At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring to our community some of the finest stories from the entrepreneurship world. As part of this endeavour, we invited passionate women entrepreneurs – Akriti Kapoor and Bhavna Varma for an exclusive interview with us. The duo shares deep passion and love for fashion and they together co-founded Label Akriti & Bhavna. Let’s learn more about their inspiring journey, background and their advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with them:
Talk us through your background and your journey as women entrepreneurs, please;
We met in college during our 1st year of Graduation. We studied Bachelor of Management Studies from Thakur College of Science and Commerce. We hit it off instantly and bonded over one thing from the beginning – Fashion. We were always the only two people in a group discussing what is trending, what and where we shopped from and all things vogue.
After completing our graduation, we both chose separate career paths. Bhavna decided to go into Digital Marketing and I decided to pursue Fashion Designing.
After working in corporate companies for some years we knew this was not our cup of tea.
One fine day we both met for some coffee and I put my plan forward of starting a business and Bhavna instantly came on board as she also had similar plans. So, we decided to incorporate both our careers into one and started “Label Akriti & Bhavna” for our mutual love for Fashion.”
It’s only been 1 year and 7 months since we started out and there’s a long way to go. We want to spread our love for Fashion with everyone around us and want people to feel that they can be the best version of themselves, size and skin tone notwithstanding.
So far, the journey has been wonderful and we hope it keeps on getting better and better.
What attracts both of you towards entrepreneurship instead of a corporate career?
We both love experimenting with new and different things which corporate career restricts us from doing.
We wanted to feel the rush that one gets while building something from scratch and passion.”
It’s intriguing how you build something from scratch to build an empire around it and not everyone can do it. We have the motivation and drive in us to do something big and fulfil our dreams and that’s what attracted us towards Entrepreneurship.
‘Label Akriti & Bhavna’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please.
There is a really good story behind this. The name of a company is one of the most important ways to set a good first impression for the customer. It needs to be memorable, personal and uncomplicated.
We made a list of many names but nothing seemed significant and intimate enough.”
We wanted our audience to connect with us on a deeper level. So, after struggling to find a suitable name for our brand we took a different approach and started thinking of a Tagline first. After much consideration on why we wanted to start our own Label and what message we want to convey, we decided that our Tagline should be “YOUR STRUCTURE, YOUR FEELINGS” since we want people to feel that they can be the best version of themselves, no matter the size.
We want them to feel secure enough in their own skin. That’s how the Tagline originated from our names, Akriti means — Structure and Bhavna means– Feelings.
And, that’s how we ended up naming our Label “Akriti & Bhavna”.
Akriti Kapoor (Left) and Bhavna Varma
During this COVID-19 crisis, what are the measures you have undertaken to continue your business without disruption?
“Label Akriti & Bhavna” was established in 2020 during COVID-19. All the rules and regulations were automatically followed.
As our Label is based online for now, every aspect of the business was managed online. It was just the two of us handling and managing everything.
After some restrictions were lifted, we started receiving orders and the production and shipments were made following all protocols.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
Our passion is what keeps us going.
We started our Label keeping in mind all the challenges we will face ahead because we started our business during COVID-19. We were mentally prepared for all the hurdles.
The support that we received from our families was beyond belief. We are the kind of people that are very optimistic in life and we get a sense of satisfaction from facing challenges head-on.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
Akriti: Growing up, I saw my parents hustle to provide us with the life that we have today.
They worked hard and always encouraged me and my sister to do the same. They are the biggest source of motivation for me in my life and today wherever I am, it’s because of them. I can’t thank them enough for teaching me things that have helped me shape up my life so well.”
They have always taught me to keep going and not quit, no matter how difficult things get, and I plan to take these words with me wherever I go in life. They are my biggest strength and I am thankful for them every day.
Bhavna: My biggest source of motivation has been my parents. I grew up watching my Father excel in his business, despite facing many setbacks and providing us with the lifestyle that we have today.
My mom is the biggest source of motivation, instilling us with ethics and values, on how to be grounded and grateful for every little thing in life. I have seen them facing all the hardships headstrong. They have taught me and my siblings to believe in ourselves and be confident.”
To take up challenges upfront and with determination & to never give up. These values and teachings are what keep me going. I consider myself extremely lucky and grateful.
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
We always make sure to follow our values and ethics, no matter the situation. We believe in working with honesty and dedication.
Every single order that we have received until now was fulfilled with utmost honesty and love. We plan to continue our work with the same determination and happiness to grow in life.”
You are always positive and motivated, what keeps you going?
Like we said earlier, we both are very optimistic and find something positive in every situation. We don’t let little hurdles get to us. We confide in each other when things get a little tough.
We are partners cum best friends and each other’s unpaid therapist’s too. We support and motivate each other, and that’s what keeps us going. And, since we are doing what we love, positivity and motivation come from within.”
In your opinion, what are the keys to success?
In our opinion, one should do what they love and what makes them truly happy. You should always be grateful, grounded, humble and should never forget your roots. Never let that fire of passion fade away. Then, nothing in this world can stop you from getting the success that you deserve.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
First and foremost, believe in yourself.
Realign your day to day efforts with expectations you have for your future.
Surround yourself with people you admire to raise the bar for yourself so you accomplish more.
Don’t get discouraged by little obstacles and try to find your way back with more determination and enthusiasm.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
