At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Vikash Gupta for an exclusive interview with us. Vikash is an Entrepreneur, Leader, Mentor and Business Consultant. He is the Founder of Three Sixty Lifestyle & Ranvik Exports. Let’s learn more about his incredible journey, background, and advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Vikash:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
Born in Varanasi, I pursued my early education in Calcutta before embarking on a transformative journey to the United States in 1987 for my undergraduate studies. After completing my degree, I ventured into the corporate realm, gaining valuable experience at Mobil Corporation for a year.
However, my entrepreneurial spirit beckoned me back to India in 1993. This marked the beginning of my formidable journey as a first-generation entrepreneur, setting roots in Delhi and laying the foundation for my future endeavours.
How did you discover your passion?
During my college years in the US, I juggled two jobs to finance my education.
Mornings were dedicated to delivering newspapers, while my evenings were spent at a leather store. It was here, amidst the supple hides and rich scents, that my passion for leather ignited.
I found myself drawn to its inherent character and diverse textures; and believed that it was an opportune moment to design and craft various products as it was more than just a means to an end; it became a fulfilling pursuit of workmanship and creativity.”
Could you tell us about Three Sixty Leather’s approach to crafting excellence across various industries?
At Three Sixty Leather, we’re driven by a relentless commitment to quality and innovation. As creators of leather goods, our range varies from bar accessories and furniture to travel accessories, and office and home essentials, where each product seamlessly blends craftsmanship with functionality. Attention to detail and originality across our collection is testimony to our dedication towards excellence.
Trends come and go, but I believe that serious craftsmanship, quality and originality will never go out of fashion. Under my leadership, the brand continually pushes boundaries, setting new standards of excellence in the world of leather.
In 2023, Three Sixty Leather embarked on a transformative partnership with the House of Glenfiddich. As a lifestyle brand renowned for our one-of-a-kind handcrafted leather furniture and bespoke pieces we share common brand pillars with House of Glenfiddich dedicated to creative and artistic vision and redefining luxury living with a strong commitment to sustainable innovation.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
As an entrepreneur, I’ve accepted that the road ahead won’t always be easy. My family values have taught me patience and resilience. I understand that building something significant takes time and not an overnight feat.
With this mindset, I’ve always been mentally prepared for challenges.
Despite setbacks, I remain steadfast in my farsightedness. I’m a firm believer in thinking ahead and understanding where I’m headed.”
By keeping my vision in focus, I’m able to navigate through short-term obstacles without losing sight of the ultimate goal.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
In reflecting on my life’s journey, three invaluable lessons have stood out as fundamental to my growth and development.
“Lesson 1 revolves around the crucial balance between work and life. Amidst the hustle and bustle of chasing dreams and ambitions, it’s imperative not to overlook the essence of life itself. Prioritizing health, nurturing relationships with loved ones, and contributing to the community are indispensable facets that should not be sacrificed on the altar of professional endeavours. I’ve witnessed too many entrepreneurs postpone these vital aspects, waiting for the perfect moment, only to realize later that life has passed them by, leaving them with regrets and missed opportunities.”
“Lesson 2 revolves around embracing the 80/20 principle. It’s a cornerstone of my approach to life and work. Recognizing that; not everything will unfold precisely as envisioned, I advocate focusing on the 80% that succeeds rather than fixating on the 20% that may falter. Perfectionism often leads to disappointment, so instead, I emphasize progress over perfection. Additionally, I caution against generalizing based on the minority who may disappoint, urging appreciation for the majority who support and contribute positively.”
“Lesson 3 underscores the reality that nothing worthwhile comes easily. To pursue one’s passion requires a willingness to sacrifice immediate gratification for long-term fulfilment. Both mentally and physically, one must be prepared to endure and persevere. Success is not a shortcut but the result of relentless dedication and hard work. I firmly adhere to the principle that ‘easy come, easy go,’ advocating instead for embracing the journey of building something enduring—a legacy that withstands the test of time.”
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
In my view, the keys to success are multifaceted. They include unwavering dedication fueled by passion, the virtue of patience to weather challenges, the power of prayer for guidance and strength, the invaluable support of family and friends, and perhaps most crucially, a deep sense of gratitude for every opportunity and achievement along the way.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
If I were to offer advice to students and young professionals aspiring for a successful career, I would emphasize the importance of embracing the journey rather than fixating solely on the destination.
It’s common to see a rush towards rapid growth and immediate success, but I caution against getting too caught up in the valuation game. True success often comes from a gradual, steady climb, marked by learning experiences and personal growth along the way.
Additionally, I would stress the criticality of prioritizing health above all else. While ambitions and career goals are undoubtedly important, they should never come at the expense of one’s well-being. Making health a top priority ensures the sustainability of long-term success and happiness.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
What makes my journey both satisfying and exciting is the harmonious blend of passion-driven entrepreneurship with a commitment to work-life balance. As I continue to build my leather lifestyle brand – Three Sixty, I prioritize not only the growth of the business but also the well-being of myself and my team.
Each day begins with a clear focus on personal wellness, whether through a morning workout or a refreshing game of golf. By starting on this positive note, I set the tone for a productive and energized day ahead. I also make a conscious effort to spend quality time with my family, friends, and community at large. This balance not only enriches my personal life but also fuels creativity and passion for my business.
In essence, finding fulfilment in both professional endeavours and personal connections is what keeps my journey deeply satisfying and endlessly exciting.
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.
