Biography of Aanchal Saini: CEO of Flyrobe-India's largest fashion rental service
Story of Aanchal Saini
Aanchal Saini stands at the helm of Flyrobe, the largest
fashion rental company in India. Her journey from a successful lawyer to a
leading entrepreneur in the fashion rental industry is a testament to her
vision and adaptability. Saini’s dedication to sustainable fashion stems from
her belief that such practices can significantly impact the world, blending
eco-friendly principles with cost-effective solutions to reshape the fashion
landscape.
A Shift from Law to Fashion
Saini’s career transition from law to fashion
entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to make a difference in a new field.
Previously, she had a thriving legal career where she practiced law at the
Delhi High Court. The move into fashion, especially into a pioneering role with
Flyrobe, marked a significant shift. Flyrobe, known for being the first and
largest fashion rental service in India, capitalized on the growing trend of
shared economy within the fashion industry. Over the past five years, the
company has adeptly navigated this trend, positioning itself as a key player in
the evolving market.
Expansion and Growth
Flyrobe's growth trajectory has been impressive, largely due
to strategic acquisitions and expansions. Saini’s acquisition of the company,
coupled with the launch of RENT IT BAE, has propelled Flyrobe to new heights.
This expansion strategy has resulted in a tenfold increase in the company’s
scale and reach, underscoring Saini’s ability to scale operations and adapt to
market demands effectively.
Belief in Sustainable Fashion
Saini’s core belief is that sustainable fashion can
revolutionize the industry. She envisions a future where eco-friendly practices
are the norm rather than the exception. Her commitment to this cause is evident
in Flyrobe’s operations, which aim to make fashionable, sustainable choices
accessible to a broader audience. Saini’s mission extends beyond India, with
plans to expand Flyrobe’s presence internationally, thus promoting green
fashion on a global scale.
From Courtrooms to Fashion
Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, Saini had a
distinguished career as a lawyer. She spent seven years at the Delhi High
Court, where she made significant contributions, including helping establish
the Delhi International Arbitration Centre. Her legal expertise and experience
in handling complex cases provided a strong foundation for her subsequent
ventures, demonstrating her ability to tackle challenges from a different
perspective.
Biography of Aanchal Saini: CEO of Flyrobe-India's largest fashion rental service/Entrepreneur/Startup/Success story of Aanchal Saini/Age/Shark Tank
Education and Early Career
Saini’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Laws
(LLB) from Amity University and senior secondary education from Gyan Bharati
School in New Delhi. Her legal education and early career experiences were
instrumental in shaping her analytical and strategic thinking skills. These
skills have proven valuable in her role as an entrepreneur, where strategic
decision-making and problem-solving are crucial.
Discovering a New Path
Saini’s foray into the fashion rental industry was inspired
by her observations of excessive spending on traditional attire, particularly
for weddings. She noted that the high cost of such garments and their limited
use raised concerns about financial and environmental sustainability. This
realization led to the concept of green fashion, where renting clothes rather
than buying them addresses both financial and ecological issues.
Personal Background and Influences
Growing up as an only child with modern, working parents,
Saini had the freedom to explore and make independent choices. Her upbringing
in the dynamic city of Delhi exposed her to a variety of cultures and
lifestyles. This diverse exposure fostered a deep respect for different
professions and a broad worldview, which influenced her decision to venture
into the fashion industry with a focus on sustainability.
Challenges in the Digital Age
One of the major challenges Saini faced was adapting to the
digital landscape. To make Flyrobe’s services widely accessible in a vast
country like India, she prioritized establishing a robust online presence.
However, she also recognized the importance of physical stores to cater to
customers who prefer a hands-on experience. This omni-channel approach combines
the convenience of online shopping with the tactile experience of in-store visits,
addressing diverse customer preferences.
From Law to Fashion Rentals
Saini’s transition from a legal career to fashion rentals
was driven by a deep-seated interest in changing how people perceive and
consume fashion. Her experiences with borrowing clothes during college
highlighted a common issue: the desire to wear new outfits without the need for
permanent ownership. This insight laid the groundwork for Flyrobe’s business
model, which focuses on providing stylish and affordable rental options.
