Richa Kar- Founder of India's largest online lingerie retailer Zivame's success story

In Indian society, many girls do not have the freedom to do anything beyond their studies. Here are some exceptionally strong women who are taking action and achieving their dreams. One such woman entrepreneur is Richa Kar, the owner of the online lingerie brand Zivame.

The success story of Richa Kar- A girl behind India’s largest online lingerie-selling brand Zivame Where in Indian Society, many girls do not have the freedom to do something beyond their studies, here are some exceptionally strong women who are fighting against this scenario, and achieving their dreams.

Here is the story of one such Women Entrepreneur– Richa Kar, the owner of an online lingerie brand Zivame. The entrepreneurial journey of Richa Kar wasn’t smooth from the beginning as she was opposed by her parents.

Her mother was embarrassed about her idea of selling lingerie as she was afraid of what other people would say when she told them about her daughter’s profession. On the other side, the father of Richa Kar didn’t get the concept of selling lingerie online, so no support was provided from his end either.

Still, Richa was determined enough towards her goal, and by her hard work and determination, she built the company Zivame worth more than Rs. 681 Cr. Early Life of Richa Kar: 

Before entering the startup world, Richa had a secured job and career. Later she completed her MBA and started working with Spencers Retail and SAP as a retail consultant where she learned a lot about the retail sector. The idea of Zivame came into her mind while working at SAP; she tracked the online sales of Victoria’s Secret which is America’s largest retail company of women’s lingerie.

She observed that the sales figures crossed the target, but there was no such market for Indian Women. After working 8 years in the retail sector, Richa Kar got a fair knowledge of that sector and decided to start something of her own. When Richa Kar discussed with her mother her idea of selling Women’s lingerie online, her mother’s reaction was not supportive.

Her mother was worried about how she would tell her friends that her daughter is selling bra panties online. Also, no support she got from her father as he didn’t get the concept of her business. To get more insights into the lingerie business, she visited many malls and shops and observed that women feel shy about buying lingerie offline as most shopkeepers in such shops are male.

Keeping all these points in mind, Richa came up with the name “Ziva” for her idea which means Radiance in Hebrew. But since that name was not available so she settled with Zivame, which means Radiant Me. She launched the brand in 2011, with all her savings and Rs. 35 lakhs which she borrowed from her friends. Critics from People.

The initial days of her startup life were very bad as people were making fun of her venture. She couldn’t even find a house on rent as when her landlord asked what she was doing she had to tell them she sold clothes online. Turning Point. 

Even after receiving so much criticism, Richa Kar didn’t lose hope. Finally, after some time, Zivame got a good response from its buyers. Richa got her first client from Indore who was trying to buy materials from her worth Rs. 7000. Gradually, Zivame claims growth of 300% yearly.

Investors were impressed by the dedication and hard work of Richa Kar and she received her first funding of $3Mn in May 2012. When everyone was against Richa Kar and making fun of her idea, she was focused and working towards her dreams.

And today the same people appreciate her for her work. In your life, you will meet many people who will criticize you at many points but it depends upon you how you react to them and what you choose.

correspondent by: