Biography of Amruta Shah: Founder and CEO of Zookeeper- Entrepreneur
Biography of Amruta Shah:
In Bengaluru, a passionate artist and designer named Amruta
Shah embarked on a journey that would change the landscape of children’s décor.
Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, Amruta was inspired by the blend of
creativity and functionality in design. She dedicated years to mastering her
craft, studying fine arts at prestigious institutions like MS University in
Baroda, India, and the Chelsea College of Art in London. These formative
experiences shaped her vision for creating products that not only looked good
but also served a purpose in the lives of children.
The Birth of Zookeeper
Amruta's role as a mother to her son Kabir became a pivotal
moment in her life. Kabir's love for animals and dreams of becoming a zookeeper
ignited Amruta’s creativity. As she searched for high-quality, well-designed
children’s products that reflected her son’s vibrant personality and curiosity,
she found a gap in the market. Unable to find items that celebrated diversity
and individuality, she decided to take matters into her own hands, leading to
the creation of Zookeeper. This brand was not just about selling products; it
was about fostering imagination and creativity in children.
Building the Brand
Founded in 2021, Zookeeper quickly became known as a
one-stop shop for children’s home and living needs. Amruta designed a range of
products, from colorful quilts and wall décor to practical storage solutions.
Each item was crafted with love, made from 100% cotton and tested for quality.
Amruta worked closely with skilled artisans across India, employing traditional
techniques like hand embroidery and quilting. This collaboration not only
supported local craftsmanship but also infused each product with a sense of
heritage and creativity.
The Creative Process
The creative journey of Zookeeper involved extensive
prototyping. Amruta began by sketching her ideas, drawing inspiration from
nature and her son’s imaginative world. Every design was meticulously thought
out, ensuring that it would spark joy and wonder in children. With bright
images of animals, birds, and vibrant flora featured prominently in the
designs, each product became a gateway to a magical world where children could
explore and play freely. The aim was to create not just items for a room, but a
canvas for imagination.
Recognized for Excellence
Amruta’s efforts did not go unnoticed. In 2023, Zookeeper
was honored with accolades such as being listed among the Top 25 Emerging
Brands by Nykaa and the Top 100 Challenger Brands by YourStory. These
recognitions validated her vision and hard work, reinforcing the idea that
children’s products could be both beautiful and meaningful. The brand quickly
gained a following among parents who valued quality and design, eager to
provide their children with spaces that inspired creativity.
A Commitment to Quality
Amruta understood the importance of quality in children’s
products. All items from Zookeeper were crafted with durability and safety in
mind. The cotton used was sourced locally, ensuring that it was gentle on
children’s skin while also being environmentally friendly. Amruta's commitment
to quality was not just about creating delightful items; it was also about
making a positive impact on the planet. Every product reflected her belief that
good design could coexist with sustainability.
Engaging the Community
To further enrich the brand, Amruta engaged with her
community through workshops and design sprints. At The Think Factory, which she
co-founded prior to Zookeeper, Amruta facilitated collaborative problem-solving
sessions for organizations in various sectors. These sprints helped businesses
enhance their design thinking capabilities while fostering teamwork. This
experience translated beautifully into Zookeeper, where collaboration became a
core principle in creating engaging products.
Biography of Amruta Shah: Founder and CEO of Zookeeper- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/children’s décor/Zookeeper story/Amruta Shah story
Inspiring Future Generations
Amruta's teaching background played a significant role in
her approach to Zookeeper. As a former faculty member at the Srishti Institute
of Art, Design, and Technology, she mentored students in various design disciplines.
This experience enriched her understanding of how to cultivate creativity in
young minds. At Zookeeper, she envisioned not just a brand but a platform that
encouraged parents and children to learn, create, and grow together, turning
every interaction into a shared experience.
Celebrating Nature and Diversity
The essence of Zookeeper lay in its celebration of nature
and diversity. Each collection drew inspiration from the natural world,
reflecting Amruta’s love for Indian crafts and her son’s fascination with
wildlife. The designs featured playful motifs of animals and plants, fostering
a sense of wonder and connection to the environment. Zookeeper was more than a
brand; it was a commitment to nurturing a love for nature in children,
encouraging them to become mindful stewards of the planet.
Expanding Horizons
As Zookeeper continued to grow, Amruta set her sights on
expanding the product range. With plans to introduce new categories, the brand
aimed to evolve alongside the needs of children and their families. Each new
collection would continue to explore imaginative themes, such as “A Time Before
Time,” featuring friendly robotic dinosaurs, or “Emerald Cove,” showcasing the
beauty of the marine world. These themes were designed to ignite curiosity and
provide children with narratives that inspired creative play.
The Future of Zookeeper
Amruta’s journey with Zookeeper is just beginning, but her
vision is clear: to create a magical world for children where imagination knows
no bounds. By blending high-quality design with thoughtful storytelling, she
aims to empower a new generation of young minds. With every product, Amruta
invites families to explore, learn, and grow together, making Zookeeper a
beloved brand that resonates with the hearts of children and parents alike.
Through her dedication and creativity, Amruta Shah continues to shape a future
where childhood is celebrated through design and imagination.
A timeline for Amruta Shah and Zookeeper’s journey:
2010: Amruta completes her fine arts studies.
2020: Becomes a mother; Kabir’s love for animals inspires
her.
2021: Launches Zookeeper to fill a gap in children’s décor.
2023: Zookeeper recognized among Top 25 Emerging Brands by
Nykaa.
2023: Receives Top 100 Challenger Brands award by YourStory.
2024: Expands product range with new imaginative themes.
2024: Plans community workshops to engage families
creatively.
