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Nihar Lohiya’s SuperErgo: Revolutionizing Workplaces for Modern Professionals

In today’s world, where many of us spend long hours seated at our desks, the importance of ergonomic furniture has never been greater. It’s no longer just a luxury reserved for a few; it’s become an essential part of maintaining our health and well-being in the workplace. Recognizing this critical need, Nihar Lohiya, the visionary founder of SuperErgo, has made it his mission to design and deliver seating solutions that go beyond mere functionality.

Nihar understands that the furniture we use daily directly impacts our physical health, productivity, and overall quality of life. With this in mind, he has dedicated himself to creating innovative products that prioritize comfort without compromising on style. His approach to ergonomic design is rooted in a deep understanding of the human body and its needs. Nihar’s journey began with a simple yet powerful idea: to make well-designed, health-promoting furniture accessible to everyone, regardless of budget.

SuperErgo is not just about selling chairs; it’s about revolutionizing the way we think about our workspaces.By focusing on affordability without sacrificing quality, Nihar is making it possible for more people to experience the benefits of ergonomic seating, thereby contributing to their long-term well-being.

Nihar Lohiya’s Ergonomic Vision

Nihar Lohiya’s journey into the world of ergonomic design is deeply rooted in his profound understanding of the human body and its specific needs, particularly in the modern workspace. Having observed the strain that poor posture and uncomfortable furniture can have on individuals, especially those who spend long hours at their desks, Nihar became passionate about finding solutions that could enhance both comfort and productivity.

This passion led him to establish SuperErgo, a company dedicated to transforming work environments by creating ergonomic furniture that goes beyond mere aesthetics. For Nihar, it wasn’t just about designing furniture that looked good; he wanted to develop products that truly supported the physical well-being of users. His vision was to improve the quality of life for working professionals by providing them with furniture that not only complements the modern office but also promotes healthier habits and better posture.

SuperErgo’s mission is clear: to make ergonomics accessible to everyone. Nihar believes that everyone deserves a workspace that feels as good as it looks, and his commitment to this cause drives every aspect of the company’s operations. From the initial design phase to the final product, Nihar ensures that each piece of furniture meets the highest standards of comfort and functionality.

How SuperErgo is Impacting Modern Workplaces

SuperErgo has made a significant impact on modern workplaces by offering a range of ergonomic chairs designed to alleviate discomfort, reduce strain, and improve overall well-being. SuperErgo is revolutionizing the industry primarily through its substantial health benefits.

SuperErgo chairs are designed with your comfort and well-being in mind. They support your spine’s natural curve to help prevent back pain and other problems. Plus, you can adjust the chair’s height, armrests, and lumbar support to find the perfect fit for your body. These chairs are built to last, so you can enjoy their benefits for years to come. And with their sleek and modern designs, SuperErgo chairs will look great in any office setting.

The Benefits of Investing in Ergonomic Furniture

By investing in ergonomic furniture like SuperErgo chairs, businesses can:

Improve Employee Morale: Happy and healthy employees are more productive and engaged. Ergonomic furniture can contribute to a positive work environment and boost morale.

Reduce Absenteeism: Back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders can lead to missed workdays. Ergonomic chairs can help prevent these issues and reduce absenteeism.

Enhance Productivity: When employees are comfortable and supported, they can focus on their work without distractions. Ergonomic furniture can improve productivity and efficiency.

Demonstrate Corporate Social Responsibility: Investing in employee health and well-being is a key aspect of corporate social responsibility. Ergonomic furniture shows a commitment to creating a healthy and sustainable workplace.

Conclusion

SuperErgo isn’t just about selling furniture; it’s about promoting a healthier, more productive way of working, where every element of the workspace is tailored to support the individual needs of the user. Through SuperErgo, Nihar Lohiya is making a significant impact on how we approach workspaces, ensuring that they contribute positively to our daily lives.

Nihar Lohiya’s SuperErgo has emerged as a leading provider of ergonomic furniture, revolutionizing the way we think about workplace seating. By prioritizing health, comfort, and sustainability, SuperErgo chairs are empowering modern professionals to work more efficiently and live healthier lives.

Dream Big, Build Big: The DRIVE FITT Story

The combination of passion, vision, and entrepreneurship often results in brilliant ideas. DRIVE FITT is a perfect case in point. This groundbreaking initiative, developed by a formidable team, has revolutionized the fitness industry in India.

Leading DRIVE FITT are accomplished individuals from diverse fields. Bollywood star Preity Zinta adds her fame and business skills, while rising cricket talent Shubman Gill contributes his athletic excellence and popularity. Together with business experts Mark Sellar and Deke Smith, they create a powerful team.

