Deep Bajaj

Celebrating 5 Years of FLYERS CLUB, The Only Entrepreneurship Club Dedicated to Leather & Allied sectors & Here’s How You Can be a Part of it. August 15th marks the 5th anniversary of Frontline Leaders & Young Entrepreneurs Resources for Startups in Leather & Allied Sector aka (FLYERS) CLUB   A dynamic entrepreneurship club co-founded by me & my close friends, whom some reason I always refer to as the dream team. I had the honor of serving as the Secretary during its founding year and the following year (2019-21). As we celebrate this milestone, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey that led us here. When we started on this journey, our motivation was clear Despite the remarkable growth of the Department of Leather Technology at Anna University & its substantial contribution to India's leather industry We noticed a gap in nurturing start-ups within the young minds of students in the leather & allied sectors Recognizing this, we set out to create a platform to empower the next generation of technologists to participate in the startup revolution With India emerging as a global startup hub, we believed it was essential for our department to actively support entrepreneurship Thus began the journey of FLYERS. Achievements to Date? Well, I am happy to share that in these five years, FLYERS CLUB has made a significant impact We have created an environment that has led to the inception of multiple businesses both within & outside the leather domain Not only have we done this, but we have also sown the seeds of entrepreneurship in the young minds of our community. Why do I say so? Just last night, one of the final year students of leather technology & I had a call where he was discussing some innovative ideas to solve problems for tanneries using technology I mean, for a 20 year old to even think of such things & openly share and seek feedback is, in my opinion, the most significant achievement of FLYERS These accomplishments validate our belief which we laid back then that with the ✔ Right support ✔ Mentorship & ✔ Camaraderie, Innovation can thrive even in traditional industries. The good part is, even you join can FLYERS CLUB if you are a part of the global leather & allied sector because It is not just a club, It's a network of passionate minds driven by the spirit of entrepreneurship By joining us, you can benefit from a community that supports, mentors, and empowers you to turn your vision or innovative ideas into reality. ❓ How to Connect? Just comment down below the word "CONNECT" & someone from FLYERS CLUB will reach out to you to clear any queries which you may have. ----- Introducing the Founding (DREAM) team behind FLYERS Joe Arun J | Mohamed Anas | Mohammed Shoaib Khan | Niklesh Chandrasekar | Naveen Prabakaran | SARAVANAN S | Sarveswaran P K | Anupreethi Ravichandran & Harshi Vajjiravel Happy Independence Day #Entrepreneurship #Startups #Business #Innovation #Leather #LeatherIndustry

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#bAdideaz Govt should rope in Gutka brands to promote #swachhbharat "Dry garbage" disposal. Gutka and pseudo gutka brands should show their actors saying- ye gutka khaney ke baad, pouch koode daan mein phenkhney se hi, asli Mazza aata hai. followed by, them stopping their zazzy car next to a dry garbage bin, dropping the empty pouch, taking a selfie and uploading on Instagram P.S. when govt has made it mandatory to print grotesque images of cancer on cigarette packs, why cannot the same be applied to gutka and pseudo gutka pouches? This will take away the pseudo advertisement trick. This pouch disposal message should however be mandatory. #brand #ad #smartcities

