Brand Interview

Gatim, a popular fashion brand known for its simply elegant ethnic wear, has made a significant mark in the industry. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Aakriti Gupta, the dynamic co-founder of Gatim, who shares her entrepreneurial journey, challenges faced, and plans for the future.

Gatim was founded by Sneha Kariwala, a fashion designer by education and have previously worked with renowned fashion houses. Aakriti Gupta, her sister-in-law, joined the brand later, bringing her expertise in manufacturing and B2B sales. Together, the two have built Gatim into the brand it is today.

D2C Verse: When did the idea of Gatim first come to you?

Aakriti Gupta: The idea for Gatim originated from a gap we observed in the market for pure cotton products in the ethnic wear segment that were both affordable and trendy. Being from Bengal, we recognized the value people in our region placed on quality fabric. We aimed to create a brand that offered good quality fabric and designs without the hefty price tag. With this vision in mind, Gatim was born.

D2C Verse: What were three big challenges that you faced when you started your brand?

Aakriti Gupta: When we first started Gatim, we faced several challenges. Firstly, there was a lack of footfall and limited purchasing happening due to the initial impact of COVID-19. Secondly, as a new brand, building recognition and trust in such circumstances was difficult. Lastly, as we relied solely on brick-and-mortar stores at that time, the absence of an e-commerce wing made it challenging to reach a wider audience. However, we managed to overcome these hurdles by strategizing and focusing on low operating costs, ensuring our stores were profitable, and eventually expanding into the online space.

D2C Verse: What is the one thing that kept you going?

Aakriti Gupta: One incident that stands out to us is witnessing the loyalty and satisfaction of our customers. Without spending a single marketing dollar for our offline business, our stores have managed to attract a large number of repeat customers. Almost 60 to 70% of our clients have made multiple purchases without extensive marketing efforts. This customer loyalty and the joy we see on their faces when they wear Gatim garments keeps us motivated to never give up.

D2C Verse: What’s your advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? One thing they must do and one thing they should avoid.

Aakriti Gupta: My advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to prioritize three things. Firstly, always pay attention to what your customers want. Their feedback is crucial, and meeting their requirements should be your top priority. Secondly, value your employees. A motivated and passionate team can drive your business to success. Lastly, be persistent and stay focused on your goals. Avoid getting discouraged by challenges and keep pushing forward.

D2C Verse: What is the business model and strategy of Gatim?

Aakriti Gupta: Our business model revolves around an omni-channel approach. We aim to cater to diverse demographics by being present both offline and online. Currently, we have around 30 brick-and-mortar stores and an e-commerce presence. Our strategy is to continue expanding our offline stores while increasing the share of online sales. We want to achieve a balanced 50% share between brick-and-mortar and online sales within the next two years.

Dennison, a well-established clothing brand, has embarked on a transformative digital journey under the leadership of Ashwini Seth, a second-generation entrepreneur. In this exclusive interview, Ashwini shares the story of Dennison’s inception, the decision to transition into a digital brand, and the company’s future plans.

Ashwini Seth, the founder of Dennison India, shares how his innovative approach propelled the brand into the digital era, successfully combining online marketplaces and a dedicated website to reach customers nationwide. 

In an exclusive interview with D2C Verse, he chalks out the inception of the brand and unravels his plans in the next five years. With plans for an expansive retail network and a focus on customer-centric experiences, Dennison is set to redefine the fashion industry in India.

D2C Verse: How did Dennison start, and what motivated your father to venture into the clothing business?

Ashwini Seth: The idea behind Dennison was actually my father’s. Around 35 years ago, in 1988, my father had a crossway business supplying dresses to the Indian Army. While observing the market, he realized that ready-to-wear apparel was expensive and out of reach for common people. This inspired him to start a parallel line for the masses. Dennison was launched as a store in Gwalior on May 1, 1988.

D2C Verse: You joined Dennison in 2014 after completing your MBA. Did you envision transforming the brand into a digital entity?

Ashwini Seth: I always sought out opportunities beyond the traditional retail store model. Recognizing the potential of e-commerce, I started exploring digital platforms like Snapdeal and Amazon in 2014. We leveraged dropshipping services in Gwalior and began listing our products on these marketplaces. This marked the beginning of Dennison’s digital journey as a 100% retail store digital brand.

D2C Verse: Was the decision to focus on digital accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic?

