Biography of Vijay Kumar: Co-founder & CEO at Rare Planet Handicrafts- Entrepreneur
Biography of Vijay Kumar:
From Humble Beginnings to
Entrepreneurial Aspirations
Vijay Kumar's journey began in Bengaluru, where he pursued
his education in commerce at Bangalore University, followed by an MBA in
Marketing from Dr. C.V. Raman College. His early career saw him in various
roles, where he built a strong foundation in business operations and retail
management. Despite his extensive experience in luxury and airport retail, his
path was about to take a significant turn.
Early Professional Experiences: Building a Strong Foundation
Vijay’s career started at Bradma Of India Ltd, where he
handled accounts and administration for South India. This role involved
managing finances, handling audits, and establishing a profitable branch, which
laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. His journey continued with Zavier
Impext Pvt Ltd, where he coordinated sales and business promotions, further
honing his skills in business development.
The Retail Revolution: Rising Through the Ranks
In 2001, Vijay joined SWAROVSKI (SPA Agencies India Pvt Ltd)
as an Operations Manager. Here, he managed boutique operations, key accounts,
and visual merchandising, which gave him valuable insights into the luxury
retail market. This role not only sharpened his management skills but also
exposed him to high-end customer service and operations.
A New Challenge: Navigating the Luxury Retail Market
From SWAROVSKI, Vijay transitioned to Lladro (SPA Lifestyle
Pvt Ltd), where he took on the role of Regional Operations Manager for South
India. His responsibilities included handling luxury retail operations,
developing shop-in-shop formats, and managing staff and inventories. This
experience deepened his understanding of the luxury market and expanded his
expertise in managing high-end retail environments.
Mastering the Art of Retail Operations
Vijay’s next role at Rosenthal (Horseshoe Retail Holdings
Pvt Ltd) saw him overseeing retail operations in Bengaluru. His work involved
leading marketing and sales teams, managing profitable cost centers, and
handling internal audits. This role was instrumental in his development as a
leader and strategist in the retail sector.
Joining Rare Planet: A New Vision Takes Shape
In May 2019, Vijay co-founded Rare Planet Handicrafts Pvt
Ltd, a startup dedicated to uplifting rural artisans across India. The company
aimed to bring traditional Indian handicrafts into the limelight, focusing on
travel retail with a significant presence in major airports. Vijay’s vision was
to merge his expertise in retail with a cause that supported local artisans.
Transforming Artisans’ Lives: A Commitment to Social Impact
Rare Planet’s mission was clear: to provide sustainable
livelihoods for rural artisans and showcase their craftsmanship to a global
audience. Under Vijay’s leadership, the company began connecting artisans with
markets through various retail formats, including airport stores and exclusive
outlets, thus creating a positive impact on their lives.
Scaling New Heights: Expanding the Retail Footprint
Rare Planet quickly gained traction, expanding from a few
airport stores to a nationwide presence. The company’s innovative formats like
RARE PLANET Luxe and SITARA further solidified its position in the retail
market. Vijay’s strategic vision and dedication were key in scaling the
business and reaching new milestones.
Biography of Vijay Kumar: Co-founder & CEO at Rare Planet Handicrafts- Entrepreneur/Investor/Vijay Kumar TR/Age/Net worth/Rare Planet/Shark Tank
Achieving Recognition: A Major Breakthrough
In 2021, Rare Planet appeared on Shark Tank India, where
Vijay and co-founder Ranodeep Saha pitched their vision. Their compelling
presentation caught the attention of Namita Thapar, who invested INR 65 lakhs
for a 3% equity stake in the company. This endorsement was a significant
validation of Rare Planet’s business model and impact.
A Remarkable Journey: From Pitch to Success
Following their appearance on Shark Tank, Rare Planet
experienced tremendous growth. The company’s revenue surged, and its footprint
expanded to over 37 airports with 50 stores across India. Vijay’s leadership
played a crucial role in this success, driving the company’s growth and
ensuring its continued impact on artisans.
An Industry Leader: Setting New Standards
Rare Planet’s success was marked by its extensive inventory
and innovative retail formats. The company’s products ranged from handcrafted
mugs to luxury accessories, all created by over 10,000 artisans. Vijay’s
ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern retail practices set new
standards in the industry.
Impacting Lives: Empowering Artisans and Their Families
Beyond business success, Rare Planet’s impact on artisans
was profound. The company significantly increased the income of its artisans
and supported the education of their children. Vijay’s commitment to social
responsibility was evident in the company’s efforts to enhance the livelihoods
and futures of thousands of families.
A Proud Moment: Partial Exit with a 3.5x Return
In January 2024, Rare Planet marked a landmark achievement
when Namita Thapar partially exited her investment with a 3.5x return. This was
the first such exit from Shark Tank India, reflecting the company’s exceptional
performance and growth under Vijay’s leadership.
Looking Ahead: Future Prospects and Expansion
With a solid foundation and proven success, Rare Planet
continues to explore new opportunities for expansion. The company plans to open
more stores, both in airports and shopping malls, and diversify its product
line further. Vijay remains focused on driving innovation and maintaining the
company’s commitment to artisan empowerment.
A Journey of Inspiration: Vijay Kumar’s Legacy
Vijay Kumar’s journey from his early career to co-founding
Rare Planet is a testament to his dedication and vision. His work has not only
transformed the retail landscape but also made a significant social impact. His
story inspires many aspiring entrepreneurs and highlights the power of blending
business success with social responsibility.
The Future of Rare Planet: Continuing the Mission
As Rare Planet moves forward, Vijay and his team remain
committed to their mission of uplifting rural artisans and showcasing their
crafts. The company’s future is bright, with plans for continued growth and
innovation. Vijay’s leadership ensures that Rare Planet will continue to make a
positive difference in the world of retail and beyond.
Timeline for Vijay’s journey
Bengaluru Origins: Completed commerce degree and MBA.
Early Career: Started at Bradma Of India Ltd and Zavier
Impext Pvt Ltd.
2001: Joined SWAROVSKI as Operations Manager.
Post-SWAROVSKI: Worked at Lladro and Rosenthal in luxury
retail roles.
May 2019: Co-founded Rare Planet Handicrafts Pvt Ltd.
2021: Featured on Shark Tank India; secured investment from
Namita Thapar.
January 2024: Namita Thapar exited investment with a 3.5x
return.