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Welcome to Sukhādhā: Where Ancient Ayurveda Meets Modern Innovation "Embark on a 5,000-year-old journey, where tradition meets transformation. At Sukhādhā, we harness Ayurveda's timeless wisdom to craft innovative, holistic personal care products. Guided by the principle 'Your Food is Your Health,' our dedicated team combines ancient herbal expertise with cutting-edge technology. The allure of nature!! Water, greenery, and sky blue have universal appeal, resonating deeply with humans. This connection is rooted in our inherent bond with nature, reflected in Ayurveda's emphasis on harmony with the environment. *The Connection:* 1. Water: Represents fluidity, adaptability, and emotional balance (Jala, or water element in Ayurveda). 2. Greenery: Symbolizes growth, renewal, and vitality (Prithvi, or earth element). 3. Sky Blue: Evokes feelings of calmness, clarity, and spiritual connection (Akasha, or space element). *Ayurvedic Significance:* 1. Balance of Elements (Panchamahabhutas): Ayurveda recognizes five fundamental elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. Harmony among these elements ensures well-being. 2. Natural Rhythms: Ayurveda emphasizes living in sync with nature's cycles (e.g., circadian rhythms, seasons). 3. Healing Environments: Natural settings foster healing, relaxation, and rejuvenation. *Therapeutic Applications:* 1. Hydrotherapy: Water-based treatments for relaxation, detoxification, and pain relief. 2. Green Therapy: Spending time in nature reduces stress, improves mood, and boosts immunity. 3. Color Therapy: Blue light therapy for calming effects, improved sleep. *Ayurvedic Principles for Healing:* 1. Dinacharya (daily routine): Sync with natural rhythms. 2. Ritucharya (seasonal routine): Adapt to seasonal changes. 3. Panchakarma (detoxification): Restore elemental balance. By embracing the harmony between humans, nature, and Ayurveda, ❤️❤️❤️

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I'm looking for a ""Co-founder with investment"" for my Boutique Consulting business at www.Vastra-sastra.in Position: Co-founder with investment Skills : Entrepreneurship, Team Leadership, Someone with their feet-and -ears on the ground and a vision at 80K feet , Ownership and Negotiation, Deal making,Financial accumen,Growth Scaling of Fashion tech start-ups from 0-X Mn $ ,Fund Raising from Angel, VC investors ,idea about Knowledge Market places is a + & / Or past experience working with Thrasio styled Fashion Tech platforms. About Us : During the Pandemic COVID-19 when our founder Dinesh Govind was laid off he found a WHiTE space for D2c fashion brands which were on an explosive growth trajectory. So the journey began with Pro Bono consulting for DaMensch and PUMA Bodywear to scale 0- 250Crores. So a white paper project was submitted to DaMensch and PUMA Bodywear in 2022, in reality today both brands have launched and made is to the Corporate brand status in the Premium Innerwear Segment In India. After 1 year of sweat ,blood ,brains and guts www.Vastra-Sastra.in was born as a Fashion Business Strategy consulting firm. We were noticed by industry insiders and investors who referred us to Further D2c brands like Modern Crew, Jolger BTW kids, Aawnsr kids and LCWaikiki of Turkey a 500Mn U$ fashion retailer with more than 1500 Stores worldwide .So to date we have made our mark in this Fashion Business Strategy consulting. Market Outlook for D2c Fashion : As per a report by Inc42 Media India’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) market, which is likely to reach a size of $100 Bn by 2025, has grown exponentially in the last few years. Several factors including the Covid pandemic, higher internet penetration, growth of digital infrastructure and rise in the number of millennials, among others, have shored up the D2C brands. Home to more than 190 Mn digital shoppers,and 800 D2c fashion brands India has the world’s third-largest online shopping base in the world. Among all the sub-segments in D2C, fashion has the highest growth potential ,estimated to reach $43.2 Bn by 2025. Apparel and footwear is the most significant fashion category, expected to account for nearly 77.6% of the total online fashion market by 2025. Besides its growth potential, fashion was the most funded D2C sub-segment, raising $756 Mn between 2014-2021. There are more than handful of D2c brands who have crossed the 100cr to 250core Mark like TIGF The Indian Garage, Snitch ,Mama Earth, and the others in the pipeline. The Unicorn in this segment in Mensa Brands And the Soonicorns ,soon to be Unicorns are ace turtle GOAT Brand Labs in same space of business model. And the funding secured so far exceeds 2.04Bn U$ in total with Sequoia Capital being the biggest investor. The Need: -The Co-founder with Investment (Pure Equity Share+Profit Sharing) -We aspire to be the McKinsey of Fashion & Retail . -The Ask: 2-3 Crs series-A Build Tech,office,Marketing,Sales teams.

