Yasmeen Delawala’s journey is a compelling testament to the power of resilience and creativity. Emerging from the aftermath of the devastating Gujarat earthquake, Yasmeen has made a significant mark in the fashion industry with her brand, Vivika. Her story is one of overcoming adversity, redefining success, and providing valuable insights into entrepreneurship, passion, and perseverance.
From Gujarat to Hyderabad: A Journey of Transformation
Born in a small town in Gujarat, Yasmeen’s early life was dramatically shaped by significant events that would later influence her entrepreneurial spirit. The Gujarat earthquake and subsequent communal riots prompted her family to relocate to Hyderabad. Initially, Yasmeen pursued a stable career in chartered accountancy. However, her true passion lay elsewhere, deeply rooted in her family’s textile business, which had been a source of livelihood and growth for many.
“I realized that while a career in accountancy was secure, it wasn’t where my heart was,” Yasmeen recalls. “Seeing my family’s business impact so many lives made me want to create something of my own.”
The Birth of Vivika
Yasmeen’s entrepreneurial journey began with the launch of Vivika, a fashion brand dedicated to bridging the gap between affordability and quality. Her initial focus was on basic wear, leveraging her family’s textile expertise and her own creative insights. Despite facing setbacks, including the challenges brought on by the pandemic, Yasmeen’s determination never wavered.
“Starting Vivika was both exhilarating and challenging. The pandemic hit us hard, but it also forced me to rethink our strategies and adapt,” she explains.
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Growth
One of Yasmeen’s significant challenges was operating in Hyderabad, a city not traditionally known for textile production. While she believes being in a hub like Ahmedabad or Surat might have accelerated her business growth, she remains undeterred.
“Hyderabad has its own set of challenges, especially in terms of production. But I’m committed to making it work here while balancing my family life,” Yasmeen states. She emphasizes the importance of her husband’s career and their child in her life, making it clear that managing personal and professional responsibilities is a delicate balancing act.
Yasmeen’s commitment to sustainability reflects her responsible business practices. While Vivika is not yet fully sustainable due to cost constraints, she focuses on minimizing waste and adopting environmentally friendly methods, such as using dyeing units that recycle water.
Balancing Business and Family Life
To maintain harmony between her business and family life, Yasmeen has structured Vivika to operate with minimal supervision, allowing her to spend quality time with her child. This approach is supported by her team and her family, who help her maintain this balance.
“I’m fortunate to work from home and manage my business through phone calls and short meetings,” Yasmeen shares. “It’s about preparing my team to be independent and ensuring that I can be present for my family while steering the business forward.”
Expanding Horizons and Future Goals
Vivika’s journey is marked by steady growth, achieving an impressive eight-figure turnover with an expected 20% growth by the year’s end. While her focus is primarily on the South Indian market, Yasmeen recognizes the potential for national expansion.
“While our current production capacity is limited, we are steadily growing our B2B and D2C markets,” she explains. “I aim to double or even triple our sales, with a goal of reaching a nine-figure turnover within the next two years.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Yasmeen’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is both clear and inspiring: “Passion and patience are key. Build the right network, take calculated risks, and always maintain your mental health. Do what you love, and be mindful of each day’s productivity to avoid regrets.”
She emphasizes that a strong mental foundation is crucial for long-term success. “If you’re passionate about what you’re doing, don’t give up easily. Success will come with persistence, calculated risks, and a genuine love for the work.”
A Powerful Narrative
Yasmeen Delawala’s story is more than just a tale of business success; it is a powerful narrative of overcoming obstacles, embracing growth, and staying true to one’s passions. Her journey with Vivika not only reflects her personal resilience but also serves as an inspiration for others. Yasmeen hopes her experiences can inspire even one person, underscoring the importance of self-love and perseverance in achieving true fulfillment and success.
