Biography of Susmitha Lakkakula: Founder and CEO of CloudTailor- Entrepreneur
Biography of Susmitha Lakkakula:
Susmitha Lakkakula’s journey into the world of fashion and
technology began with a personal challenge. During her second pregnancy in
2019, she struggled to find clothing that fit her changing body. Living in
Kokapet, a neighborhood with limited shopping options, she found it difficult
to get clothes that suited her needs. This experience ignited a passion to
solve a problem she realized was not unique to her but faced by many women.
Turning Personal Struggle into Innovation
With a background in technology and a longstanding interest
in tailoring—instilled by her mother who had always stitched clothes for her
and her sister—Susmitha decided to merge her technical skills with her newfound
need for custom clothing. This combination led to the idea of creating
CloudTailor, a platform designed to streamline the fashion and tailoring
process for women.
The Birth of CloudTailor
CloudTailor was officially launched in December 2020, born
out of Susmitha’s desire to make tailoring more accessible and efficient. The
app offers a comprehensive solution for personalized fashion, from styling and
measurement to order placement and delivery. This venture aimed to address
common issues faced by women, such as the need for custom-fitted clothing and
the convenience of handling these needs from home.
Overcoming Initial Hurdles
The initial phase of CloudTailor was marked by several
challenges. One significant issue was educating customers on how to accurately
measure themselves. To overcome this, Susmitha implemented various solutions,
including home measurement services, sending sample garments, and providing detailed
instructions through the app.
Expanding Reach and Operations
Starting with just one fulfillment center in Hyderabad and a
small team, CloudTailor has since grown substantially. The company now operates
multiple centers across India, including Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Pune, Patna,
Ahmedabad, Siddipet, Tirupati, and Kochi. This expansion has allowed
CloudTailor to cater to a broader audience, both domestically and
internationally.
Embracing a Phygital Model
CloudTailor operates on a hybrid model that combines
physical and digital channels. Customers can place orders through the app or
website, visit exclusive branded outlets for in-person consultations, or use
store-in-store kiosks set up in large retail stores. This approach ensures that
customers have multiple touchpoints to interact with the brand.
Building a Team and Infrastructure
The growth of CloudTailor required a significant investment
in both human resources and infrastructure. The team has expanded to include 40
fashion designers and 40 tailors, with plans for further growth. The company’s
infrastructure now supports a seamless integration of fashion design, measurement,
and fulfillment processes.
Navigating the Challenges of Scaling
Scaling the business brought its own set of challenges.
Initially, Susmitha managed deliveries and customer interactions personally.
However, as the company grew, she needed to delegate these tasks and focus on
strategic expansion. This involved setting up new fulfillment centers and improving
operational efficiency.
Focusing on Customer Experience
Customer satisfaction remains a core focus for CloudTailor.
The platform offers free lifetime alterations, recognizing that body changes
can occur over time. This commitment to customer service is part of
CloudTailor’s broader mission to provide a personalized and hassle-free fashion
experience.
Biography of Susmitha Lakkakula: Founder & CEO of CloudTailor- Entrepreneur /Investor/Age/Net worth/CloudTailor story/fashion and tailoring/ Susmitha
International Expansion
CloudTailor’s success in India has paved the way for
international expansion. The company now serves customers from the US, UK,
Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Middle East. This global reach
reflects the growing demand for personalized fashion solutions and the
effectiveness of CloudTailor’s business model.
Leveraging Technology for Innovation
Susmitha’s background in software engineering has been
instrumental in developing CloudTailor’s technology stack. The app integrates
various features, including fashion styling, learning, social sharing, and
order tracking. This technological innovation sets CloudTailor apart from traditional
tailoring services.
Addressing Market Gaps
CloudTailor addresses several gaps in the fashion market,
including the lack of organized and interactive interfaces for fashion design
and order fulfillment. By providing a centralized platform for custom clothing,
CloudTailor simplifies the process for customers and enhances their overall
experience.
Adapting to Market Needs
The COVID-19 pandemic played a crucial role in accelerating
CloudTailor’s growth. With people increasingly preferring to stay at home, the
demand for online tailoring solutions surged. CloudTailor’s ability to offer a
complete fashion service from the comfort of home resonated well with customers
during this period.
Building a Brand for the Future
Susmitha’s vision for CloudTailor extends beyond immediate
growth. She aims to establish the brand as a leader in personalized fashion, leveraging
technology to continually improve the customer experience. Her goal is to make
CloudTailor a household name and a go-to platform for custom clothing.
Learning from Experience
Throughout her career, Susmitha has accumulated extensive
experience in software management and testing. This background has equipped her
with the skills necessary to manage and scale a technology-driven business. Her
previous roles at companies like Wipro, Quantum, and Dell have provided
valuable insights into customer interactions and business operations.
Commitment to Quality and Innovation
CloudTailor’s commitment to quality is evident in its
approach to fashion and customer service. The company invests in high-quality
fabrics, skilled designers, and efficient fulfillment processes to ensure that
every customer receives a product that meets their expectations.
Looking Ahead
As CloudTailor continues to grow, Susmitha is focused on
expanding the company’s reach and enhancing its offerings. Future plans include
opening new fulfillment centers, adding more designers and tailors, and
exploring new markets. The company’s vision is to become a global leader in
personalized fashion.
A Personal Journey to Professional Success
Susmitha’s journey from a software engineer to an
entrepreneur is a testament to her resilience and innovative thinking. By
combining her technical expertise with a passion for fashion, she has created a
platform that addresses real-world problems and offers a valuable service to
women around the world.
Conclusion: CloudTailor’s Impact
CloudTailor represents more than just a fashion app; it
embodies Susmitha’s vision of merging technology with personalized fashion to
create a unique and efficient service. The company’s success is a reflection of
its ability to adapt to market needs, leverage technology, and provide
exceptional customer experiences.
Timeline of Susmitha Lakkakula's Journey with CloudTailor
2019: Struggled to find suitable maternity clothing,
sparking the idea for custom-tailored solutions.
December 2020: Launched CloudTailor to streamline
personalized fashion and tailoring.
2021: Overcame initial hurdles with customer education on
accurate measurements.
2022: Expanded operations with multiple fulfillment centers
across India.
2023: Adopted a phygital model, integrating online and
offline channels.
2023: Expanded international reach to the US, UK, Canada,
Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Middle East.
2024: Continued growth with additional fulfillment centers,
increased team size, and focus on global leadership in personalized fashion.
