‘Kar’avan to retail

A 10 minute conversation with Richa Kar, the founder of Zivame and you would get inspired to take a risk on pursuing what you love. With her remarkable growth in the world of lingerie business over the past two years, this pretty Bengalurean has now attracted investors nationwide with the latest being a deal signed with Ronnie Screwvala.

A monotonous corporate job and yet another day behind the desk, pushed her into the world of business. “I never dreamt of becoming an entrepreneur, as I came from a family who values education first, I was always studying and proving myself,” she begins. Richa finished her engineering degree at BITS, Pilani and took up jobs at the corporate and retail sector. After an experience with the retail industry she began her research in the lingerie industry. She says, “Nothing is planned, it just happens to you. Once I knew what I wanted, I did my bit of groundwork and research and identified the loopholes,” adding to that she says, “Deep down, I knew the sentiment of every Indian consumer who goes out to buy lingerie.

It was a tedious task and was underrated, I wanted my brand to give the edge out of the product that it is as important as any other piece of clothing.” Thus, was born Zivame, which she wanted to be the answer to , “an unexplored category in Indian market.” She proudly says, “Initially I knew and had good vibes but I think over the last two years, we changed the buying behaviour of consumers. We are currently the largest lingerie player in the market.” Her site offers more than 80+ sizes which she confirms would not be available in the stores. With such diversity, they always come up with something new, in terms of style and comfort. 

About her recent deal with Ronnie, she excitedly says that it is such a motivating factor. “The deal is such a breakthrough and the business has scaled out in a large way - as a young entrepreneur I wanted someone  I could learn from. And Ronnie Screwvala’s strategy and planning is awe-inspiring and I am looking forward to the association.” The deal is signed for a whopping $6 million and Richa says, “I am hoping to create Zivame as a consumer brand in future through such alliances.” She further adds that she owes a lot to the startup capital of the country and explains, “I do not think I would have had the encouragement and the talent that I found in Bengaluru, in any other place. If I was not here, I would not have confidently opened up my venture in any other place.” You go girl!