A Match Made in Fitness


The idea for DRIVE FITT was born out of a shared passion for cricket and fitness. Recognizing the massive cricket fan base in India, the founders saw an opportunity to create a space that catered to both physical and mental well-being.

By merging the excitement of cricket with the discipline of fitness, they aimed to create a holistic experience for fitness enthusiasts. The founders saw a clear gap in the availability of flexible, round-the-clock fitness and cricket training facilities that cater to a wide range of schedules and preferences.

DRIVE FITT is open all day and night, so you can work out whenever you want. It has cool places to train for cricket, do yoga, and get strong and fit. You can buy different plans to use DRIVE FITT.

A daily pass costs about Rs 1,000, a monthly membership starts at Rs 7,000, and an annual membership can go up to Rs 35,000. There are also family memberships for two adults and one or two children.

You can get personal training, cricket coaching, and join group classes. These classes use special training methods created by Shubman Gill,Australian cricketer Chris Lynn, and former Aussie fast-bowler Ryan Harris, who are all part of DRIVE FITT.

Inspiration for Aspiring Entrepreneurs


DRIVE FITT’s success story inspires entrepreneurs, highlighting market gap identification, passion leverage, and team building.

The founders, who include well-known cricketers like Shubman Gill, Chris Lynn, and Ryan Harris, brought their deep love and knowledge of the sport into the business. This passion translated into the development of cricket-infused training methods, adding a unique twist to the traditional fitness regimen and appealing to a niche audience of cricket enthusiasts.

Building a strong team has been another critical element of DRIVE FITT’s success. The collaboration between professional athletes and business experts has created a robust foundation for the venture.

DRIVE FITT’s journey demonstrates that success in business does not solely rely on industry expertise. Instead, it is about recognizing a need, developing a compelling solution, and executing it with unwavering passion and determination. DRIVE FITT has shown that innovative thinking, combined with a strong execution strategy, can lead to remarkable achievements.

In short, DRIVE FITT defines an entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing how a clear vision, coupled with passion, teamwork, and innovative thinking, can turn a business idea into a thriving enterprise. For aspiring entrepreneurs, DRIVE FITT’s story is a reminder that success is within reach when you identify opportunities, leverage your strengths, and execute your plans with dedication and enthusiasm.


You Can Do It Too!


Maybe you have a great idea too. Maybe you want to start a club, invent a game, or help people in your neighborhood. Remember, the people who made DRIVE FITT started with a simple idea. So, dream big and start building your own amazing adventure!

Do you have a big idea?

From Bootstrapped to Billions in Miraggio Style!

Have you ever felt stuck between two worlds? In the world of handbags, that’s exactly where most women find themselves. On the one hand, there are luxurious designer brands with sky-high price tags. On the other hand, mass-market options might not always scream “quality.”

But what if there was a sweet spot in the middle? Enter Miraggio, the Indian handbag brand carving its path in the industry. Their story is nothing short of inspiring!

Imagine starting a brand with sheer grit and determination. That’s exactly what Mohit Jain, the founder of Miraggio, did. In 2019, he set out to create a brand that offered high-quality, stylish handbags without the luxury price tag. He saw a gap in the market – a space for women who craved a premium experience without breaking the bank.

Miraggio is different from your typical brand. They skipped the traditional brick-and-mortar route and went straight to where the modern shopper lives – the internet! Their online store and presence on major marketplaces like Myntra and Amazon allowed them to reach a wide audience quickly. But it wasn’t just about selling bags. Miraggio built a brand. They focused on staying ahead of trends, launching new designs every month, and offering exceptional customer service. This digital-first approach has been a key differentiator for them.

Miraggio isn’t just about fashion; it’s about empowering women. They understand that a handbag is more than just an accessory; it’s an extension of your personality. Their designs are stylish and practical, catering to the needs of the modern woman on the go. Plus, they stand by ethical practices and sustainability. Their bags are crafted from high-quality faux leather and use recyclable materials for packaging, even including a reusable dust bag with every purchase. It’s the little details that make a big difference!

The Miraggio Magic by Mohit Jain 

Miraggio’s journey is far from over. With a clear vision and a commitment to innovation, they’re setting their sights on a whopping Rs 100 crore annual recurring revenue by FY25. They’re expanding their reach beyond the digital world, partnering with multi-brand stores and planning airport kiosks. This omnichannel approach will allow them to connect with customers on a whole new level.

So, what’s the secret sauce behind Miraggio’s success? It combines factors – a deep understanding of the market, a commitment to quality and affordability, and a focus on building a brand that resonates with women. They’ve proven you don’t need billions to start a billion-dollar dream. All you need is a good idea, a lot of heart, and the “Miraggio Style” – a blend of innovation, sustainability, and a dedication to the modern woman.