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Launched in 2022, NORA is a Gurgaon-based startup offering sustainable outdoor garden furniture and planter pots that are functional, eco-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing. Nora was founded by Dr. Ayushi Jain Gupta who did her MBBS from Shenyang Medical College and later finished her MBA from the Indian Institute of Planning and Management. She started RFM AUTOMOTIVES PVT LTD with her husband, Anurag Gupta, in 2017. The company manufactures automotive components for commercial vehicles. Leveraging their strong foothold in manufacturing, Ayushi and Anurag decided to start Nora as a startup vertical under RMF Automotives. In an interview with Startup Pedia, Dr. Ayushi Jain Gupta shared, “When I founded Nora, I envisioned a brand with a deeper purpose - a commitment to functional products with love for environment.” This vision led to NORA, a brand dedicated to revolutionalising green spaces. Nora offers a diverse range of products from planter pots, outdoor garden furniture, and kids toys to school furniture. The distinguishing factor has been the focus on convenience and sustainability. Dr. Ayushi explains, “A common issue I noticed was the fragility of planter pots. Like many of my friends, I found myself constantly replacing them because they would crack so easily. This inspired me to design a planter pot made from recyclable materials that is not only sustainable but also crack-resistant.” Nora’s planter pots and garden furniture are made of high-grade polymer material which is eco-friendly and recyclable. The pots are UV-resistant, crack-proof, and durable. The startup's outdoor furniture has also gained popularity. It is premium, ergonomic, and 100% sustainable. The USP here is the built-in LED lighting solutions. Nora’s products are currently listed on Amazon, Pepperfry, and its own e-commerce website. In its first six months, NORA clocked Rs 3 lakhs per month in revenue. Now, in FY25, it has grown to Rs 10 lakhs, with a projection of reaching Rs 25 lakhs per month by next year. As an entrepreneur, Ayushi is actively engaged in the startup ecosystem across India. In 2023, she was selected for the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women program, hosted by IIM Bangalore. Building on this, in August 2024, Ayushi participated in the "Accelerate Your Growth" program conducted by Indian School of Business (ISB). Looking ahead, Nora aims to become a lifestyle brand that offers products high on functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Ayushi concludes with a clear vision for the future: "Our commitment to delivering exceptional customer satisfaction will remain unwavering. I am deeply passionate about demonstrating that environmental consciousness, business acumen, and convenience can harmoniously coexist. We are determined to set a new standard where sustainable practices don’t just align with business success—they drive it.” #startuppedia #ecofriendlyfurniture #furniture #furnituredesign #outdoorfurniture

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The Benefits of Upcycled Sanitary Napkins The fashion industry is known for its creativity and innovation, but it also produces a significant amount of textile waste. What if we could turn this waste into something beneficial and sustainable? Enter upcycled sanitary napkins made from fashion industry leftovers. Here’s why this innovative solution is a game-changer: **1. **Eco-Friendly and Sustainable** By using leftover textiles, we reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, minimizing environmental impact. This approach supports a circular economy, where resources are reused and repurposed, contributing to a more sustainable future. **2. **Cost-Effective Production** Utilizing existing materials lowers production costs. This can make high-quality sanitary products more affordable and accessible, benefiting a broader audience. **3. **Reducing Carbon Footprint** Manufacturing new textiles requires significant energy and resources. By repurposing existing fabrics, we save on the carbon emissions associated with producing new materials, making our products more environmentally friendly. **4. **Promoting Social Responsibility** Supporting products made from upcycled materials encourages the fashion industry to adopt more sustainable practices. It sends a message that consumers care about the planet and prefer eco-conscious choices. **5. **Innovative and Unique Products** Each batch of upcycled sanitary napkins is unique, reflecting the diverse range of fabrics used. This not only adds a distinctive touch but also showcases the innovative potential of sustainable product design. **6. **Health and Comfort** Our upcycled sanitary napkins are designed with comfort and health in mind, ensuring they meet the highest standards. We carefully select and treat textiles to provide safe, soft, and effective products. Join us in making a positive impact on the environment while ensuring comfort and care. By choosing sanitary napkins made from fashion industry leftovers, you're not just supporting a product; you're supporting a movement towards sustainability and responsible consumption. **#SustainableFashion #EcoFriendly #UpcycledProducts #CircularEconomy #GreenLiving #WomensHealth #Sustainability #FashionRevolution** #wef UpLink - World Economic Forum