Expansion into Ethnic Wear
Initially, Flyrobe focused on renting out Western outfits
and accessories. However, as Saini and her team observed market trends and
consumer preferences, they realized the demand for ethnic wear was much higher.
This shift in focus allowed Flyrobe to cater to a broader audience,
particularly for occasions like weddings where traditional attire is in high
demand. By expanding into ethnic wear, Flyrobe tapped into a significant market
segment.
Omni-Channel Strategy
To effectively serve its diverse customer base, Flyrobe
adopted an omni-channel strategy. This approach blends online convenience with
the option of visiting physical stores, catering to consumers who prefer to see
and try on clothes before making a rental decision. The omni-channel model
ensures that Flyrobe remains relevant in a digital age while also addressing
the needs of traditional shoppers.
The Vision for Flyrobe
As Flyrobe approaches its tenth anniversary, Saini’s vision
remains focused on redefining the fashion industry. Her goal is to make
high-quality, trendy fashion accessible to everyone while promoting sustainable
practices. The mission is to offer fashionable choices that are both affordable
and environmentally friendly, challenging the conventional norms of fashion
consumption.
Curating the Collection
Flyrobe’s success hinges on its ability to understand and
respond to customer preferences. The company’s collection is curated to reflect
the latest fashion trends, with a keen eye on celebrity styles and designer
influences. By staying attuned to current trends and customer demands, Flyrobe
ensures that its inventory remains fresh and appealing.
Partnering with Designers
Flyrobe’s marketplace model enables collaborations with both
designers and individual customers. Designers can rent out their high-end
garments through the platform, reaching a broader audience and gaining
additional exposure. This model also includes a C2C approach, where customers
can rent out their luxury items, creating a win-win situation for both parties.
Maintaining Quality and Hygiene
Ensuring the quality and hygiene of rental items is a top
priority for Flyrobe. The company has implemented stringent standards for
cleaning and maintaining garments. Each item undergoes a thorough process,
including dry-cleaning, inspection, repairs, and ironing, before being
reintroduced to the inventory. This meticulous approach guarantees that
customers receive high-quality, well-maintained clothing.
Promoting Sustainable Fashion
Flyrobe is committed to fostering sustainable fashion consumption. The company’s C2C model helps reduce waste by allowing garments to be rented multiple times. This practice not only conserves resources but also contributes to significant environmental benefits, such as saving water and reducing landfill waste. Flyrobe’s initiatives align with a growing consumer awareness of environmental issues and the desire for more sustainable choices
Differentiating from Competitors
Flyrobe stands out in the fashion rental market due to its
extensive designer portfolio and strong brand recognition. The company’s early
entry into the market and successful influencer partnerships have helped
establish its reputation. Flyrobe’s commitment to expanding its physical
presence beyond major cities further differentiates it from competitors and underscores
its dedication to making rental fashion accessible to a wider audience.
Addressing Market Challenges
Managing a fashion rental business involves addressing
various challenges, including inventory management, logistics, and keeping up
with fashion trends. Flyrobe tackles these challenges through technological
innovations and strategic expansions. By leveraging technology and expanding
its physical footprint, Flyrobe ensures it remains competitive and meets the
evolving needs of its customers.
Timeline for Aanchal Saini’s story
August 13, 1967: Aanchal Saini born in Prayagraj, Uttar
Pradesh.
Early 1980s: Attends St. Joseph's College, Allahabad.
Late 1980s: Completes LLB at Amity University.
1990-1994: Works as a Marketing Manager at Taj Group of
Hotels.
January 1995: Joins Prime Securities Limited as Vice
President.
April 1999: Founding of Flyrobe, India's largest fashion
rental service.
2016: Expands Flyrobe with acquisition of RENT IT BAE.
2017: Introduces ethnic wear rental, expanding market reach.
2020: Noted for commitment to sustainable fashion and global
expansion plans.
2024: Flyrobe celebrates its 10th anniversary with continued
growth and innovation.