Looking for a stylish handbag that won’t break the bank? Check out Miraggio’s collection and see why they’re taking the Indian fashion scene by storm!

Cloudphysician Scores $10.5 Million to Scale Up AI-Powered Critical Care Solutions

Cloudphysician, a healthcare startup founded in 2017 by doctors Dhruv Joshi and Dileep Raman, recently secured $10.5 million in Series A funding. The company aims to address the shortage of critical care resources in hospitals.

Their main offering is RADAR, a digital platform that helps manage ICUs and emergency departments. It allows for remote specialist consultations and improves communication among medical staff. The system is a support tool for healthcare professionals, helping them monitor patients and streamline operations.

This funding round marks a significant step for Cloudphysician. It reflects growing interest in healthcare technology that can help hospitals handle the challenges of limited resources and high patient volumes.

The founders saw a problem in hospitals struggling with overcrowded ICUs and limited specialist access. Their solution combines AI technology with medical expertise to provide a practical tool for everyday use in critical care settings.

While it’s still in the early days, Cloudphysician’s growth shows how innovative thinking in healthcare can attract investment and potentially improve patient care. The company’s progress highlights the ongoing efforts to use technology to address real-world medical challenges.

Cloudphysician’s Strategic Growth Plans

Doctors Joshi and Raman spotted a big problem in hospitals – not enough critical care experts to go around. They decided to tackle this issue head-on. Using their medical knowledge and business smarts, they created Cloudphysician to help fill this gap. Their hard work is starting to pay off, as shown by their recent funding success.

Cloudphysician just got $10.5 million from some big investors. This money is a vote of confidence in their idea and approach. Peak XV Partners led the investment, with Elevar Equity and Panthera Peak also chipping in.

This story shows how identifying a real problem in healthcare can lead to a business idea with potential for growth. Cloudphysician is using technology to connect critical care experts with hospitals that need them. It’s a practical approach to a serious issue, and now they have the funding to see how far they can take it.

The Power of AI & Entrepreneurship in Action

Cloudphysician’s story shows what can happen when people spot a problem and work hard to fix it. Doctors Joshi and Raman saw that hospitals often struggled to get expert help for their sickest patients. They decided to do something about it.

Here’s what we can learn from them:

1. Find a real problem: They didn’t just come up with a random idea. They saw a serious issue in hospitals and focused on solving it.

2. Use tech smartly: They’re using AI to help doctors make better decisions. It’s not about replacing people, but giving them better tools.

3. Work with others: While the two doctors started it, they’ve built a team to help make their idea work. No one does big things alone.

4. Get money to grow: They started small, but getting $10.5 million from investors means they can now do much more.

This funding is a big deal for Cloudphysician. It means they can reach more hospitals and maybe even expand to other countries. They’ll also be able to improve their RADAR system to make it even more helpful for doctors and nurses.

Their story shows that good ideas in healthcare can attract support and potentially make a real difference. It’s not just about making money, but about trying to improve how we care for very sick people.

For anyone thinking about starting a business, especially in healthcare, Cloudphysician’s progress is encouraging. It shows that with hard work and a good idea, it’s possible to get support and grow. But it’s important to remember that they’re still in the early stages, and there’s a lot of work ahead to prove their approach really works better than what hospitals do now.

FOAMO-ing the Skincare Sector!

Business Name: FOAMO-IS

Entrepreneurs: Isha Kapoor & Siddhi Kapoor

Welcome to Entrepreneurs of India #startupstories episode 153 

Skincare is one of the most competitive and aggressive sectors in India. Two sisters from Kolkata- Isha Kapoor & Siddhi Kapoor – launched FOAMO – IS, their skincare brand that sells bath essentials, daring this fierce competition from the biggies in the industry. They wanted to make bathing a unique and luxurious experience. Within a short span of time, they became successful in their venture and attracted a good number of customers from across the country. 

Customised bathing bars are the uniqueness of FOAMO- IS. “Each soap bar is created and customised as per customer needs keeping in mind their skin type and preferences labelled with millennial phrases, words and abbreviations,” they say. 

FOAMO -IS has partnership with an all-women NGO based out of Kolkata for packaging and procurement of the products. This way, the brand is also promoting social entrepreneurship. 

We sit with the founders, Isha and Siddhi, to unravel the complete story of FOAMO- IS. 

1) How did you get your idea for this business?

Since a child I have been obsessed with soaps – where kids would choose chocolates I’d prefer soaps!  As a kid, my Nanu would take me to the supermarket and the only thing that caught my eyes were soaps. He says, this one time I forced him to buy me the most expensive soaps not just one but ten of them! Since, then people keep gifting me handmade soaps from all over the world!

