Ashima shares her journey of launching slow fashion brands Dorani and Aamili, facing setbacks and learning experiences, on Shark Tank India.

A young entrepreneur, Ashima, recently presented her slow fashion brands, Dorani and Aamili, on the latest episode of Shark Tank India. Joined by her parents, who she referred to as her “pillars of support,” Ashima shared the journey of her entrepreneurial venture, which has faced significant challenges and learning experiences.

The pitch started with Ashima recounting how, several years ago, her father’s clothing manufacturing business led them to the idea of launching their own brand. However, their initial efforts were marred by a bad experience with so-called ‘brand architects’, who defrauded them and caused their brand to fail, resulting in a loss of Rs 70 lakh. Despite this setback, Ashima emphasized that she gained valuable insights from the experience, dedicating the subsequent years to strategizing a strong comeback.

During her pitch, Ashima sought Rs 75 lakh in exchange for 3% equity, thereby valuing her business at Rs 25 crore. She noted that her brands had initial success, generating Rs 36 lakh in revenue during their first year of operations, and they are projected to reach Rs 5.5 crore this year.

As the panel of investors, also known as ‘sharks’, evaluated her proposal, Namita Thapar raised concerns about Ashima and her family’s attention to detail. Thapar highlighted that the products were presented in an outdated bag, suggesting a need for a more modern and polished approach. In response, Ashima acknowledged the feedback, indicating her willingness to improve this aspect of her business.

Ultimately, Thapar decided against investing, expressing that Ashima appeared to be somewhat unfocused and distracted by aspirations for global expansion. This response leaves Ashima to reconsider her approach as she continues to navigate the complexities of the fashion industry.

Source: Noah Wire Services