Could you please talk us through your career journey, beginning before you studied, your time at Hallam, and what you’ve done since?
Vickkee
Before joining Sheffield Hallam University, I had a natural interest in health, wellness, and functional foods, but I didn’t have a clear direction for turning that interest into a career.
During my Postgraduation in Food & Nutrition Sciences, the module “Developing Food Concepts and Products” became a major turning point. Creating a complete product portfolio in that module helped me understand the entire journey of food innovation - from concept development and formulation to sensory evaluation, safety aspects, packaging, and consumer acceptance. That experience sparked my passion for creating meaningful, science-backed food products.
After graduating, I returned to India with the vision of building something and reshaping the chocolate industry. This led to the creation of Caps Plus, a luxury functional chocolate brand infused with niacinamide and plant based collagen, with no added sugar or preservatives. Today, Caps Plus is growing across retail, corporate gifting, and international and diplomatic events, offering indulgence with functional skin benefits. Recently showcased at World Food India 2025.
My journey from developing concepts in class to creating a real consumer brand shows how strongly Hallam shaped my path.
Meenakshi
Before joining Sheffield Hallam University, I worked as a clinical nutritionist in different hospitals, where I gained hands-on experience with therapeutic diets, patient management, and understanding practical nutritional challenges.
What would you say are the essential skills you use in your roles since graduating from Hallam?
Vickkee
The skills I use daily as a founder directly come from my academic experience:
- Product development skills from the Developing Food Concepts and Products module.
- Scientific formulation knowledge to create functional chocolates with real benefits.
- Sensory evaluation and consumer understanding to ensure taste and health.
- Analytical and research skills, crucial in the food and nutrition space.
- Project management and clear communication, needed to coordinate manufacturing, design, supply chain, and marketing.
These skills have helped me confidently take ideas from concept to market-ready products.
Meenakshi
My interest in product development grew during my postgraduate studies, especially through the lab work and analysis sessions, where I learned how ingredients behave, how formulations are built, and how to evaluate products scientifically. The module Developing Food Concepts and Products played a major role it involved improving existing recipes, creating new food concepts, handling practical experimentation, and understanding how a product is developed from scratch.
Thinking back to your time studying at Hallam, did you seek any support from the Careers or enterprise team? Did you get involved with any of our programmes or awards? Please tell us about what you did and what you learnt.
Vickkee
During my time at Hallam, I did visit the Careers or Enterprise team for my queries and questions, but mainly I participated in programmes like the Food Conference, events & awards.
My learning came from my course modules and practical sessions. The hands-on nature of the Developing Food Concepts and Products The module itself gave me the confidence, creativity, and technical base I needed to pursue entrepreneurship.
Meenakshi
As part of my academic work, I also conducted detailed store audits, observing packaging styles, shelf placement, pricing patterns, and how consumers behave when selecting food products. This real-world exposure helped me understand what attracts consumers and how purchasing decisions are made.
What advice would you give to our students thinking about being an entrepreneur?
Vickkee
My advice would be:
- Use your course modules seriously — especially practical ones like Developing Food Concepts and Products. They mirror real industry challenges.
- Start small but start early. Every great product begins as a simple idea.
- Build something that solves a real problem. Purpose-driven ideas grow stronger.
- Stay patient and persistent. Entrepreneurship is a long, learning-filled journey.
- Learn to trust your instincts. Your idea may be ahead of its time, and that is okay.
Most importantly, Believe in your concept even when no one else does. People usually clap only when you’re famous, not when you’re building. Caps Plus began as an idea shaped in a classroom module, and today it is the real brand.
Meenakshi
After returning to India, I worked in a large organisation to understand Indian food regulations, labelling norms, and FSSAI compliance, which helped me connect my international training with India’s regulatory ecosystem. With this foundation, I teamed up with my batchmate Vickkee Tanejaa, and together we launched Caps Plus, where I serve as the CEO.
At Caps Plus, I combine my nutrition background, product development skills, and consumer insights to create functional, science-backed chocolates that are now gaining recognition across retail, corporate gifting, and international events.
To find out more about Vickkee, Meenakshi and Caps Plus you can visit their website or social media channels below:
Website: capsplusglobal.com
Instagram: @capsplusofficial
LinkedIn: CapsPlus
