Biography of Slony Gambhir: Founder & CEO of Very Much Indian-Entrepreneur

Biography of Slony Gambhir: Founder and CEO of Very Much Indian-Entrepreneur

Slony Gambhir's Journey: 

Early Beginnings in Yeola

Slony Gambhir’s journey into the world of traditional textiles began in her hometown of Yeola, Maharashtra, a hub for the Paithani saree revolution. Growing up in a textile business family, Slony was exposed to the intricacies of the fabric trade from a young age. Her early experiences included managing her family’s textile store, which laid the foundation for her deep understanding of the industry.

Educational Foundations

Determined to broaden her horizons, Slony pursued a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science at K.K. Wagh Institute of Engineering Education & Research, followed by a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing and Communication from the Institute of Business Management and Research in Pune. Despite her success in the corporate world, her heart remained tethered to the world of traditional textiles.

Corporate Life and Revelation

Slony embarked on a decade-long corporate career, but the call of her family’s textile legacy never waned. A vivid childhood memory—selling a Paithani saree to a hurried customer—served as a reminder of her true passion. This pivotal moment reaffirmed her desire to reconnect with her roots and revive traditional weaving practices.

The Birth of Very Much Indian

In 2016, Slony decided to leave her corporate job and follow her passion. She launched Very Much Indian, a venture dedicated to promoting and preserving India's traditional handloom weaving heritage. Initially starting from her home in Pune, Slony’s vision was to celebrate Indian artistry and provide rural weavers with a consistent source of income.

From Humble Beginnings to Major Growth

What began as a small home-based operation quickly blossomed into a successful enterprise. Very Much Indian grew rapidly, achieving eight-digit revenue within just four years. The brand’s commitment to authenticity and quality resonated with consumers, setting the stage for its appearance on Shark Tank India Season 2.

A Family Legacy Revisited

Slony's textile journey was deeply influenced by her family's business in Yeola, renowned for its Paithani sarees. Her early experiences in the family store, combined with her formal education, provided a strong foundation for her entrepreneurial ambitions. This blend of traditional knowledge and modern business acumen was instrumental in her success.

Overcoming Challenges

Initially, Slony faced resistance from her father, who was concerned about the stability of her corporate job. Nevertheless, with support from her husband and a loan of 25 sarees from her father, she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. Her early efforts included personally visiting clients and selling sarees, which helped her understand the market dynamics better.

Relearning the Craft

After a hiatus from the textile business, Slony dedicated herself to relearning the nuances of the trade. This period of re-acquaintance was crucial for her to understand current market trends and customer preferences, ensuring that Very Much Indian could offer products that met high standards of quality and authenticity.

Expanding the Business

Very Much Indian specializes in authentic, premium handloom sarees, including Paithani, pure silk, Banarasi, Kota, Kalamkari, and Maheshwari sarees. Their online platform offers a convenient shopping experience, helping them reach a wider audience. The business model focuses on direct engagement with weavers, eliminating middlemen to ensure fair compensation.

Sales and Revenue Growth

The startup saw impressive sales growth, with revenue increasing from ₹17 lakhs in FY 18-19 to a projected ₹2 crores for FY 22-23. The average ticket size of ₹10,000 reflects the market's willingness to invest in high-quality, traditional sarees. This growth underscores the success of Very Much Indian’s strategy to popularize traditional handloom weaves.

Biography of Slony Gambhir: Founder & CEO of Very Much Indian-Entrepreneur /traditional handloom textiles/Age/Net worth/ Very Much Indian story/Slony

Impact on Weavers

Very Much Indian’s model not only supports the revival of traditional weaves but also contributes to the socio-economic upliftment of rural weavers. By working with over 2500 weavers from seven states, the brand provides them with a steady source of income and enhances their artisanal skills, fostering both economic and social development.

Shark Tank India Appearance

In a bid to scale up, Very Much Indian appeared on Shark Tank India, seeking ₹2.5 crores for a 3% equity stake. Initially, Namita Thapar offered ₹7.5 crores for 10% equity, a proposal that was later revised. The final deal was struck at ₹2.5 crores for 14% equity, a significant boost that will aid in expanding their operations.

Securing Investments

The investment from Namita Thapar and Aman Gupta on Shark Tank India provided a significant financial boost, enabling Very Much Indian to scale its operations and reach more customers. This endorsement not only validated the business model but also enhanced the brand’s credibility and market presence.

Commitment to Sustainability

Very Much Indian emphasizes sustainability by sourcing its products directly from weavers and ensuring fair compensation. The brand’s approach supports eco-friendly practices and aims to preserve traditional weaving techniques, contributing to both environmental and cultural sustainability.

Growing Market Presence

With a growing customer base and increasing sales, Very Much Indian has established itself as a leading player in the traditional handloom saree market. Their online platform has facilitated easier access to these sarees, making it possible for customers across India and beyond to experience traditional craftsmanship.

Cultural Revival

The startup’s mission extends beyond business; it aims to revive and promote India’s rich cultural heritage through its sarees. By bringing traditional weaves into the modern market, Very Much Indian helps preserve these art forms and educates consumers about their historical and cultural significance.

Family and Business

Slony Gambhir’s journey is a testament to the intersection of family legacy and personal passion. Her background in her family’s textile business, combined with her corporate experience, uniquely positioned her to lead Very Much Indian and drive its success in the competitive market.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Very Much Indian aims to continue expanding its product range and market reach. The startup is focused on further developing its online presence and exploring new opportunities for collaboration with artisans and designers to enhance its offerings.

Final Thoughts

Slony Gambhir’s entrepreneurial journey with Very Much Indian illustrates the power of following one’s passion and leveraging traditional knowledge in the modern business world. Her dedication to preserving Indian weaving traditions while innovating in the e-commerce space highlights a successful blend of heritage and entrepreneurship.

A timeline for Slony Gambhir’s journey:

Early Years: Grows up in Yeola, Maharashtra, immersed in the family textile business.

2006-2010: Completes BTech in Computer Science at K.K. Wagh Institute and MBA in Marketing from the Institute of Business Management and Research, Pune.

2010-2016: Works in corporate roles, including a decade-long career in various companies.

2016: Leaves corporate life to start Very Much Indian, focusing on traditional handloom textiles.

2018-2019: Very Much Indian begins to see significant growth, achieving ₹17 lakhs in revenue by FY 18-19.

2022: Revenue reaches ₹2 crores for FY 22-23; appears on Shark Tank India, securing ₹2.5 crores for 14% equity from Namita Thapar and Aman Gupta.

2023: Continues to expand market presence, focusing on online sales and sustainability.

Biography of Slony Gambhir: Founder & CEO of Very Much Indian-Entrepreneur /traditional handloom textiles/Age/Net worth/ Very Much Indian story/Slony