestones:

Partnering with 20 prestigious brands within months of launching.
Expanding from eco-friendly products to include Indian art and craft memoirs for international guests.
Collaborating with India’s largest event management companies to host eco-friendly events.
Supporting NGO’s with sustainable products

Each achievement reflects the startup’s mission to make corporate gifting a force for good.

The future is bright for The Curated Selections. Over the next five years, the company aims to:

1. Establish a Strong B2B Brand: Becoming the go-to name for sustainable corporate gifting in India
2. Expand Exports: Showcasing Indian artisans’ work on a global stage.
3. Launch a D2C E-commerce Platform: Creating a marketplace for art and craft products from all regions of India.

“We’re building not just a company but a legacy,” says Manna. “Our goal is to make every gift an opportunity to create positive change.”

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey, Manna offers sage advice: “Bootstrap for the first two years and plan your funding early. Have a clear, differentiated idea that you can nurture and grow.” He also underscores the importance of resilience: “Challenges are inevitable, but with passion and perseverance, you can overcome anything.”

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 or connect with them on LinkedIn here.

In Manna’s own words: “Together, we can create gifts that bring happiness, build relationships, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”

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