The Story Behind the UK's First Desi Cocktail Brand with Danika Hossain

Danika Hossain co-founded Bhangra Blends, the UK's first South Asain inspired ready-to-drink cocktail brand, taking it from home-tested recipes to retail shelves and a £167k raise, all straight out of university.We talk about the origin story behind Bhangra Blends, building a product from kitchen experiments to commercial manufacturing, and raising funding as young South Asian female founders. Danika breaks down startup jargon most people are too embarrassed to ask about (SEIS, cap tables, FMCG), why every founder needs an advisory board, and how she's kept her friendship with her co-founder intact through the chaos of building a business. We also get into brand building, rebranding without fear of being "annoying," and choosing organic growth over chasing every opportunity. If you've ever wanted to start a business but have no idea where to begin,  this episode is for you.Timestamps00:00 Intro: Meet Danika, co-founder of Bhangra Blends00:19 Introducing the UK's first Indian-inspired cocktail brand00:51 The origin story of Bhangra Blends01:55 The product development journey from home testing to retail03:24 Raising £167k and the commercial manufacturing process05:00 Breaking funding barriers as a young South Asian female founder06:45 Startup jargon busted: SEIS, Cap Tables, and FMCG10:45 Why you need an advisory board and how to build one14:05 How to maintain a friendship with your co-founder16:34 Balancing startup life and personal relationships in your 20s18:13 Business expectations vs. reality and advice to younger self21:07 Creating a vibrant brand aesthetic and community24:00 Rebranding and getting over the fear of being "annoying"26:04 Focusing on organic sales and relationship building29:08 Building resilience through the highs and lows of businessConnect with Danika/ Bhangra Blends https://bhangrablends.comhttps://www.instagram.com/bhangrablends/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bhangra-blends/Send this episode to someone who you want to try Bhangra Blends with the next time you order Indian takeout :)BUILD YOUR BOLDEST + BOSSIEST LIFE/ CAREERBossy Behind the Scenes: Essays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life.https://substack.com/@bossybehindthescenesWORK WITH MECreator/Founder Office Hours: Bring me your ideas, questions or whatever you’re stuck on, and we’ll turn it into a plan.https://calendly.com/maahika/mentoring?back=1Founders + brands: Work with me on storytelling, personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.Book a Strategy Session : https://calendly.com/maahika/branding-strategy-session?back=1&month=2026-07Book a discovery call : https://calendly.com/maahika/discovery-call?back=1Join the next personal branding sprint : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNPFNgdt02CyvYsb6n9i8kmvEJRxQDmTwOVusTxII_tMoJ7Q/viewform?usp=headerFollow The Podcast/ Connect With MePodcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossyPodcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossyMy Instagram: @maahika.sMy TikTok: @maahika.sCollaborations + enquiries: [email protected]