Biography of Ankush R Barjata: Founder and CEO of Deeva- Entrepreneur
From Struggles to Success: The Journey of Ankush R Barjata
Early Life in Bangana Village
Ankush R Barjata was born in Bangana, a small village in
Himachal Pradesh. His childhood was far from easy. His family of 12 lived in a
tin shed before moving into a modest two-bedroom home. Despite the hardships,
Ankush’s family was always involved in the clothing business. His grandfather
sold salwar kameez door to door, and his mother started a stitching business
after learning how to sew. Their life was tough, surviving on just one meal a
day. The family’s struggles taught Ankush early on about resilience and
entrepreneurship.
Family’s Legacy of Business
Ankush’s family’s journey in business greatly influenced his
path. He admired his family’s determination, especially how his father joined
the business after quitting a retail job in 2011. The dinner table
conversations often revolved around business strategies, which sparked Ankush’s
own interest in entrepreneurship. His early exposure to sales and business
helped shape his understanding of how things work in the business world,
despite the financial challenges.
The Corporate Job and A Life-Changing Encounter
After completing his education in Computer Science, Ankush
took up a marketing job in Hyderabad. It was there that he met a saree
manufacturer, which changed the course of his life. He learned that
manufacturers sold sarees at a low price to middlemen, who then sold them at a
much higher cost to customers. This observation gave Ankush an idea—why not cut
out the middlemen and connect customers directly with manufacturers? This idea
sparked the foundation of his future startup, Deeva.
The Birth of Deeva
Determined to make his vision a reality, Ankush started
researching the saree industry. He spent months traveling to cities like
Hyderabad, Surat, and Kanchipuram to meet saree manufacturers. He wanted to
understand their challenges and the flaws in the traditional distribution
system. Through his research, Ankush discovered that many middlemen were
inflating prices, and manufacturers were often paid on credit terms, causing
delays in payments. He decided to solve these issues by paying manufacturers immediately
upon receiving orders, ensuring a steady income for them.
Leaving the Secure Job for Entrepreneurship
In 2021, Ankush made a bold decision—he quit his well-paying
job and decided to fully dive into his saree business. Despite the uncertainty,
he poured his savings of Rs 3.5 lakh into the venture and received another Rs 3
lakh from his father. However, things didn’t go as planned. His startup faced
significant losses, and he struggled to make ends meet. Family pressure and
doubts from the villagers added to his stress, but Ankush refused to give up on
his dream.
Facing Financial Challenges and Moving to Chennai
Amid the struggles, Ankush decided to move to Chennai for a
fresh start. He took this decision in hopes of escaping the negative judgments
from his village and focusing on building his business. Life in Chennai was
tough, as Ankush survived on loans from friends and lived in a tiny rented
room. He could only afford one meal a day. There were many moments when Ankush
thought about quitting, but he reminded himself of the promises he made to his
parents and the bright future he envisioned for his business.
Biography of Ankush R Barjata: Founder and CEO of Deeva- Entrepreneur/saree manufacturer/age/net worth/investor/startup/Deeva story/Ankush R Barjata
The Breakthrough Moment
In Chennai, Ankush did not give up. He created a website and
mobile app for Deeva and listed the most popular saree categories on the
homepage. He also started to target a specific group—office-going women aged 25
to 45 who were looking for quality sarees within a budget. Ankush’s marketing
efforts began to pay off, especially after he outsourced digital marketing to
boost his online presence. This decision resulted in his first big
breakthrough, when he made Rs 15,000 in sales in a single day.
Returning Home and Gaining Momentum
With the success of his online store, Ankush decided to
return to his village in Himachal Pradesh. This move proved to be the turning
point for Deeva. Ankush’s business started gaining more recognition, and soon
he was able to expand his offerings. His website and social media efforts had
attracted a steady flow of customers. As Deeva grew, so did Ankush’s confidence
in his business model. He continued to focus on providing unique, high-quality
sarees while cutting out middlemen to offer better prices.
Appearance on Shark Tank India
Ankush’s journey took another exciting turn when Deeva was
featured on the popular TV show Shark Tank India. On the show, Ankush presented
his business idea to the Sharks, asking for Rs 2 Crores in exchange for 4%
equity. His pitch impressed the judges, particularly with his innovative
approach to the saree industry. Ankush’s passion for preserving traditional
saree-making while making them more accessible to customers stood out. In the
end, he secured a deal for Rs 75 lakh for 6% equity and Rs 1.25 crore as debt
at a 10% interest rate over three years.
The Impact of Shark Tank
After his appearance on Shark Tank India, Ankush’s business
saw a massive surge in customer interest. The overwhelming response from
viewers helped him expand Deeva’s reach across India. His phone didn’t stop
ringing, and orders increased significantly. The Sharks’ investment not only
gave Ankush the capital he needed but also opened doors to valuable business
advice and mentorship, propelling Deeva to new heights.
The Growth of Deeva
Today, Deeva is a multi-crore company that offers over 50
categories of sarees, including popular varieties like Patola, Kanjivaram,
Chanderi, Banarasi silk, and Chiffon. Ankush’s commitment to quality and his
innovative business model has made Deeva a trusted brand among saree buyers. By
eliminating the middleman and directly connecting manufacturers with customers,
Deeva has revolutionized the saree industry.
Challenges Along the Way
Ankush’s journey has not been without its challenges. From
financial struggles to societal pressure, he faced many hurdles. However, these
difficulties only made him more determined. The hardships he endured shaped his
character and his approach to business. His ability to learn from setbacks and
adapt quickly has been key to his success.
The Role of Digital Marketing
A crucial factor in Deeva’s growth has been its digital
marketing strategy. Ankush leveraged social media and digital platforms to
reach his target audience effectively. By focusing on digital advertising, he
was able to build a loyal customer base. The success of his online sales gave
Ankush the confidence to scale his business and expand his product range,
making Deeva a popular choice for saree lovers.
Looking Ahead: Deeva’s Future
Ankush’s journey from a small village to a successful
entrepreneur is an inspiring tale of determination and innovation. Deeva is now
positioned for continued growth, and Ankush’s vision of connecting saree
manufacturers directly with customers is reshaping the traditional saree
industry. As he moves forward, Ankush remains focused on maintaining quality
and offering a unique shopping experience for his customers. With the support
of his investors and his relentless drive, Deeva is set to achieve even greater
success in the future.
A timeline for Ankush R Barjata’s journey and the growth of
Deeva:
Childhood in Bangana (Early 2000s) - Ankush grows up in a
financially struggling family involved in the clothing business.
2011 - Ankush’s father joins the family business, sparking
Ankush’s interest in entrepreneurship.
Post-Education (2015-2020) - Ankush works in a marketing job
in Hyderabad and meets a saree manufacturer, leading to the idea for Deeva.
2021 - Ankush quits his corporate job, invests his savings,
and starts Deeva to sell sarees directly to consumers.
2021 - Ankush moves to Chennai to focus on his business,
facing financial challenges but staying determined.
2021 (Late) - Ankush launches Deeva’s website and app,
targeting office-going women, making Rs 15,000 in sales in one day.
2022 - With success in online sales, Ankush returns to his
village, expanding Deeva’s customer base and recognition.
2023 - Deeva appears on Shark Tank India, securing an
investment deal of Rs 75 lakh for 6% equity.
Post-Shark Tank (2023-2024) - Deeva experiences a surge in
customers, expanding its product range and online presence.
2024 - Deeva continues to grow as a multi-crore business,
revolutionizing the saree industry with direct-to-consumer sales.