Ashwini Seth: The shift to a digital brand was not solely driven by the pandemic. In 2019, we had already decided to sell our apparel through reliable marketplaces and our own website. We encountered issues with unreliable partners who would block our money and disrupt our distribution supply chain. To ensure a better customer experience, we shifted our focus to online platforms and refrained from offline business. However, we do have plans to explore offline retail in the future through a franchise model.

D2C Verse: Can you elaborate on your future plans for Dennison as a digital brand?

Ashwini Seth: Our vision is to create a seamless omnichannel experience for our customers, both online and offline. We aim to establish a network of Denison stores that cater to the preferences of customers who prefer to shop online or offline. These stores will offer features such as home delivery, easy returns, and the option to purchase online and exchange in-store. By next year, we plan to open our own exclusive stores in metros and tier one cities, with the goal of having 200 to 300 stores across India in the next five years.

D2C Verse: How has the digital platform contributed to Dennison’s business growth?

Ashwini Seth: Currently, our major revenue comes from marketplaces, contributing around 80% to 85% of our business. However, since we started our website six to eight months ago, we have been gaining traction and expect significant growth in the coming years.

Dennison has achieved a healthy net profit margin of approximately 7% to 8%. As a bootstrapped brand, we focus on maximizing efficiency and utilizing resources judiciously. While we are in the process of raising funds to support our growth plans, we are also investing in branding, product lines, marketing strategies, and content development to strengthen our position in the market.

D2C Verse: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the fashion industry?

Ashwini Seth: My advice would be to gain experience and understand the foundations of the industry before diving in. Learn about the challenges, opportunities, and profit margins. Once you have a solid understanding, take calculated steps to establish your business.

 

De Moza, a renowned women’s fashion brand, has been revolutionizing the industry with its focus on comfort, style, and affordability. With over 15 years of expertise in cotton fabrics and garments, De Moza offers high-quality leggings and aims to empower women to feel confident and fashionable in their everyday wear. Agnes Raja George, the founder of De Moza, shares his insights and experiences on building the brand from scratch in this exclusive interview.

Headquartered in Bangalore, the startup capital of India, De Moza knows how to blend comfort and style flawlessly. Derived from the Spanish word which means ‘attractive girl’, the brand was founded in 2016 and has spread its operations with over 12 exclusive stores across Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune and Jaipur.

The go-to brand for top-notch leggings, its mission is to empower women with confidence, comfort, and style in their everyday attire. Whether you’re into solid colors, bold prints, or a mix of both, De Moza has got you covered. 

In an exclusive interview with D2C Verse, founder Agnes Raja George shares the incredible journey of building De Moza from scratch.

D2C Verse: How did De Moza first come to you?

Agnes Raja George: The idea for De Moza originated when I noticed a growing trend in women’s bottom wear while working in the fashion industry. Seeing a market opportunity, my co-founder and I conceptualized De Moza as a women’s fashion brand that focuses on offering comfortable and stylish bottom wear.

D2C Verse: What were three significant challenges you faced when you started your brand?

Agnes Raja George: When we embarked on this journey, three major challenges stood out. Firstly, establishing a strong brand identity and recognition in the market. Fashion acceptance is a gradual process, so we strategically invested in branding and identified the right partners to gain visibility. Secondly, managing the scale of the business was a significant challenge. As we expanded our offline presence, working capital requirements spiked. However, through strategic partnerships and collaboration with our suppliers, we navigated this challenge successfully. Lastly, planning played a crucial role. We had to ensure that our business model was sustainable, and we invested time in meticulous planning and acquiring the right talent to support our vision.

D2C Verse: Could you tell us about the founders of De Moza and your business model and strategy?

Agnes Raja George: I co-founded De Moza with a close friend and former colleague Hussain Basha who had extensive experience in product development and sourcing. We complemented each other’s strengths, with my understanding of the market and his expertise in product sourcing. Our business model revolves around an omnichannel approach, with a strong offline presence alongside our online platform. We believe in creating a destination store for fashion bottoms, focusing on all occasions. Our strategy involves enhancing the customer experience through technology and leveraging offline stores for better customer reach and operational efficiency.

D2C Verse: What is the secret behind the successful marketing of De Moza

Agnes Raja George: The secret lies in understanding our target audience and utilizing data-driven insights. We analyze market data to identify key areas of penetration and tailor our marketing efforts accordingly. By leveraging our online presence, we provide a personalized experience to customers who have already experienced our products. This approach has proven to be effective in increasing conversions and building a loyal customer base.

D2C Verse: How has the company grown and profited over the years?