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The Remade, Redesigned, Reimagined Saree Blouse (upcycled and customized) In a world of global citizens, the target audience for this style would likely include: 1. Cultural Enthusiasts: Individuals who appreciate the blend of traditional and modern aesthetics and enjoy celebrating their heritage through fashion. 2. Sustainability Advocates: Consumers who value upcycled and eco-conscious designs, prioritizing sustainable practices in their fashion choices. 3. Fashion-forward Individuals: Those who love experimenting with unique and bold styles, mixing vintage and contemporary elements. 4. Young Professionals and Creatives: People working in or inspired by the creative industries who seek statement pieces that reflect their personality. 5. Global Citizens: Travelers or those with a global outlook who enjoy incorporating diverse cultural influences into their wardrobe. 6. Retro Style Lovers: Fans of 70s fashion and vintage-inspired looks, drawn to denim and bold, vibrant patterns. 7. Millennials and Gen Z: These generations often seek out distinctive, meaningful fashion choices that stand out and tell a story. This audience appreciates individuality, creativity, and a deeper connection to the origins and craftsmanship of their clothing. Are you one of them? At Dhana Inc. , we are bullish on our next generation leaders and citizens, with a real appetite for the unique, one-of-a-kind, conscious clothing ……. Embedding a design approach that takes time, care and real conscious thought. Our D/Sphere platform empowers the co-creation of new designs between citizens, brands and communities, collaborating in tangent. #circularfashion #upcycledfashion #fashiontech #bcorp #sustainablefashion Image generated by AI

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So, deafening silence then! There seems to be precious little conversation on the lavish-wedding sized carbon-footprint elephant in the room! Consider this - - The world’s richest 1% (also known as the Polluter Elite) account for more carbon emissions than poorest 66%. (Source: Oxfam) - Oil & gas industry is one of the largest contributors to global warming and climate change accounting for about 15% of energy related emissions. (Source: Statista) There are ethical and moral arguments against ostentatious displays of wealth in a poor and deeply unequal country like ours. But even if those arguments are set aside on the principle that people have the right to spend their wealth as they want, do the top 1%, who are anyway contributing disproportionately (highly) to carbon emissions through their lifestyles and the corporations they run, not have an obligation to act responsibly, more so when their actions have a larger negative impact? Hundreds of private jets crisscrossing the globe, thousands of guests partying on cruise-liners, vast amounts of inevitable food waste…Are such excesses not, at the very least, unconscionable, if not inexcusable, at a time when the world is grappling with unprecedented climate crisis…? Though prompted by it, this is not just about one very big fat wedding! This is more about questioning the paradigms of what we admire, what we look up to and aspire for, what is considered acceptable, and what is and isn’t cool. There are thousands upon thousands of incredible and unsung people doing the hard work of moving the needle on climate action, painstakingly and quietly. Perhaps they and our shared planet deserve better! Sharing two pieces as food for thought, one here and one, shared by a young person, in the comments. #climatecrisis #carbonfootprint

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Amitabh Kant Unfortunately, in India Manufacturing means only MSME scale factories. They only produce average quality products with informal ill trained workforce. No wonder more than 90% workforce is informally employed with no social security. No wonder our manufacturing exports have stagnated in past 10 years. The large-scale organized manufacturing especially for labor intensive industries like Textiles & Apparel is practically dead. You can count the number of integrated mills on fingertips today. Gone is the era of 1980s when Bombay & Ahmedabad had more than 60 to 70 textile mills each. Unless you revitalize such large-scale manufacturing, sectors which can offer formal employment, the dream of industrialization is distant. Kindly read my blog on this issue: https://lnkd.in/dJBaQbQi

