She had been toying with the idea for long but never could summon the guts to leave her well-paid corporate job and follow her dream. Her maternity break gave her a chance to think, rethink and venture out of her cocoon, spread her wings really wide and follow her long-harbored dream! Today, Shubhra Chadda, co-founder of Chumbak, is an inspiration for every entrepreneur and for all right reasons too!
She says: "Chumbak was founded with my husband Vivek Prabhakar. The focus then was to bring to the untapped souvenir market a set of products and designs that tickle the humor of the Indian consumer. We love traveling and every time we would return from a new place, I would purchase souvenirs like magnets. One day while staring at my fridge filled with magnets from various places, I realised that apart from the traditional replicas and other Indian souvenirs, no one was making souvenirs like magnets, of designs that I could proudly display on my fridge and gift to others. I had an ‘aha’ moment and decided to pursue the idea to create designs that represented the quirks and eccentricities of India on fun and easy to purchase products."
Her idea was simple: To cater to the consumers looking for creative, quirky and Indian gifting options. “I wanted to create a range of fun souvenirs for India and Indians,” she says. However, her idea initially was shelved and left behind for the fear that it might topple her career. But she couldn’t ignore it for long as it re-emerged during her maternity break and she had to do something!
Chadda and her husband sold their house to start the company. It was a gamble, she agrees, but one that has paid off well. (They now live in their own 3-BHK in the city.) The first year was spent fleshing out the concept, design, suppliers, pricing and retail strategy. After a thorough investigation and planning, she founded Chumbak in March 2010. Their introductory product range included magnets, keychains and cushion covers. Within the first six months, the company broke even.
The brand has enjoyed quantum jump over the years, evolving into a lifestyle brand with 100 product categories. Chumbak’s signature quirky, vibrant and India-inspired designs are retailed through their own website and other e-commerce platforms, as well as through 17 exclusive stores across India.
Today, Shubhra Chadda is a sought-after name, but she achieved this status by following her dreams, not just by treasuring them. When she sacrificed her career, home and the security of her regular job, she attained her goals.
Do you have in it you to pursue your dreams?
If you say YES, Meyer India is giving you a chance to be an entrepreneur and live your dreams. Meyer Direct is the business opportunity that will help you be more than a homemaker and live a happier life. If you want to know more, mail us at mrinal.malik@meyerindia.in. You can also reach us at- 011 41217100. If you are interested, you can also fill up the form at www.meyerdirect.in