3 facets of my work
My professional and entrepreneurial life !
I have an ardent love for retail and marketing, and this has made me explore my capabilities in different roles. I have given my best to each, and continue gaining new insights everyday!
entrepreneur
Entrepreneur at 2011
I founded Wassup Laundry India in 2011. It is India’s pioneer in the organised laundry market estimated to be 2 lakh crores.. We were the first fully integrated on-demand laundry brand which spread its presence to over 8 cities. We offer on demand laundry services with free pick-up and drop-off. Before wassup, laundry was largely an unorganised sector with more family run businesses and individual ventures ruling the roost. We were the first professional players to come into the market, and were also the first to get funded by investors. We have scaled up, and serve as a neighborhood based laundromat model in 4 cities. Wassup aims to be a technology and a branded platform for the unorganised laundry industry. We aim to elevate, rather than eliminate the dhobi.
We have serviced 50 million pieces of laundry and have serviced 3 lakh+ customers, so far. As a pioneer, we have inspired many professionals and entrepreneurs in the Laundry sector over the years. Our dedication and commitment paid off, as Wassup, apart from many other recognition, was awarded the TOP 3 Retail Startup at Retail Startup Awards 2017, organised by Future group and RAI. Along with other accolades, we have also been recognised by Steve Dunn as one of the ‘Leading home services brand to come out of India’
Business Transformation Expert
Transforming businesses since 2002
After the rich experience I gained in my family’s export business and post my Masters, I joined International luxury brand Hidesign in 2003, and slowly climbed my way up the corporate ladder to become the Head Retail – Asia. I was involved in the progress and successful scaling up from 5 stores to over 80 stores, before eventually leaving in 2008.
The experiences along the way helped me gain an ardent love for retail and marketing. This laid the foundation and helped me take on the Avatar of Business Transformation Expert for a lot of family run and promoter driven companies.
- I help them build and scale up teams, and establish leadership
- Work on the companies efforts on marketing, retail, branding, scaling up and fundraising
I have built and been an integral part of accelerating the growth of many large and successful businesses in retail, services, food and fashion.
Ecosystem Enabler
Connecting businesses
I see this as a way of giving back to the retail and entrepreneurship community, for all the enrichment and empowerment I received from them. I am closely associated with the Retail Association of India and Yourstory. While RAI facilitates retailers, Yourstory helps startups with practical ideas and networking events.
My role at RAI – I am a council member at RAI, and was one of the early members to establish the organisation at grass root level in the south. From addressing concerns to dynamic networking, we ensure that the business pathway is smooth and hassle free for retailers.
We have over 6000 members, and we are involved in
- Activities to ensure strategic growth for retailers
- Addressing issues specific to retailers and help them overcome challenges
- Organising networking events to facilitate retailers to connect with like minded people
- Working with the government to ensure right policies are in place, for smooth functioning of retail activities.
My role at Yourstory – Engaged as an ecosystem advisor for Tamil Nadu for Yourstory to help support entrepreneurship community here. Yourstory is one of the pillars of the start up community in India. They have been empowering the start-up community with growth hacks, funding, mentorship and guidance. I played an important role in bringing Yourstory to Tamilnadu, Kerala and Telangana. Yourstory has been playing an integral part in enrichment of the start ups in these 3 regions, with constant guidance and support.