After completing my masters from Hult International Business School, Dubai I got back to my city with a vision to start my entrepreneurial journey in a completely different field – (FOAMO was not in the picture at all).  But soon enough, unfortunately because of the pandemic things stood at a stand-still. 

My Instagram explore has literally always been about soaps and soap making (which no-one knows) and I found the reason to follow my passion in the lockdown which is when I ordered my first DIY soap making kit and FOAMO-IS was born soon after. 

After weeks of researching, attending online workshops, brainstorming, collaborating, procuring material (which was difficult during the lockdown) my sister, Siddhi and me set up the entire business and got the brand up and running in August 2020. 

2) Why is “now” a good time for this idea to exist?

Looking at people shifting from commercial brands to homegrown, sustainable, organic, eco-friendly brands and becoming conscious of the products they use is why I feel now is the perfect time for us! The two most important elements millennials are on a look out for while purchasing  products are the ingredients used in the products and personalisation/ customisation of products. And our products have both of these requisites incorporated.

3) What was the reaction from your family when you first decided to become an entrepreneur?

My parents have always been super supportive. To the extent that all four of us brainstormed on the brand name  and ultimately my parents are the ones who came up with the name FOAMO (FOAM + FOMO). Yes, they’re well aware of the millennial lingo!

4) What was your biggest mistake in business and what did you learn from it?

FOAMO - Soaps

In the first 3 months of FOAMO, the one thing I would say my biggest mistake was not delegating work. Initially, I thought I could do it all, from manufacturing, packaging, designing, social media, finance, etc., and hire once things are up and running. But that is definitely not how things work.

Building a small team and delegating work from day one is extremely important for kickstarting any startup and the smooth flow of operations. Even if you feel you can do it all alone, remember that once your startup is up running, and growing you would definitely need more hands and you can surely avoid the chaos later. 

5) What is your biggest obstacle in the next 12 months and how will you overcome it?

I wouldn’t call these as obstacles but the rood ahead for me is to set up a manufacturing unit, scale/ expand, collaborate,  build a team (which is already in process), revamp things a little and get FOAMO to be the next big brand everyone talks about! I guess I really need to pace it up quicker!

6) What habits contribute to your success?

I would say, I am someone who is hard-working, committed (once I make up my mind on doing something I will make sure I complete the task), eager to learn, motivated, planned,  creative and a perfectionist. 

7) If you had the opportunity to start this business again what would you do differently?

FOAMO - handmade soaps

If I had the opportunity to start this business again the only thing I would do differently is work on the mistake I made as mentioned above. Definitely hire and train my team before the launch of the brand. 

8) What is your favourite book?

My favourite book is – Ikigai. The book is about finding your purpose in life and giving in your 100% to achieve it. Find your passion or that one unique element in your life that would make you jump out of bed each morning!

9) What is your favourite quote?

“Don’t worry about being successful but work towards being significant and the success will naturally follow.”

10) Where do you find inspiration?

My inspiration would be my family and friends. As the saying goes “Your vibe attracts your tribe” and I believe in this completely. Surround yourself with people you feel inspired and motivated by and who push you to do better everyday. That is my mantra!

11) What advice would you give to someone starting out?

For someone just starting out as an entrepreneur, I would say,  you got to take the first leap of faith – even if you fail, you would at least not regret the fact that you did not give it a shot! You wouldn’t know how good you are unless you don’t try! 

EOI Summary

Entrepreneurship is not a comfort zone. You will face numerous hurdles on the way. You will be successful only if you tackle them.

Isha and Siddhi transformed their childhood passion for soaps into a sustainable business model. They successfully found a unique set of customers who bought their products. Now FOAMO-IS is the talk of the town with an expanding customer base.

As they rightly pointed out, you need to take a leap of faith when you’re starting a business. Everything falls in place if you’re focused on providing the best experience for customers.

You can follow FOAMO-IS on Instagram here.

FOAMO -IS founders

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Ayush Wadhwa: A Filmmaker-Entrepreneur Who Carved a Niche for Himself in the Digital Space

Entrepreneur: Ayush Wadhwa

Business Name: Owled Media

Welcome to Entrepreneurs of India #startupstories episode 152

Ayush Wadhwa comes from a small town in Haryana. But he had big dreams in his pocket.  The regular things of a teenager bored him. He wanted to pursue an offbeat path. Ayush, along with his friend, started creating videos and tech blogs when he was just thirteen. His parents thought he was doing some creepy things online. They realized his talent only when he received a cheque from Google. 