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Is collaboration the key to unlocking sustainable growth? Over the weekend, Qaushey Handlooms participated in #NICESamanvay, the first-of-its-kind event organised by NICEorg - Network of Indian Cultural Enterprises Samanvay was all about passionate entrepreneurs - young & seasoned all driven by the desire to create impactful cultural brands. What inspired me most was the magic of a supportive spirit. We shared experiences, challenges and solutions, all bought in mutual support and created an ecosystem where everyone was eager to help each other. Thanks to NICEorg - Network of Indian Cultural Enterprises for creating such an ecosystem and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. And to Sanjay Anandaram and Kanchana K V to have put in a massive effort to pull off such an amazing 2-day action-packed event. Here are my key takeaways from the event: - Right business ethos: The unanimous shout-out was sustainability and responsible growth is two sides of the same coin. Balancing impactful practices with financial health creates a thriving ecosystem for all. * Sustainability right from the word go: There were discussions about equal wealth distribution across the value chain. Ensuring long-term benefits for everyone, from skilled weavers and artisans to business visionaries, is crucial. * Masterclass by Industry Experts: Gaining insights from seasoned professionals who have scaled businesses from scratch was invaluable for entrepreneurs like myself. - Collaboration is Key: The camaraderie at #NICESamanvay was inspiring. Entrepreneurs shared their journeys, offered advice, and brainstormed solutions to common challenges, fostering a strong support network. * Contribution to Culture: NICEorg - Network of Indian Cultural Enterprises's commitment to highlighting cultural enterprises is commendable. Their platforms enable these ventures to reach wider audiences and gain the recognition they deserve. The event's energy was nothing short of motivating, and enriching our entrepreneurial journey. I'm forever grateful for the insights and contributions from everyone I met. #Entrepreneurship #CulturalEnterprises #Collaboration #BusinessGrowth #Sustainability #Innovation #NICE

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Always a great chat with Nathan Bush 🙌 In this podcast we talked about how ecomm brands can take back the ownership and control of the secondary market. Why? 1. It's a proven and fastest growing market 2. Consumers are driving it 3. Law and regulations are forcing brands to enter circular economy Be ready for your next phase of growth!

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🌍 Turning Mango Waste into Sustainable Leather: A Game Changer for the Fashion Industry! 🍃 Did you know that approximately 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted globally each year? Among fruits, 45% is discarded before reaching consumers, with mangoes being a significant contributor. India alone produces around 20 million tonnes of mangoes annually, yet up to 40% are left unharvested due to market standards. This is where innovation steps in! 💡 Mango Leather Innovations: Fruitleather Rotterdam collects about 1,000 kilos of mangoes weekly to create a durable, eco-friendly leather alternative for fashion items like shoes and bags. Researchers at the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) in Chennai have developed a biodegradable leather-like material using 50% mango pulp, which has shown promising durability for accessories. Why It Matters: The production costs for mango-based leather are about 60% less than synthetic leather, offering a sustainable option without compromising quality. This innovative approach could replace 30-50% of synthetic chemicals currently used in leather production, significantly reducing environmental impact. By transforming mango waste into valuable products, we can tackle food waste and promote sustainability in the fashion industry. 🌱✨ #FashionIndustry #EcoFriendly #FoodWaste #Innovation #MangoLeather #CircularEconomy #SustainableFashion #WasteReduction

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India's D2C fashion space is booming like no other, with the country's growing middle class, increasing discretionary spend online. More than 40,000 D2C fashion brands have emerged in just the last two years, creating a vibrant and competitive market. utsav and I are building in the D2C fashion e-commerce x AI space. We are addressing discoverability challenges for both users and brands by enabling multi-modal search and comparison, making it easier for: (a) users to find and compare fashion items, and (b) for brands to be discovered Alongside Tech roles such as AI researcher, ML scientists, we're also looking to grow our business team and are hiring for roles in our Growth and Partnerships teams. If you’re passionate about fashion and want to be part of the coolest start-up in town 👀 😎 , apply now using the links below - a. Partnerships (CTC: 20-30 LPA): https://tally.so/r/3N0Y0W b. Growth (CTC: 25-40 LPA): https://tally.so/r/wA8DxW note: the CTC ranges are indicative and might vary basis experience and fit for the role. #hiring

