Entrepreneurs
Chirag Kabra Crafting Success Beyond Comfort Zones
Leaving behind a well-established family business to embark on a journey into the competitive entrepreneurial world is never an easy decision. It requires courage, determination, and a clear vision of success. Chirag Kabra inspiring story is a testament to what can be achieved when one dares to step out of their comfort zone. Chirag’s business journey began as a credit analyst at his father’s investment firm in Mumbai. It was a stable and comfortable path, but his entrepreneurial spirit yearned for more. In 2011, he decided to make a significant shift and entered the business of exporting bed sheets and pillow covers.
The turning point came in 2014 when Chirag and his wife, Sheena, founded Nikshe MultiProducts Pvt. Ltd. They ventured into manufacturing after securing an order to produce laundry bags for a Marriott Hotel in Ahmedabad. This marked the beginning of their remarkable entrepreneurial journey.
The Early Struggles:
Starting a manufacturing unit from scratch was no small feat. Chirag and Sheena had to overcome numerous challenges, from setting up the facility in Ahmedabad to acquiring their first clients. The initial days were particularly challenging. The entire family pitched in, with Chirag and Sheena handling everything from stitching to printing and delivery.
Materials were sourced from various parts of Gujarat, and Chirag’s mother and grandmother played a pivotal role in assembling the products, often working late into the night. Despite their hard work and dedication, the company faced losses initially. Chirag recalls, “Our first order was worth Rs 6,000, for which we incurred a loss of Rs 9,000.”
Recognizing Opportunity in the Slipper Industry
During this period, Chirag’s sister, Chanchal Soni, and brother-in-law, Karan Soni, joined the business. They identified a gap in the slipper industry, specifically in the supply of room slippers extensively used in the hotel sector. These slippers were primarily sourced from unorganized players in India. Seeing an opportunity to fill this gap, Chirag and Sheena decided to expand their business. They launched a brand called “The Slipper Factory LLP” under their existing enterprise. This marked the beginning of their venture into disposable slipper manufacturing.
Today, The Slipper Factory LLP is a thriving business that employs over 350 people. It has diversified its product range to include 85 different items, ranging from face masks and laundry bags to bathrobes, room slippers, and even sherwani covers. The company has come a long way from its humble beginnings and now boasts an annual turnover of Rs 22 crore.
Chirag Kabra’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and the willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone. Leaving behind a stable family business, he and his wife Sheena embarked on a path filled with challenges and uncertainties. However, their unwavering commitment to quality and their keen business acumen allowed them to not only overcome obstacles but also carve out a successful niche in the competitive manufacturing industry. Chirag Kabra’s story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs to dream big and pursue their ambitions, no matter how daunting the journey may seem.