Fast forward to 2021, Ayush grew from an awesomely creative lad to a successful entrepreneur & filmmaker who creates engaging videos for top brands across the globe. Today, this BITS Pilani student is one of the most sought-after filmmakers in the digital advertising space.  He now spearheads Owled Media, a leading name in the digital content creation space.  Catch a glimpse of his exciting story in this episode of startup stories. 

1) How did you get your idea for this business?  

It started off with a cold email to our first client in August when I was done with my share of contemplation and Ludo in the lockdown.  

I always say that OWLED has been in the making since I established my first company as a  class 9th student, but the lockdown just gave me enough break from my hectic freelance travelling schedule that it happened.  

2) Why is “now” a good time for this idea to exist?  

Video is the future – content consumption stats have exploded, especially after COVID and more and more brands are realising the importance of highly engaging videos & Instagram filters – and we are standing at the forefront!  

3) What was the reaction from your family when you first decided to become an entrepreneur?  

I have always been very crafty ever since I was a kid. Always fiddling around with my computer, playing games, making videos, or trying to make money online. So in some sense,  they saw it coming.  

4) What was your biggest mistake in business and what did you learn from it?

Ayush Wadhwa

 I couldn’t say NO in the beginning. I said YES to everything – and this led me to make some loose and bad decisions. Saying NO is a skill and a very important one.  

5) What is your biggest obstacle in the next 12 months and how will you overcome it? 

We’re completely bootstrapped. The company was started with my savings as a freelancer. 

Revenue has grown steadily, and it’s been reflecting nicely in the size of our team growth –  we were day 1 profitable!  

The challenge is to scale the business 5 folds in the coming 12 months. We are in line and are onboarding the biggest companies in the world.  

6) What habits contribute to your success?  

I haven’t reached my definition of “success” yet – but there are some habits that changed  my work life  

– ASK – Don’t be afraid of asking. Most people don’t ask. Nobody is going to hand you over things on a silver platter, go – ask – conquer.  

– Believing in yourself and surrounding yourself with the right kind of people is highly underrated. As the popular saying goes, “If you hang out with 5 successful people, you’ll be  the 6th one.”  

7) If you had the opportunity to start this business again what would you do differently?  

Ayush - work
Ayush with his client and serial entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo during a shoot.

Setting up principles early on – you have to realise what is negotiable and what is NOT  negotiable within the company – quality, value, discipline, and everything around it.  

8) What is your favourite inspirational quote?  

Grind is not glamorous. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.  

9) Where do you find inspiration?

It has been rather intrinsic most of the time, but one thing that keeps me going is that I  have always believed that I am meant to do something bigger than myself, which can significantly impact the world. It’s a belief I have had ever since I was a  kid – this drives me to work harder every day.  

10) What is your favourite book?  

Never Split The Difference – Chris Voss.  

11) What advice would you give to someone starting out? 

Plan & Implement Fast, and never look back – just keep at it. Success HAS to come – there’s no  other option (repeat this in your head) 

EOI Summary

The covid19 pandemic has put everything to a standstill and there’s an air of uncertainty around us. But sensible entrepreneurs roll up their sleeves to turn the scenario in their favour. Instead of retreating, Ayush went ahead and created Owled Media in the middle of the pandemic. He might have faced a lot of hurdles and questions. But he was sure about his path and where would it take him. Like he rightly pointed out, you need to plan and act fast to become successful in your entrepreneurial journey.

You can follow Ayush on Instagram here for amazing content.

Ayush - Startup Stories

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From a Trainer to an Edupreneur Who Helps Transform the Lives of Students – The Story Afzal Anjoom

Entrepreneur: Afzal Anjoom 

Business Name: Edufly 

Welcome to Entrepreneurs of India #startupstories episode 151

Afzal Anjoom dropped out of college before it became a trend. ‘In that sense, I am a trendsetter,’ he says. He trod a path of his own when most of his friends resorted to corporate jobs. He began as an English language trainer and single-handedly turned his entrepreneurial dreams into fruition. Today, Edufly, his brainchild, is one of the fastest-growing brands in the edtech & consultancy sector. Catch a glimpse of his swashbuckling entrepreneurial journey as we sit with Afzal for an in-depth conversation. 

1) How did you get your idea for this business?

We pioneered English language and IELTS training in the Malabar region of Kerala. Since then we have been getting enquiries from students to help them with study abroad services. We used to connect our students to other study abroad agents. The problem was students were not able to get everything at one place. For instance, they would go to an agency for study abroad consultancy and choose another agency for travel-related arrangement, which made the entire process a lot more difficult. 

In that scenario, we thought of launching a study abroad consultancy that provides a one-stop solution to all the study abroad needs of the students, from choosing the course to post-landing assistance. Our idea was to make the entire process as seamless and fast as possible. We partnered with Flyhind Tours & Travels, a popular travel agency in India and launched Edufly, a complete educational consultancy service.  