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#inspiration #EcoEleganceRevolution – Celebrates Nora's unique blend of sustainability and style, transforming green spaces with aesthetically pleasing, eco-friendly furniture and planter pots that set a new standard in outdoor design. #GreenBusinessPioneer – Highlights Dr. Ayushi Jain Gupta's visionary leadership, using her entrepreneurial experience to create a brand that prioritizes environmental responsibility while thriving as a successful business. #SustainableLivingRedefined – Showcases Nora’s mission to redefine how we live with nature, offering durable, UV-resistant, and recyclable products that bring functionality and sustainability into everyday outdoor spaces. #CrackProofInnovation – Emphasizes the breakthrough idea behind Nora's durable, crack-resistant planter pots made from recyclable materials, solving a common problem with an eco-friendly twist. #FromHealthcareToGreenSpaces – Reflects Dr. Ayushi’s remarkable transition from the medical field to entrepreneurship, where she now leads a brand focused on revolutionizing outdoor living with sustainable practices. #LEDTheWayToSustainability – Highlights the innovative touch of integrating built-in LED lighting in Nora’s outdoor furniture, combining energy efficiency with style, making it a trendsetter in the eco-friendly lifestyle market.

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🌍 It was an honor to be interviewed by Richa Bansal for this insightful article on the vital role that all players in India’s apparel sector have in advancing decarbonization. The piece highlights our (Apparel Impact Institute) recent report with Development Finance International, Inc. (DFI), "Landscape and Opportunities to Finance the Decarbonization of India’s Apparel Manufacturing Sector," which outlines pathways and financing strategies for a more sustainable future supply chain in India. As COP29, also known as the “Finance COP,” unfolds in Baku, new commitments from multilateral banks and pledges of up to $1 trillion annually are set to accelerate climate financing for developing countries, including India. This momentum aligns directly with our efforts to drive accessible, sustainable financing and empower the entire industry to work towards a low-carbon future. Thank you, Richa, for bringing attention to this essential work. Let’s build on this energy and pave the way for meaningful climate action in India’s textile and apparel sector! Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gFvCmfP9 #SustainableFashion #ClimateAction #COP29 #Decarbonization #IndianTextiles #apparelimpacts

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#Strategy #EnvironmentalShift #Survival I #advise businesses and #coach executives. It is so often I see their discomfort or even anger against questions that they do not have good answers for. Instead of courageous and insightful exploration into questions, I often see proclivity toward wishful thinking, assurances from yes men, search for short cuts or deals with bureaucrats or politicians, astrological or baba surrender or a combination of these. At the end economic forces win, and many, at a point in time, can be reasonably predicted.

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I recently tried Country Delight's milk delivery service. While the product quality was fairly decent, the delivery experience highlighted critical areas where they faltered. As an entrepreneur and startup founder, I could take three key lessons from my sub-par experience: 1. Reliability is everything. Country Delight's erratic delivery schedule (2 out of the last 4 days) undermines their core value proposition. D2C brands must prioritise consistent service delivery above all else. It's better to underpromise and overdeliver than to set expectations you can't meet consistently. 2. Customer service can make or break you. The lack of a proper customer care system is a major red flag. Generic "we'll get back to you" responses erode trust rapidly. Startups should invest in responsive, empathetic customer support from day one. It's your frontline defence against churn and a powerful tool for building loyalty. 3. Cash Flow ≠ Success- Collecting upfront payments is great for cash flow, but it creates higher expectations. If you can't deliver on your promises, you're setting yourself up for failure and negative word-of-mouth. Brands need to balance financial needs with operational capabilities. The lesson? Building a successful D2C brand isn't just about a good product or clever marketing. It's about creating a reliable, customer-centric operation that consistently delivers value. Country Delight's struggles show that even with a quality product, poor execution can unravel your business model. Lesson: Your UX is your brand. Guard it zealously. Chakradhar Gade Nitin Kaushal Umakrishna Kolli Virat Sharma Asif Zaidi #StartupLessons #CustomerExperience #EntrepreneurshipTips #CountryDelight #D2CBrands

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