Agnes Raja George: Since our inception in 2013, De Moza has experienced steady growth. We currently have over 12 exclusive stores across major cities in India and a strong online presence through our official website and marketplace platforms. With a dedicated team of approximately 700 employees and 600 points of sale, we have been able to achieve significant milestones while expanding the brand to marketplaces like Jabong and Myntra. 

In 2019, we got angel round funding from one of my mentors from my previous company. We raised about Rs 5 crore. He invested a significant amount but post-COVID, we had to give him an exit because of a strategic partnership. Right now, we have enough capital to back up our growth. Our profitability has steadily increased, and we have successfully raised funds through angel investments and strategic partnerships to support our growth plans. 

D2C Verse: Who are De Moza’s main competitors in the market?

Agnes Raja George: In the basics category, our main competition comes from national players like Go Colors. Additionally, there are regional players from different parts of India. However, De Moza aims to differentiate itself as a fashion-focused brand, offering a wide range of bottom wear options for women across various occasions. Our goal is to become a budget-friendly, large-scale women’s wear brand, with a vision to achieve a turnover of a thousand crore in the next five years.

D2C Verse: What are the future plans for De Moza?

Agnes Raja George: Looking ahead, we have ambitious plans for De Moza. We aim to expand our footprint by opening 500 of our own stores in the next five years. Our focus will remain on providing fashion-forward bottom wear for women, leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience, and strengthening our omnichannel presence. We will continue to innovate and offer affordable, high-quality products while maintaining our core values of comfort and style.

D2C Verse: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Agnes Raja George: Planning is paramount. Before starting a business, invest time in detailed planning, and have a clear vision of what you want to achieve. Seek mentorship and gather feedback from experienced individuals who can guide you through the process. By having a well-thought-out plan in place, you can address potential gaps and challenges proactively. Building a sustainable business requires a deep understanding of the industry, product, and market, along with assembling the right team and executing a well-defined marketing strategy.

Agnes Raja George’s journey with De Moza exemplifies the power of perseverance, strategic planning, and understanding market dynamics. Through a relentless focus on comfort, style, and quality, De Moza has carved a niche for itself in the women’s fashion industry. As the brand continues to expand and innovate, it aims to empower women by providing fashionable bottom wear that caters to their diverse needs and preferences.

In an exclusive interview with D2C Verse, we had the privilege of delving into the inspiring journey of Abdus Samad, a young entrepreneur who transformed his passion for business into a thriving online venture, Sam & Marshall Eyewear.

Abdus Samad says as he recounts his journey from door-to-door sales to building his own eyewear brand, Sam & Marshall.  

“I’m just 22,” he says in an exclusive interview with D2C Verse. “There is a long way forward. 

D2C Verse: How did the idea of Sam & Marshall come about? I read that you initially started as a door-to-door salesman. Can you tell us about the journey?

Abdus Samad: Indeed, our journey began with door-to-door sales. In March 2018, at the age of 17, right after my 12th board exams, I was eager to explore the world of business. Seeking guidance, I turned to my uncle, who is a successful entrepreneur in India. Although he advised me to focus on my studies, my determination to venture into business was unwavering. I was resolute in my pursuit and set out to find my path. It was during this time that I connected with Marshall, my childhood best friend. While our paths diverged later on, Marshall’s influence remained, and the name “Sam and Marshall” came to symbolize our shared aspirations.

D2C Verse: Fascinating! So, after your initial foray into sales and business, did you complete your college education?

Abdus Samad: Yes, I did pursue my college education, and I graduated with 92% in my 12th exams. However, due to the unforeseen circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, my college experience was unique. I took my exams remotely, and I’m yet to physically visit my university for my degree. But despite these challenges, my passion for entrepreneurship remained undeterred and that’s how I started Sam & Marshall.

D2C Verse: It’s remarkable to see your determination at such a young age. As you embarked on your entrepreneurial journey, what were the three significant challenges you faced and overcame?

Abdus Samad: Being a bootstrapped company, finance was a major challenge. At several points, we struggled with limited funds, and it forced us to be resourceful and creative in managing our expenses. Additionally, building a customer base proved to be another hurdle. In the early stages, it was challenging to generate sales and establish our brand presence. We had to persevere, constantly adapt our strategies, and leverage online platforms to reach our target audience. Lastly, as a small team, we faced the pressure of multitasking and handling various aspects of the business. We had to wear multiple hats, from sales to tech, and it required tremendous effort and resilience to keep everything running smoothly.

D2C Verse: Can you share a bit about your customer base and any notable achievements you are proud of?