Now we have direct tie-ups with almost every top university across the globe, including top destinations like the US, UK, Canada, Germany, and other European countries. In addition to consultancy, we have a learning platform, which provides an opportunity for trainers and teachers to sell their courses, and offers quality educational content to learners. 

2) Why is “now” a good time for this idea to exist?

We are also delivering educational programs under the government’s National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). We help aspiring and eligible students get scholarships for study abroad programs. 

Indian students are now looking for more opportunities abroad. We help them get to their study abroad destination in a hassle-free way. Since our parent company, Flyhind, is a popular travel agency in India, we have representatives across the globe. We make use of this network to help  the students. 

We strive to create authentic and reliable study abroad solutions, customized for each student at an affordable price.  My team focuses on doing fewer applications with higher success rates. With the number of study abroad aspirants escalating every year. I think this is the best time for us to get to the next level. 

3) What was the reaction from your family when you first decided to become an entrepreneur?

Afzal Anjoom

As usual my parents wanted me to be safe with a stable job. My father, a contractor, greatly inspired me in my entrepreneurial journey. He had affluent experience in life and used to travel a lot. He taught me how to be self-reliant. I had the vivid memory of living in foreign countries since childhood. I don’t know but I used to say I would live in Vancouver during my school days. My thoughts were greatly influenced by the conversations I shared with my father. 

When I failed in engineering I wanted to help him financially, which was why I dipped my feet in entrepreneurship. I personally taught English to some well-off entrepreneurs in my town. It helped me build an extensive network. 

4) What was your biggest mistake in business and what did you learn from it?

At the earlier stage of my business, I didn’t have a proper vision when it came to promoting my brand. I wasn’t really exploring the new avenues of marketing. I focused on ensuring the best service to my client. In retrospect, I think I could’ve focused a lot more on marketing.

5) What is your biggest obstacle in the next 12 months and how will you overcome it?

The present pandemic situation poses a huge challenge to my business. But we are still proceeding with the application process of different study abroad programs since we need to get students there on time before the classes commence. 

Despite the pandemic we are working on many study abroad applications. The covid scenario in other countries is entirely different from that of India. The academic sector is already active there. My next challenge will be to deliver every study abroad application on time. There’s no point in refraining from work in the wake of covid. 

6) What habits contribute to your success?

I don’t know if it’s a habit, but I try to build an amiable mutual connection with people I meet. Also, I try to maintain my personal and professional circles without barging into their lives. In my opinion, the way I maintain my network has helped me in business. 

7) If you had the opportunity to start this business again what would you do differently?

My aim is to provide free and quality education to every student. If I had another opportunity to start off again, I would have tried to reach out to as many students as possible to help them with free education using different outreach methods. But now I am happy that I could impact thousands of aspiring learners in their journey to study abroad. 

Moreover, we are spearheading the government’s free education mission through our partnership with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Through this project, we have been able to transform the lives of many underprivileged students across the country. 

8) What is your favourite inspirational quote?

Happiness of life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. 

9) Where do you find aspiration?

I always feel inspired when I travel.  For instance, each time I visit a city or hill station I would get a new perspective on life. No matter how many times I visit those places, every new visit will always breed new thoughts. 

10) What is your favourite book?

My recent favourite is Dear Stranger, I Know How You Feel by Ashish Bagrecha. 

11) What advice would you give to someone starting out?

If you want to be successful, underpromise and overdeliver. It’s true that you are never ever going to be motivated every single day. Be productive and highly optimistic. Sometimes we may not feel motivated enough for the day, but we must push ourselves ahead. You can make use of your discipline to kill the days that could drain your energy. 

EOI Summary 

Entrepreneurship is not all about creating a fancy product and getting customers. It’s about how you solve the pressing problems of your prospective customers. Afzal’s journey from an aspiring youngster to a successful serial entrepreneur was full of hurdles, but he chose to face them with great enthusiasm. That made all the difference. 

Afzal Anjoom

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How He Transformed His Family Business into a Conglomerate – The Story of Karan Pawaskar

Entrepreneur: Karan Pawaskar

Business Name: Plutus Groups

Welcome to Entrepreneurs of India #startupstories episode 150

Taking a family business ahead with credibility is a Herculean task. But for Karan Pawaskar, it was a new opportunity as an entrepreneur. Expanding a traditional agricultural produce business into other domains wasn’t easy for Karan. But he pulled it off. He helmed the rebranding of the family business to create Plutus Groups, a conglomerate with a diversified business portfolio. 

