Biography of Malvica Saxena: Founder & CEO of The Quirky Naari- Entrepreneur
Biography of Malvica Saxena:
Malvica Saxena was born on October 12, 1990, in Mathura, a
city rich in culture and tradition. Growing up in a prosperous family where
entrepreneurship was the norm, expectations were high. Her father, a
businessman, represented the traditional mindset that often limited women's
choices in education and career. While her family valued education, they
prioritized conventional paths like science and commerce, leaving little room
for artistic aspirations.
Navigating Tradition
From an early age, Malvica displayed a natural talent for
art and design. However, her family viewed artistic pursuits as frivolous,
believing that only the most academically gifted should pursue such paths. When
she expressed a desire to study fashion design, her family outright rejected
the idea, insisting instead that she pursue a degree in business management,
which they deemed more respectable.
Education and Restraint
Malvica complied with her family’s wishes, enrolling in a
local business management program and later completing her MBA at GLA
University. However, her academic journey was marked by frustration and
confinement. Despite her hard work, she felt stifled by her family’s rigid
expectations, particularly when they prevented her from pursuing opportunities
outside of Mathura, leaving her feeling isolated and hopeless.
A Turning Point
The turning point came when, feeling trapped and desperate
for independence, Malvica secretly applied for a job in Delhi. When she got the
offer, it was a bittersweet victory. Moving to a bustling city symbolized her
first step toward autonomy, but it also strained her relationship with her
father, who was furious about her decision to leave home.
Rediscovering Passion
In Delhi, Malvica found a sense of freedom and began to
reconnect with her creative side. One day, while cleaning her closet, she
stumbled upon a pair of old, worn-out shoes. Instead of throwing them away, her
sister encouraged her to paint them. Malvica picked up her brushes and,
immersed in creativity, transformed those shoes into vibrant pieces that
captured the attention of friends and family.
The Idea Takes Shape
During her MBA, Malvica had previously participated in a
business plan competition where she pitched an idea for sustainable fashion
accessories made from scrap materials. Although she didn’t take it seriously at
the time, that idea lingered in her mind. With newfound motivation, she decided
to turn her passion for painting into a business by launching an Instagram page
called “The Quirky Naari.”
Identifying the Market Gap
As she researched the market, Malvica discovered a gap in
the customization of hand-painted footwear. Most brands offered generic designs
without personal touches. Recognizing an opportunity, she decided to focus on
creating unique, hand-painted shoes and apparel that catered to customers
looking for individuality and personal expression.
A Creative Business Model
With limited financial resources, Malvica implemented a
clever business model. She employed the HNHL (half now, half later) payment
strategy, asking customers to pay half upfront and the rest upon delivery. This
innovative approach allowed her to fulfill orders without needing significant
capital, and to her surprise, customers responded positively, excited to
support her creative venture.
Biography of Malvica Saxena: Founder & CEO of The Quirky Naari- Entrepreneur/ age/net worth/investor/startup/unique hand-painted footwear and apparel
Building a Brand
As word spread about her unique products, the orders began
to flow in. Each hand-painted creation garnered positive feedback, and the
demand increased. Malvica’s commitment to quality and her artistic flair made
her work stand out. Eventually, she made the leap to pursue The Quirky Naari
full-time, despite ongoing tensions with her father, who remained skeptical of
her business.
Celebrity Endorsements
The brand’s breakthrough came when celebrities started to
wear her designs. Notable personalities like Dipika Kakkar and Priyanka Chopra
showcased her creations, propelling The Quirky Naari into the limelight. These
endorsements not only increased her visibility but also instilled a sense of
credibility and aspiration in her budding brand.
Product Diversification
The Quirky Naari expanded its offerings, introducing popular
items like bridal sneakers and hand-painted jackets. Malvica’s ability to
innovate and adapt to market trends led to significant sales, with the brand
generating ₹45 lakh in revenue. Her commitment to quality and customization
continued to attract a loyal customer base.
Shark Tank Success
Malvica seized the opportunity to pitch her brand on Shark
Tank India, seeking ₹35 lakh for a 5% equity stake. The presentation resonated
with the investors, and she secured an investment of ₹35 lakh for 24% equity
from Anupam Mittal and Vineeta Singh. This moment marked a significant
milestone in her entrepreneurial journey, bringing her closer to her dreams.
The Ripple Effect of Shark Tank
The exposure from Shark Tank had an immediate and profound
impact on The Quirky Naari. The buzz around the show generated a massive surge
in online interest, leading to increased website traffic and even causing her
website to crash due to overwhelming demand. In just 48 hours, her sales
figures skyrocketed, validating her hard work and vision.
Vision for the Future
Malvica’s aspirations extend beyond India. She aims to take
The Quirky Naari global, planning to diversify her portfolio to include both
customized and standardized products. With a vision to create a brand
synonymous with creativity and individuality, she continues to explore
innovative designs that reflect current fashion trends while maintaining her
unique artistic flair.
Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship
Malvica Saxena’s journey is a powerful testament to
resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of passion. Overcoming societal and
familial constraints, she transformed her dreams into reality, establishing a
brand that resonates with modern consumers. Her story serves as an inspiration,
illustrating that with determination and innovation, one can carve out their
path in the world of entrepreneurship.
A timeline for Malvica Saxena’s journey:
October 12, 1990: Born in Mathura, India, into a family with
a strong entrepreneurial background.
2008-2012: Completed a Bachelor's degree in Business
Management and later an MBA at GLA University, despite a passion for art.
2013: Secretly applied for a job in Delhi, marking her first
step toward independence.
2014: Rediscovered her creativity by painting old shoes,
leading to the idea for her business.
2015: Launched “The Quirky Naari” on Instagram, focusing on
unique hand-painted footwear and apparel.
2015: Identified a market gap in customizable footwear,
developing a business model using HNHL payment strategy.
2016: Gained positive feedback and increased demand for her
hand-painted creations, transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship.
2017: Celebrities like Dipika Kakkar and Priyanka Chopra
endorsed her designs, elevating her brand's visibility.
2020: Expanded product line to include bridal sneakers and
hand-painted jackets, generating ₹45 lakh in revenue.
2021: Pitched on Shark Tank India, secured ₹35 lakh for 24%
equity from investors Anupam Mittal and Vineeta Singh.
Post-Shark Tank: Experienced a surge in sales and website
traffic, validating her entrepreneurial vision.
2024: Aims to take The Quirky Naari global, with plans for
product diversification and maintaining her unique artistic flair.
