Staying in business is a revolutionary job; the topic of conversation among the people is when every move in that arena is closely monitored and conveyed to the customers.
Today’s Inspirational Segment is an interview with two young business entrepreneurs who are friends who cherish every customer who approaches them and takes their needs to heart.
Co-founders of Label Akriti & Bhavna came to publish their signature in the fashion world with their confidence and dreams – through a conversation with Akriti Kapoor & Bhavna Varma.
How did your families react at first when you planned to start your business?
Akriti & Bhavna: “When Akriti and I first discussed this with our parents, they gave us their approval instantly. They were thrilled as we both were following our passion and gave us their full support.”
How did you get funds to start your business?
Akriti & Bhavna: “Our father’s invested in our business initially, and after getting some progress and returns, we started managing it ourselves.”
Are you running your store online or offline?
Akriti & Bhavna: “We are online, currently. But we want our studio in the future. “
How was the experience when you decided to start a new venture during COVID-19? What forced you to chase your dreams without bothering you during this hectic situation?
Akriti & Bhavna: “Our passion is what helped us keep going, and keeping in mind all the challenges we will face because of COVID-19 Pandemic, and then we launched our Business Label. We were mentally prepared for all the obstacles and hurdles in the situation.
The moral support we received from our families were beyond belief. We are the kind of people that are very optimistic in life, and we get a sense of satisfaction from facing challenges head-on.”
Being a woman, have you faced any challenging situations?
Akriti & Bhavna: “No, as with changing society, there are more opportunities for female entrepreneurs. Female entrepreneurship growth has increased rapidly, and Fashion is one of the industries currently having major success for female entrepreneurs. And, with the support of our family and friends, we hope to keep thriving.”
How do you maintain rapport with your customer?
Akriti & Bhavna: “As we deal with more personalized orders, we get to know the customers’ choices in-depth, and that’s how we understand them better; this helps us give them honest suggestions and keep the relationship more personal. We also follow up with our clients regularly.”
From where do you purchase the materials? And do you require travelling to get the suitable material?
Akriti & Bhavna: “We have various vendors in and around Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan. Yes, we do require travelling a lot. Some vendors do send us things through courier, and sometimes we have to visit places.”
How are you balancing your professional life and personal life? Any tips?
Akriti & Bhavna: “Honestly, we don’t differentiate both our lives. We find joy in working, and just how the saying goes- Do what keeps you happy. We find peace and happiness in our work.”
How are you overcoming your work tension?
Akriti & Bhavna: “We are very optimistic and find something positive in every situation. We don’t let little hurdles get to us. We confide in each other when things get a little tough. We are partners cum best friends and each other’s unpaid therapists too. We support and motivate each other, which keeps us going. And, since we are doing what we love, the positivity and motivation come from within.”
What are your plan for the label?
Akriti & Bhavna: “We hope to see our Label grow in terms of Relation, Fashion, Finance and every other aspect a business could grow. We want to open our stores in most cities of India first and expand internationally in the future.”
Could you please briefly explain the steps to start a new business. Because it will help many women who want to create and don’t know how or where to start?
Akriti & Bhavna: “First and foremost, believe in yourself. Realign your day-to-day efforts with expectations you have for your future. Surround yourself with people you admire to raise the bar for yourself, so you accomplish more. Don’t get discouraged by little obstacles, and try to find your way back with more determination and enthusiasm. Always be positive.”
Would you please share one motivational quote which always motivates you?
Akriti & Bhavna: “There’s a quote by Vivienne Westwood- “Fashion is very important. It is life-enhancing and, like everything that gives pleasure, it’s worth doing well”. This quote is our fashion mantra, and we always follow it.”
Would you please share about your friendship bond as business partners?
Akriti & Bhavna: “We both understand each other very well as we have been friends for nine years now. Our choices and decisions align well with each other as friends and as partners. We always believe in honesty and respect for each other, and that’s the foundation of our friendship and as business partners.”
These two friends met in the early years of Bachelor of Management Studies at Thakur College of Science & Commerce. Later, they turned to different careers. Fortunately, they realized that their dream was not a reality and decided to enter the fashion industry; the hustle and bustle of this project, which has been going on for almost two years, is now a part of their lives Akriti and Bhavna.
Even the brand tagline of Label Akriti & Bhavna, recognizing that corporate career is not our way, is remarkable – ‘Your Structure, Your feelings’.
Their triumphant journey is an inspiration to any woman. These two young women gems who have become a strong presence in the business arena have earned their place in the fashion industry.
They are looking forward to keeping pace with the fashion world to introduce a new variety of ideas and contributions to their customers with a vibe tone of confidence and smile. My sincere thanks to both of these young and charming ladies, Akriti & Bhavna, for sharing the most beautiful journey of an inspirational life.