Today Plutus Groups has an indomitable presence in a range of sectors including  agriculture, finance, crypto lending, real estate, public welfare, technology, and startups. We catch up with Karan, the man who spearheads Plutus Groups, for a quick conversation where he shares the story of Plutus Groups, the entrepreneurial challenges he encounters and his future plans for the company. 

1) How did you get your idea for this business?

During my initial days in the traditional family business, I realised the power of micro-finance and micro-investing. Where everybody can be a part of something that truly changes things around. While I laid its first setup with legal tech I got in touch with industry experts one by one starting new divisions and incorporating it with the Plutus Groups. 

We today bridge industry experts with investors, entrepreneurs and innovators. This combination has helped us to help some in need and finance ventures which wouldn’t have been done likewise. 

As of today we are in the process of Lateral integration with two Governments of North India with major movements that will benefit thousands of youth with a brighter future. Also introducing a Cloud university that will be the first time in India Sync number of placements with number of students accepted and not the other way round.

2) Why is “now” a good time for this idea to exist?

The pandemic has changed a lot of things in the financial structure of India. Many things that were not necessary before will be crucial henceforth from a general point of view. 

Policy making and its perspective def. and will need to change. I believe certain classes in India have not been receiving the same privileges as others. Here our concepts of micro-finance and regulated crypto lending will at the least give these chances.

Keeping a wider approach, it’s not banking with a motive to profit but creating an asset that gives returns in more than just money. Various greater impacts can be made with certain changes in national policies.

3) What was the reaction from your family when you first decided to become an entrepreneur?

They have always respected my decisions in life. Although most of my years educating myself I have lived away from home.

4) What was your biggest mistake in business and what did you learn from it?

I initially had major problems due to the legal structuring of my company because of the ever-changing crypto laws in India. I think it is inevitable that certain changes take place with time. India unlike many other places has a very diversified set of people who believe in different schools of thought. 

Apart from that, a history of financial scams has put the Indian investors into traditional thinking which eventually slows acceptance of newer ideas. I could have saved a lot of time and funds if I would have focused more on the simulation and market application on my inter-diversified idea.

Karan - Plutus Groups

5) What is your biggest obstacle in the next 12 months and how will you overcome it?

Markets, liquidity and fear.  Getting results as promised to our clients. We take a hit as the company but don’t let the clients even feel about it, which is where the Plutus Fund comes in place.

6) What habits contribute to your success?

I dont think I’m even 10% successful yet as to what I plan to be. 

7) If you had the opportunity to start this business again what would you do differently?

Maybe I should have known that offline services still work in India. So striking a balance between offline and online.

8) What is your favourite inspirational quote?

“Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.”
― Franklin D. Roosevelt

9) Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in the true sense of freedom.

10) What is your favourite book?

Elon Musk- Shaping our future.

11) What advice would you give to someone starting out?

I think if you truly believe in it, go for it with all you have.

EOI Summary 

As Karan rightly points out, a history of scams has adversely affected the mindset of people in the country. This coupled with the present pandemic situation has made his entrepreneurial journey highly challenging. However, Karan has decided to take the plunge and is enjoying his role. 

On a social front, he’s also doing his part to uplift the underprivileged community. 10% of all his company’s profit goes directly to the welfare and education of underprivileged children across the country. 

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Chasing Entrepreneurial Dreams with Dreamcatchers!

Entrepreneur: Akshaya Dhanaraj

Business Name: Oh Wow Store

Welcome to Entrepreneurs of India #startupstories episode 149

Akshaya Dhanaraj was blown away by the idea of dreamcatchers. She was fascinated at the thought of how a tiny hoop decorated with feathers and beads could protect people from nightmares. She began making dreamcatchers to kill time and as a stress-busting activity. But what started as a hobby soon turned into a business. The quality of her dreamcatchers fetched a lot of customers from across the country. 

While many of the businesses bore the brunt of lockdown in the wake of covid, Akshaya’s could successfully 10X her sale. How did she make it happen? We catch up with Akshaya for a conversation. 

1) How did you get your idea for this business?

Oh Wow Store

Failures in my academics led me to have a year out from my engineering tenure. It was the toughest phase of my life where I received a lot of stick from my family and friends. So to take my mind off of all the negativities, I indulged in making some handmade products. And to showcase my creations I started an Instagram account. And that’s where I received my first order to make a dreamcatcher. That’s when I realized that this had a money making potential. So I put my head down and worked hard for it. Soon my part time hobby turned into a full time business. 

2) Why is “now” a good time for this idea to exist?

Last year the lockdown proved to be a huge issue for most businesses. But that wasn’t the case for me. Due to people spending more time away from work and more on social media, the traffic on my pages grew 10 folds.