Abdus Samad: Absolutely! Our customer base has been steadily growing, and we have served around one million customers to date. However, our reach extends beyond that, as we are now reaching around 3.5 to 4 million people monthly through various marketing channels. In terms of notable achievements, I’m particularly proud of the sales milestone we achieved in October 2022. During that month, we consistently averaged sales of 1.5 to 2 lakhs per day. It was an unexpected accomplishment, and it validated the hard work we had put into our brand and products.

D2C Verse: That’s remarkable growth! Could you shed some light on the specific strategies and tactics that contributed to your success?

Abdus Samad: Certainly! One of the key strategies that played a crucial role in our growth was our focus on digital marketing. We recognized the power of online platforms in reaching a wider audience, so we heavily invested in social media marketing, search engine optimization, and influencer collaborations. By creating engaging content and leveraging popular social media platforms, we were able to connect with our target demographic and build brand awareness.

Another tactic that contributed to our success was our commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. We made it a priority to provide personalized support, timely responses to customer inquiries, and quick resolutions to any issues. This helped us build trust and loyalty among our customers, leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

Additionally, we constantly worked on improving our products and expanding our product line. We listened to customer feedback, conducted market research, and introduced new and innovative products that resonated with our target market. This allowed us to stay ahead of the competition and meet the evolving needs of our customers.

D2C Verse: It’s evident that your strategic approach and customer-centric focus have played a significant role in your success. Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations for Sam & Marshall?

Abdus Samad: Our ultimate goal is to establish Sam and Marshall as a globally recognized brand. We aim to expand our reach to international markets and become a household name in the e-commerce industry. 

With the advent of virtual platforms, there will be a time in about three to four years when people will crave offline stores. We plan to open an offline store in 2024 and expand to other markets online. 

We aim to provide a unique experience to our customers and build a community around our brand. Additionally, we will launch innovative products that differentiate us from others. We believe in discontinuing products after a certain period to maintain exclusivity. In the future, we also plan to organize offline events, mainly in Delhi and Mumbai to engage with our customers.

D2C Verse: That’s wonderful. Do you have any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs who are starting their journey?

Abdus Samad: Believe in yourself and your ideas. If you have 60% perseverance — you’re confident in your brand, the way you do business, and your production — nothing can stop you. There will be challenges along the way that might throw you off course. Sometimes you won’t even realize it. The rest of 40% is about being disciplined. Show up every day and be committed to your goals.

Harsh Palrecha, a prolific young entrepreneur, has carved a niche for himself in the fashion industry with Blaxk. At just 17, Harsh was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug.  In this exclusive interview, Harsh shares insights into the inception of Blaxk, being the CEO and founder at a young age, the challenges faced along the way, and his vision for the future.

D2C Verse: When did you first decide to become an entrepreneur? 

Harsh Palrecha: When I was 13 years old, I had a strong desire to start my own company. I started with a music production company where I released music for other artists and did freelance work by distributing their music through my label. I earned my first $500 to $600 from this venture. However, being young, I didn’t know how to manage the money properly, and I spent it on things that weren’t really important.

Eventually, I realized that people were paying me to distribute their music, so I decided to close down that company and started a gaming company instead. Now, with Blaxk, this is my third stint at entrepreneurship. 

D2C Verse: What was the first thought behind Blaxk?

Harsh Palrecha: During the lockdown in 2020, I shut down my first gaming start up. I realized that I couldn’t keep up with the technology advancements with such a small team. That’s when I discovered the significance of fashion in people’s lives and decided to give it a go. 

The name “Blaxk” is inspired by the color black and is a clever play on words — a symbol of taking fashion to the extreme level.

D2C Verse: What were the three big challenges you faced in the beginning?

Harsh Palrecha: There were three main challenges we faced. The first one was inventory, which means having enough products to sell. We had a contract with a company in the UK that provided us with a space in their warehouse to store our inventory. We didn’t want to have a lot of inventory because we couldn’t afford it, so we agreed on a small Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) with them. They now handle shipping for us, even if it’s just a single piece.

You might think it’s difficult to ship from the UK instead of having a place in India, but the designs we have can only be manufactured in the UK warehouse, not in India.

For styling and design, I had two people helping me. One was a designer named Anne, who was my friend from the UK. I asked her to create designs for the Western fashion segment, and we worked on it together. I also hired a fashion executive who helped me choose the best designs.

As for capital, in the beginning, I didn’t have a lot of money. But as I started working on my business, my dad saw my dedication and supported me. He provided me with some capital to start and grow my business.

