Biography of Jeevika Tyagi: Founder & CEO of Aastey- Entrepreneur
Jeevika Tyagi: A Bold Entrepreneurial Journey with Aastey
Early Education and Career Beginnings
Jeevika Tyagi's entrepreneurial journey is marked by an
impressive educational background. She completed a dual degree in Business
Administration with a focus on Finance and Marketing from Drexel University.
She graduated Summa Cum Laude and was actively involved in the Drexel
Entrepreneurship Association and other student organizations. Additionally, she
had a brief stint at Imperial College London, where she studied International
Marketing, British Culture, and Architecture.
Career Transition to Entrepreneurship
Jeevika started her career in the financial industry,
working at a Wall Street firm, BlackRock. However, she soon discovered her
entrepreneurial passion and pivoted toward building her own venture. This shift
led to the founding of Aastey, an athleisure brand catering to size-inclusive
and sustainable activewear. Her move away from a stable financial career to
follow her entrepreneurial instincts marked a significant turning point in her
professional life.
Founding Aastey
In 2021, Jeevika co-founded Aastey, an athleisure brand with
a unique focus on sustainability and size inclusivity. Aastey was created
during the 2020 lockdown after over a year of product development and research.
The brand's goal is to merge function, fashion, comfort, and fitness into
products like sports bras and leggings for women of all body types. It strives
to redefine the athleisure market by offering products that cater to a diverse
audience.
Shark Tank India Appearance
Jeevika and her co-founder, Kanupriya Mundhra, appeared on
the third season of Shark Tank India. The duo pitched Aastey to the investors,
sharing their story and the brand's vision. However, their pitch did not go as
smoothly as anticipated. The judges, particularly Vineeta Singh and Aman Gupta,
criticized the brand's financial management, particularly its marketing
expenses, which led to tensions. The episode sparked a heated debate, and
Jeevika became vocal about her dissatisfaction with how the episode was edited
and presented.
Financial Criticism and Controversy
During their pitch, Jeevika and Kanupriya were confronted
about their financial status, with the judges questioning their zero bank
balance. Vineeta Singh commented on their lack of "financial
discipline," a remark that did not sit well with Jeevika. In response,
Jeevika argued that the episode's editing was misleading. She highlighted that
although the show implied the brand had spent all its funds on marketing, it
ignored other significant expenses, such as inventory and business operations.
Dissatisfaction with the Editing
Jeevika took to social media to share her frustration about
how the episode was edited. She claimed that important details about Aastey’s
inventory, team, and operations were omitted from the broadcast. The edited
version painted a skewed picture of the brand's financial discipline, leading
Jeevika to accuse Sony of dishonest editing. She also questioned the title of
the episode, "Celebrating Entrepreneurial Breakthroughs," calling it
misleading given the negative portrayal of her business.
Biography of Jeevika Tyagi: Founder & CEO of Aastey- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/athleisure brand/Aastey story/shark tank
Personal Challenges and Resilience
Jeevika’s journey to Shark Tank India was not without
personal sacrifices. She had to balance her entrepreneurial endeavors with
being a new mother, a fact she revealed in a candid post about her experience
on the show. She recalled how, during the filming, she was urged to bring out
personal emotions for the camera. Despite feeling emotionally vulnerable,
Jeevika stood firm in her decision not to let her personal struggles become
part of the show’s narrative, emphasizing that her entrepreneurial journey should
be defined by hard work and integrity.
The Pressure of Media and Public Perception
Jeevika's post about her Shark Tank experience also shed
light on the pressures of being in the public eye. She expressed that the
show’s producers pushed her to display vulnerability and create drama, which
she was unwilling to do. Instead, she preferred to remain true to her values,
refusing to use a PR machine to portray her personal life for the sake of
ratings. This moment of clarity was pivotal for Jeevika, solidifying her
commitment to building Aastey on her own terms, with honesty and perseverance.
Leadership and Entrepreneurial Approach
Jeevika’s leadership style is characterized by resilience
and a strong entrepreneurial mindset. She has consistently focused on building
brands, forging strategic partnerships, and using a hands-on approach to
growing startups. As a CEO, she is deeply involved in every aspect of Aastey,
from product development to brand-building and community engagement. Her
leadership reflects her commitment to creating meaningful, integrated
experiences between people and brands.
Growth and Strategic Partnerships
Under Jeevika’s leadership, Aastey has not only grown in
size but also formed strategic partnerships. Her marketing and branding
strategies emphasize sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. The brand has
positioned itself as a leader in India’s athleisure market, catering to a
diverse audience with products that are both functional and stylish. Jeevika’s
ability to forge meaningful partnerships is central to the brand’s expansion
and continued success.
Marketing and Fundraising Challenges
As an entrepreneur, Jeevika has faced several challenges,
particularly in terms of marketing and fundraising. Despite the criticisms on
Shark Tank India, she continues to prioritize marketing as a crucial component
of Aastey’s growth strategy. She argues that spending on marketing is essential
for creating awareness and building a brand in the competitive athleisure
market. Her experiences with investors and marketing expenditures reflect her
understanding of the complexities involved in scaling a business.
Resilience and Advocacy for Entrepreneurship
Jeevika’s story is one of resilience and determination. She
continues to advocate for a more holistic view of entrepreneurship, one that
considers not only financial metrics but also the passion, hard work, and
vision that entrepreneurs bring to their ventures. Her experience on Shark Tank
India highlighted the challenges that women entrepreneurs face in a
male-dominated business world, and she remains committed to breaking barriers
for women in business.
Conclusion: Aastey’s Vision for the Future
Aastey’s future looks bright under Jeevika’s leadership. The
brand’s commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and innovative athleisure
products positions it for long-term success. Jeevika’s journey from Wall Street
to founding Aastey reflects her dedication to creating a business that aligns
with her values and vision. As she continues to build Aastey, Jeevika remains
focused on empowering women and creating a brand that represents more than just
athleisure—it represents a movement toward inclusivity, comfort, and style.
A timeline of Jeevika Tyagi's journey with Aastey based on
the provided information:
Early Education - Jeevika completes a dual degree in
Business Administration (Finance and Marketing) from Drexel University and
studies at Imperial College London.
Career Start - Jeevika works at BlackRock on Wall Street,
before pivoting to entrepreneurship.
2021 - Jeevika co-founds Aastey, an athleisure brand focused
on sustainability and size inclusivity, during the 2020 lockdown.
Shark Tank India Appearance (Season 3) - Jeevika and
co-founder Kanupriya pitch Aastey, facing criticism over financial management
and marketing expenses.
Post-Shark Tank Controversy - Jeevika criticizes the
misleading editing of the Shark Tank episode, defending Aastey’s financial
discipline and business operations.
Personal Challenges - Balances entrepreneurship with being a
new mother, emphasizing integrity over dramatizing her personal life on the
show.
Leadership and Growth - Jeevika leads Aastey with a hands-on
approach, focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and strategic partnerships.
Marketing and Fundraising - Faces challenges in marketing
and fundraising but maintains that marketing is essential for Aastey’s growth.
Advocacy for Women Entrepreneurs - Jeevika advocates for a
broader view of entrepreneurship, emphasizing passion, hard work, and the
barriers women face in business.
Future Vision - Aastey’s future looks promising under
Jeevika’s leadership, aiming to empower women and redefine athleisure through
inclusivity, comfort, and style.