I received a lot of orders. So for me personally it was a good year of business. Even after the lockdown was removed, people now spend a lot of time at their homes and they are loving to redecorate their homes, so this is the best time and way to provide their needs. 

3) What was the reaction from your family when you first decided to become an entrepreneur?

I was never discouraged by my parents. They have always encouraged me to be on my own and even my dad is a business person so they have always supported me and had my back.

4) What was your biggest mistake in business and what did you learn from it?

I was depending on one platform that was my biggest mistake and now i have started to enlarge my business and move out to all other platforms

5) What is your biggest obstacle in the next 12 months and how will you overcome it?

Until now, it’s only been me working on my business. But the orders are fast coming in and it is too much to handle on my own. I surely do need to expand and add more manpower. So, scaling my business is gonna be the biggest task.

6) What habits contribute to your success?

Oh Wow Store

My best quality would be my perseverance. If I want to get something done, I would get it done no matter what. And of course, my work requires a lot of patience. I’m normally very impatient, but when I get into work I become super-patient. 

7) If you had the opportunity to start this business again what would you do differently?

 I am grateful for how this business has turned out. I wouldn’t really want to do anything different. 

8) What is your favourite inspirational quote?

Dream it  … do it and live your dream

9) Where do you find inspiration?

From nature. Nature is my biggest inspiration. 

10) What is your favourite book?

I’m sorry I’m not much into books. I’ve read a few fiction books. That’s it. Not really a fan of self-help or biographies. 

11) What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Just do things. Don’t wait for the right opportunity. Opportunities do come when you do things. And you can always correct yourself on your way.

EOI Summary

To be a successful entrepreneur, you have to put your heart and soul into what you love. For Akshaya, it was all about turning her passion into a well-structured business. She found a business opportunity in her hobby and worked hard to scale it. As an entrepreneur, she showed us how you could turn the worst situation into your favour by scaling her business in the time of the pandemic. We wish her all the best!

Akshaya - Oh Wow Store
Akshaya Dheeraj

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A Studentpreneur Who Launched His Startup Braving the Pandemic

Entrepreneur: Jishu Dutta

Business Name: Blue Mart

Welcome to Entrepreneurs of India #startupstories episode 148

Jishu Dutta, a student of class 12, founded Blue Mart, his eCommerce store when the COVID pandemic brought the entire nation and its businesses to a standstill. But necessity is the mother of all invention. Jishu found a problem in the market when the pandemic kicked in. The products people ordered from various e-tailers took a lot of time for delivery. He identified an opportunity there and launched Blue Mart that offered a host of products for its customers and with faster deliveries. 

We catch up with the youngster for a casual chat on his business and the challenges he faced while setting up his brainchild – Blue Mart. 

1) How did you get the idea for this business?

I was looking for a problem-solving product. (PSP). I found a problem in my city. I got to know that some of the product from other e-commerce stores took a lot of time for delivery and some of the products were not available in my city, West Bengal.

So,  I planned to launch my own eCommerce store that would give delivery of the product within 3 to 5 days. That’s how I started BLUEMART.

2) Why is “now” a good time for this idea to exist?

YES, because in the pandemic situation people can’t go out of there house and as an indian shopping is necessary as fast as possible. In any situation people love shopping so it’s easy to shop online.

3) What was the reaction from your family when you first decided to become an entrepreneur?

My parents and friends have supported me a lot and my parents told me that if you want to start it you can. I launched BLUEMART with my own money since I wanted to be a self-made entrepreneur. 

4) What was your biggest mistake in business and what did you learn from it?

Not taking any risk was my first mistake. Later, I realized the profit I can earn through the product stock and started working on it. 

5) What is your biggest obstacle in the next 12 months and how will you overcome it?

Competition with other e-commerce stores as I don’t like competition. I believe in self development a lot. I am gonna work on my own self development in future.

6) What habits contribute to your success?

Morning meditation and positive attitude.

7) If you had the opportunity to start this business again what would you do differently?

I would have created a positive, hard working and smart team.

8) What is your favourite inspirational quote?

“ A man with a positive attitude is unstoppable”.

9) Where do you find inspiration?

but i love listening to “MR SONU SHARMA SIR” he is my inspiration.

10) Which is your favourite book?

“THINK AND GROW RICH” by Napoleon Hill.

11) What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Learn about what you are starting from successful people & follow

their footsteps. 

EOI Summary 

It takes great courage to launch a business during a period of crisis. Jishu Dutta was driven by his entrepreneurial spirit and he was not just trying to sell products. Instead, he addressed the problem of delayed deliveries through Blue Mart. Now he’s all set to scale his business to the next level while switching between the roles of a student and entrepreneur. We wish him all the best! 

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