D2C Verse: Did you plan on finding funding for your company?

Harsh Palrecha: Well, initially, my father provided the investment for the company. Whenever I needed money for things like campaigns or photo shoots, I would ask my dad, and he would give me the capital. We didn’t have a fixed amount of capital like 10 lakh rupees that we had to use. It was more flexible.

I am the sole founder of Blaxk, and I hold the positions of CEO and founder. However, now we are bringing in some other companies and getting investments. The process is still ongoing, and our company’s valuation is now at six crores.

D2C Verse: What are your plans to grow your business?

Harsh Palrecha: We are currently focused on the D2C segment and plan to maximize our online presence and reach as many people as possible through our website and online platforms.

However, we also understand the importance of providing a hands-on experience to our customers. So, in the near future, we plan to open physical stores where people can come and see our products in person. This way, they can get a better understanding of the quality and craftsmanship of our Blaxk products.

D2C Verse: Are you focusing more on marketing efforts, or are you gaining customers organically? 

Harsh Palrecha: Currently, we have around 150 to 200 customers. Most of our customers come through word-of-mouth or organic discovery, rather than extensive marketing efforts. We have exclusive collections, and they tend to sell out quickly because we only produce a limited number of outfits. Our approach is to create a sense of exclusivity.

In terms of services, we provide fashion news and have our own magazines where we share exclusive styling tips and combinations. We even offer the option to purchase a PDF version, which costs less. At this stage, we are not making significant profits, but we are also not experiencing any losses. The main focus is on building a strong customer base and establishing Blaxk as a desirable brand.

D2C Verse: What is the biggest source of your motivation?

Harsh Palrecha: I have always faced failures in various aspects of my life, whether it was academics or sports. Those failures didn’t discourage me because I understood that they were part of life’s journey. When I started Blaxk, I started receiving positive feedback. We were getting leads, making sales, and gaining recognition. These positive experiences motivated me and gave me the drive to keep moving forward.

D2C Verse: What would be your advice for fellow entrepreneurs?

Harsh Palrecha: My one piece of advice for young entrepreneurs would be to not let other people influence you too much. Sometimes, the people who claim to know how to make money are actually in debt themselves. Trust your own instincts and listen to the advice of those whom you genuinely trust and believe in. Ultimately, make decisions for yourself and follow your own path. 

 

‘House Of Chikankari’ went from a small business to a social media sensation in just six months after the ₹75 lakh ‘Shark Tank’ funding. Aakriti Rawal, Co-Founder and CEO, speaks to D2C Verse in an exclusive interview and shares how the business has changed. From the biggest challenges to learning from Aman Gupta (boAt) and Peyush Bansal (LensKart), hear all her entrepreneurial secrets.

In January 2023, House of Chikankari achieved one of its biggest milestones. Mother and daughter duo Aakriti and Poonam Rawal shared their entrepreneurial journey on Shark Tank India Season 2 and received offers from four out of five ‘Sharks’. After an electrifying contest, they blocked a deal with Aman Gupta, Co-Founder and CMO of boAt and Peyush Bansal, Co-Founder and CEO of Lenskart.

A lot has changed since then. 

House of Chikankari has become a household name with over 270,000 followers on Instagram and over a million customers. “We are striving tirelessly to make India’s heritage craft of Chikankari a household essential and take Lucknow to the world.” 

In an exclusive interview with D2C Verse, Aakriti Rawal reflects upon her journey and sheds light on her success mantra in the journey.

D2C Verse: When did the idea of ‘House Of Chikankari’ first come to you?

Aakriti Rawal: I was only 13 years old when I first told my mother I wanted to build something of my own. At that time, I didn’t know what it would be. For over 20 years, my mom was a homemaker and she also loved to design clothes on the side.

In 2020, after I quit my job at a fashion startup, I started hunting for a business idea. Somehow, at the same time, a hand embroidery tailor asked my mother for more work as he had lost his job.

I started researching about the fashion industry and came across chikankari. I noticed then that my mother already had many chikankari dresses. 

The idea was born there and our journey began.

D2C Verse: What were some roadblocks that came your way in the journey?

Aakriti Rawal: Three major challenges came our way when we just started our brand. 

First, the traditional hand embroidery industry was highly disorganized and limited to local stores and regional markets. To reach a larger audience, we had to bring it onto a large-scale eCommerce platform. Convincing our partners about the differences between eCommerce and local stores while emphasizing the importance of maintaining quality in online sales was a huge hurdle.

