Biography of Ashri Jaiswal: Founder and CEO of Ziniosa- Entrepreneur
Ashri Jaiswal’s Journey
Ashri Jaiswal’s journey into entrepreneurship began with a
deep-rooted passion for fashion and sustainability. Her time in the United
States, particularly a memorable trip to Hawaii, provided a pivotal moment.
During this trip, Ashri discovered “Rent the Runway,” a service that allowed
her to rent luxury outfits rather than purchase new ones. This experience
highlighted the practicality and appeal of fashion rentals and planted the
seeds for her future venture.
Founding Ziniosa
In 2018, Ashri Jaiswal, alongside her co-founder Varun
Ramani, launched Ziniosa, a startup dedicated to revolutionizing the fashion
industry in India. Ziniosa was born out of their desire to make high-end
fashion accessible without the traditional retail price tags. The startup
focuses on renting and reselling luxury fashion items like handbags, shoes, and
sunglasses from prestigious brands such as Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.
Identifying the Market Gap
Before officially launching Ziniosa, Ashri and Varun spent a
year researching the market and interacting with potential customers. They
uncovered several key challenges facing luxury fashion consumers. The first
issue was affordability. Luxury items, with their prices rising annually, were
out of reach for many shoppers. This barrier led them to explore alternatives that
would make luxury fashion more accessible.
Biography of Ashri Jaiswal: Founder and CEO of Ziniosa- Entrepreneur/ Startup/Age/Net worth/Ashri Jaiswal story/Ziniosa story/luxury fashion rentals
Addressing Accessibility
Ashri noted that despite a growing number of luxury shoppers
in India, there were limited online options for purchasing these high-end
goods. Most luxury fashion stores were confined to major cities like Delhi and
Mumbai. This lack of accessibility further underscored the need for a platform
that could bridge this gap and bring luxury fashion to a wider audience.
Understanding the Millennial Market
The team also recognized the unique characteristics of the
millennial market. For this demographic, influenced heavily by social media,
repeating outfits was often seen as a faux pas. Ashri discovered that many
millennials would buy a dress, wear it once, and return it to the store to avoid
being seen in the same outfit twice. This behavior revealed a growing desire
for fashion flexibility and variety.
Environmental Concerns
Another crucial factor driving Ziniosa’s mission was the
environmental impact of fast fashion. The fashion industry is one of the most
polluting sectors globally, contributing significantly to environmental
degradation. By promoting a circular fashion model, Ziniosa aimed to offer an
eco-friendly alternative that not only met customer needs but also supported
sustainability.
Building a Circular Economy
The founders of Ziniosa envisioned their startup as a
solution to multiple issues simultaneously. By offering luxury fashion items
for rent and resale, they aimed to reduce the demand for new clothing and
accessories, thereby mitigating the environmental impact of the fashion
industry. This approach supports a circular economy, where products are reused
and recycled rather than discarded.
Initial Challenges
Starting Ziniosa came with its own set of challenges.
Building a platform that could handle luxury fashion rentals required
meticulous planning and execution. Ashri and Varun had to navigate logistical
hurdles, establish partnerships with high-end brands, and create a seamless
user experience for their customers.
Success and Growth
Despite these challenges, Ziniosa has made significant
strides since its inception. The startup has gained traction in the luxury
fashion rental market and is becoming a notable player in the industry. Their
innovative approach has not only attracted customers but also caught the
attention of industry observers and potential investors.
Incubation and Support
Ziniosa’s journey received a boost when it was incubated at
prestigious institutions like NSRCEL at IIM-Bangalore and NASSCOM’s 10,000
Startup Warehouse. These incubations provided the startup with valuable
resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, further fueling its growth
and development.
Impact and Future Plans
Looking ahead, Ashri Jaiswal and Varun Ramani are focused on
expanding Ziniosa’s reach and impact. They aim to continue addressing the
evolving needs of luxury fashion consumers while promoting sustainability. The
startup’s success reflects a growing trend towards more responsible and
accessible fashion choices.
A Legacy of Innovation
Through Ziniosa, Ashri Jaiswal has not only created a
business but also championed a movement towards more sustainable and inclusive
fashion. Her journey from a fashion enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur
highlights the power of passion and innovation in driving meaningful change. As
Ziniosa continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the impact of visionary
thinking in transforming industries.
Timeline of Ashri Jaiswal’s Journey
2017 - Ashri’s trip to Hawaii sparks the idea for fashion
rentals after discovering “Rent the Runway.”
2018 - Ashri Jaiswal and Varun Ramani found Ziniosa,
focusing on luxury fashion rentals in India.
2019 - Extensive market research reveals challenges like
affordability and limited accessibility to luxury fashion.
2020 - Ziniosa addresses the market gap and environmental
concerns by promoting a circular fashion model.
2021 - Initial challenges include building the platform and
establishing brand partnerships.
2022 - Ziniosa gains traction and recognition, attracting
customers and investors.
2023 - Incubated at NSRCEL, IIM-Bangalore, and NASSCOM’s
10,000 Startup Warehouse.
2024 - Ashri and Varun plan to expand Ziniosa’s reach,
continuing to focus on sustainability and fashion accessibility.