Biography of Jitendra Sharma: Founder and CEO of HairOriginals- Entrepreneur
Biography of Jitendra Sharma:
Jitendra Sharma was born and raised with a strong academic
focus, culminating in his enrollment at the prestigious Indian Institute of
Technology, Delhi, where he studied Chemical Engineering. Graduating in 2008,
Jitendra was driven by a desire to excel and make an impact in his chosen
field. His education laid the groundwork for a career that would eventually
lead him into the world of entrepreneurship.
Corporate Experience
After completing his degree, Jitendra began his professional
journey in the oil and gas sector, working for Total for over eleven years. His
roles spanned various countries and included significant projects in Africa,
Europe, and Asia. This global exposure equipped him with valuable insights into
diverse markets and cultures, shaping his perspective on business and
opportunity.
The Hair Extension Market
Throughout his career, Jitendra noticed a burgeoning
opportunity in the hair extension industry, particularly the unorganized market
in India. He recognized that Indian Remy hair was highly sought after globally
for its quality and texture. This insight became the catalyst for his
entrepreneurial venture, as he envisioned creating a brand that could cater to
this demand with ethical practices.
Vision for HairOriginals
In September 2019, Jitendra founded HairOriginals, marking a
significant shift in his career. His vision was clear: to create a
direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand that offered high-quality, ethically sourced
natural hair extensions. HairOriginals aimed to transform how people viewed and
accessed hair extensions, promoting transparency and quality in the industry.
Product Range and Quality
HairOriginals quickly established itself by offering a
diverse range of products, including clip-in extensions, tape-in extensions,
pre-bonded extensions, and wigs. Each product was crafted from 100% natural
Indian Remy hair, known for its luxurious texture and durability. Jitendra's
commitment to quality ensured that each piece was free from harmful chemicals,
appealing to health-conscious consumers.
Building the Brand
Jitendra employed meticulous market research to understand
consumer needs better. He created a brand that was not only about selling hair
extensions but also about educating customers on their use and care. By
positioning HairOriginals as a premium brand, he tapped into a market of
discerning consumers willing to invest in quality.
Global Reach
As HairOriginals gained traction, the brand began exporting
its products to luxury salons in various countries, including the U.S., Europe,
and Africa. This global reach highlighted the brand's reputation for quality,
leading to partnerships with top salons that appreciated the value of Indian
hair extensions. Jitendra’s strategy focused on building relationships within
the beauty industry.
Recognition at World Hair Congress
HairOriginals made headlines when it participated in the
World Hair Congress in France. The brand received praise from renowned
hairstylist Eric Maurice, who later became its brand ambassador. This
recognition not only validated Jitendra’s vision but also opened doors for
further collaborations and visibility in international markets.
Unique Selling Proposition
What sets HairOriginals apart from its competitors is its
commitment to ethical sourcing and exceptional quality. Jitendra understood
that many existing brands were offering subpar products at inflated prices. By
ensuring that his extensions were made from the finest virgin Remy hair and
priced competitively, he positioned HairOriginals as a game-changer in the
industry.
Getting Featured on Shark Tank
In a bid to accelerate growth, Jitendra pitched
HairOriginals on Shark Tank India, seeking ₹60 lakhs for a 2% equity stake. The
pitch impressed the investors, and he successfully secured funding of ₹60 lakhs
for a 4% equity stake from prominent sharks including Ashneer Grover, Peyush
Bansal, and Anupam Mittal. This moment marked a turning point for the brand,
drawing significant attention from the public.
Biography of Jitendra Sharma: Founder & CEO of HairOriginals- Entrepreneur/high-quality, ethically sourced hair extensions/age/net worth/investor
Post-Shark Tank Success
The exposure from Shark Tank significantly boosted
HairOriginals’ visibility. With increased media attention and consumer
interest, the brand saw a surge in demand. Jitendra utilized this momentum to
enhance the brand's marketing strategies and expand its customer base, making
it a household name in the hair extension market.
Partnerships and Collaborations
In addition to direct sales, HairOriginals forged
partnerships with prestigious hair academies like Schwarzkopf and L’Oréal.
These collaborations enabled the brand to offer free installation services
through salon partners, enhancing customer experience and solidifying its
position in the high-end market.
Commitment to Ethical Practices
Jitendra's commitment to ethical sourcing was a cornerstone
of HairOriginals. The company procured hair directly from South Indian temples,
ensuring that the process was respectful and transparent. By avoiding chemical
treatments, HairOriginals maintained the natural integrity of the hair,
appealing to consumers seeking premium quality without compromise.
A Bright Future Ahead
With the success of HairOriginals and the backing from Shark
Tank investors, Jitendra aims to expand the brand’s global footprint. Plans are
in place to partner with more high-end salons and to enhance their
customer-facing platform. Jitendra’s vision is clear: to revolutionize the hair
extension industry and make HairOriginals a leader in the market.
Legacy of Innovation
Jitendra Sharma's journey from a corporate professional to
an innovative entrepreneur illustrates the power of vision and determination.
With HairOriginals, he is not just creating a business; he is shaping an
industry. As he continues to push boundaries and explore new opportunities,
there’s no doubt that his brand will leave a lasting impact on the global
fashion and beauty landscape.
A timeline for Jitendra Sharma’s journey:
2008: Graduated from IIT Delhi with a degree in Chemical
Engineering, setting the foundation for his career.
2008-2019: Worked for Total in the oil and gas sector,
gaining global experience across Africa, Europe, and Asia.
2019: Founded HairOriginals in September, aiming to create a
direct-to-consumer brand for high-quality, ethically sourced hair extensions.
2019: Launched a diverse product range including clip-in,
tape-in, and pre-bonded extensions made from 100% natural Indian Remy hair.
2020: Began exporting products to luxury salons in the U.S.,
Europe, and Africa, establishing a global presence.
2021: Participated in the World Hair Congress in France,
gaining recognition and securing hairstylist Eric Maurice as a brand
ambassador.
2021: Pitched on Shark Tank India, successfully securing ₹60
lakhs for a 4% equity stake from prominent investors.
Post-Shark Tank: Experienced a surge in demand and
visibility, leading to enhanced marketing strategies and brand awareness.
2023: Forged partnerships with hair academies like
Schwarzkopf and L’Oréal to offer premium services and expand market reach.
2024: Aims to grow HairOriginals globally, partnering with
more high-end salons and revolutionizing the hair extension industry.