Second, gaining trust from the audience was crucial. In India, most people still rely on Cash-On-Delivery and other assurances. Fortunately, we had a strong Instagram community that helped us build trust among new customers. Many influencers collaborated with us on a barter deal and that played a vital role in establishing trust.

Third, as our company grew, it was difficult for my mother and I to let go of control. Initially, we handled everything ourselves, but to achieve our vision, we needed to build a team we could trust. It was challenging to relinquish control and avoid micromanaging every aspect. However, we were blessed to have an exceptional team that not only believes in our vision but also surpasses our expectations.

D2C Verse: How did you and your mother, Poonam Rawal, decide to become business partners? Was it difficult or easy to work with each other?

Aakriti Rawal: If someone had asked me five years ago whether I could imagine my mother being my business partner, I don’t think I would have believed it. It happened naturally. She had been searching for her own identity for 20 years while I was looking for a business idea in 2020. It turned out that her knowledge of production and fabrics fit perfectly with my idea. We didn’t plan it. It just felt right to work together.

Our journey together has been amazing even with all its challenges. I have incredible support from her on all the things I’m not good at, and I do the same for her. We understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses very well. Sometimes we might have contrasting opinions but working together has never been difficult. We have a deep respect for each other’s expertise and that works in our favour.

D2C Verse: Did you always have a fascination for chikankari and how tough is it to maintain the styles, silhouettes and quality?

Aakriti Rawal: My mom has always loved the art of chikankari and has a huge collection of garments. I, on the other hand, am new to it. Together, we are turning it into something special at the House of Chikankari. Chikankari used to be popular among people above 40 and mostly sold offline. Our goal is to introduce it to a younger audience, specifically millennials in the age group of 20 to 35.

Maintaining styles, uniqueness, and quality is a challenge, but with proper guidelines and dedication, we have succeeded in the past two and a half years. We have already served over 70,000 customers, and our commitment to providing excellent service and following our protocols will remain unchanged.

D2C Verse: Share one heartwarming incident from your entrepreneurial journey that keeps you motivated to never give up.

Aakriti Rawal: For an entrepreneur, the ultimate goal is to make a positive impact on their team and society. When we started, we didn’t fully realize the impact we were creating. What keeps me motivated is seeing our team members grow. Many of them joined us two and a half years ago, when they were struggling during COVID-19. Many were children of our domestic help, who were facing unemployment or working odd jobs.

We formed a small community of people from our local area, and it brings immense joy to see their growth. They have become quality check heads, dispatch heads, and their confidence has soared. Their eyes light up when they come to the office. Seeing their progress keeps us motivated.

While we hope our company continues to grow, our greatest hope is that our team members grow alongside us and achieve their dreams. The impact on our team is a major driving force for both of us.

D2C Verse: How has the business changed after ‘Shark Tank’ and how has it been to have Aman Gupta and Peyush Bansal onboard?

Aakriti Rawal: Our Instagram following has grown to over 200,000 followers in just six months. Sales have skyrocketed, and our team has expanded to 20 people. We’ve had the privilege of attending prestigious events and have media houses reaching out to us.

Our customers are delighted and proud of our achievements, showering us with love and support. It has motivated our team to strive for greater accomplishments. The journey feels surreal. Now, our focus is on maintaining and retaining that success while continuing to grow.

There are three significant benefits we gained from partnering with Aman and Peyush. First, their guidance saves us a lot of time in decision-making. We no longer get stuck for months; their expertise helps us make quicker choices. 

Second, we are not alone anymore. Their teams provide invaluable guidance on scaling operations, giving us a broader perspective.

And third, Aman and Peyush bring their extensive experience and wisdom to the table. Learning from their mistakes and insights is invaluable and goes beyond monetary value. We are incredibly grateful to have them onboard and wouldn’t have it any other way.

D2C Verse: What’s your advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? One thing they must do and one thing they should avoid.

Aakriti Rawal: Don’t let fear hold you back from starting your journey. It took me years to gather the courage to call myself an entrepreneur—even though deep down, I always knew it was my dream.

So, my advice is: don’t be scared to take that leap. Embrace the chance and don’t fear making mistakes along the way. It took me five years to decide, and I wish I had started sooner.

Once you begin, stay positive and show up consistently. Even on the tough days when getting out of bed feels difficult, it’s crucial to keep going. Remember, showing up is 90% of the job. And when you look back, those bad days will become moments you laugh about.

So, be bold, be consistent, and show up. Start your journey without hesitation and embrace the challenges with determination. Success comes to those who take risks.