Biography of Richa Kapila: Founder & CEO of D’chica- Entrepreneur
Journey of D’chica: Empowering Teen Girls
Richa Kapila and Vani Chugh, two sisters-in-law from Delhi,
co-founded the brand D’chica in 2019. Their journey into entrepreneurship began
after facing setbacks with a previous venture that focused on kids’ clothing.
The failure of their earlier business did not discourage them. Instead, they
saw it as a valuable learning experience and used it as a stepping stone for
their next big idea. Together, they decided to build a brand that would address
a gap in the market for teen girls' innerwear.
Finding the Right Niche
As they brainstormed ideas, they identified a significant
gap in the market—teen girls had limited options when it came to comfortable
and stylish innerwear. They recognized that adolescence is a crucial time when
young girls need more than just products; they need support, confidence, and a
sense of empowerment. This understanding led them to create D’chica, a brand
that would focus on offering puberty essentials, from bras to period panties,
and athleisure that catered to the unique needs of teen girls.
The Launch of D’chica
In 2020, D’chica launched its first collection of innerwear
for young girls. They designed products that were not only functional but also
stylish and comfortable, helping teens feel confident in their changing bodies.
The collection quickly gained attention for its focus on comfort, inclusivity,
and quality. From the very beginning, D’chica aimed to create a brand that
resonated with Gen Z and Alpha generations, offering them products that made
them feel empowered during a time of physical and emotional transition.
The Shark Tank India Opportunity
D’chica’s big break came when Richa and Vani appeared on
Shark Tank India in season 3. They pitched their business to the panel of
investors, requesting INR 80 lakhs for a 1% equity stake. The pitch was
well-received, with the sharks impressed by the quality of the products and the
brand’s vision. However, the founders also faced tough questions, especially
about their manufacturing process and the challenges of running a young
business. Despite some tense moments, the duo remained confident in their vision.
Securing the Investment
After careful consideration, D’chica’s founders received a
combined offer from investors Namita Thapar and Vineeta Singh. The deal was for
INR 80 lakhs in exchange for 2% equity and 1% royalty until the investment
amount was recouped. The offer was a significant moment in their journey,
validating their hard work and commitment to their brand. This partnership with
the sharks brought much-needed funding and mentorship to help D’chica expand
its reach and improve its operations.
The Role of Dr. Garima
A unique aspect of D’chica is its commitment to addressing
the holistic needs of young girls during puberty. To support this mission, the
founders brought Dr. Garima, a consulting gynecologist, on board. She plays a
crucial role in providing guidance to D’chica’s customers, helping to build a
supportive community for teens. By incorporating a professional’s expertise,
D’chica aims to create a safe space for girls to ask questions and receive
accurate information about their health and well-being.
The Importance of Product Quality
The sharks were particularly impressed by the quality of
D’chica’s products. During their pitch, Richa and Vani showcased their range of
innerwear and athleisure, which received positive feedback from the investors.
Namita Thapar even complimented the packaging, calling it “a new angel.” The
focus on quality materials and attention to detail helped establish D’chica as
a trusted brand in the market. The founders’ ability to deliver products that
were both fashionable and functional set them apart from other brands.
Challenges Faced by D’chica
Despite the success of their Shark Tank pitch, D’chica still
faced numerous challenges as a growing brand. One of the primary concerns
raised by the sharks was the company’s high burn rate. The founders admitted
that they were burning through a lot of money each month as they worked to
scale their operations. This was a crucial point that they had to address to
ensure the long-term sustainability of the business. Managing finances and
inventory effectively became a key focus for the team moving forward.
Biography of Richa Kapila: Founder & CEO of D’chica- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/teen girls innerwear/startup/shark tank/D’chica story
Expanding the Brand's Reach
Following their appearance on Shark Tank India, D’chica
gained visibility and recognition, which helped boost its brand presence. The
show’s wide audience introduced D’chica to millions of homes, sparking
conversations around topics like periods, body image, and
self-confidence—subjects that are often seen as taboo in Indian society. This
exposure allowed D’chica to connect with more customers and expand its reach,
particularly among young girls who were looking for products that made them
feel empowered.
Empowering Teen Girls
D’chica’s ultimate goal is to empower teen girls by
providing them with products that support their physical and emotional growth.
The brand’s focus is on making young girls feel comfortable and confident in
their own skin. With a range of products designed specifically for them,
D’chica helps teens navigate the challenges of puberty, offering products that
are not only functional but also fashionable. The founders’ vision is to create
a space where teen girls can embrace their journey to womanhood with confidence
and pride.
The Importance of Failure in Their Journey
Richa and Vani’s journey to success was not without its
setbacks. Their first venture, which focused on children’s clothing, did not
succeed, but they did not let this failure define them. Instead, they used the
lessons learned from their initial business to fuel their drive for D’chica.
This mindset helped them develop resilience and adaptability, key qualities
that enabled them to build a brand that now resonates with young girls across
India.
Future Plans for D’chica
With the investment secured from the sharks, D’chica is now
focused on improving its inventory management, financial planning, and scaling
its operations. The founders are also working on expanding their product line
and exploring new ways to engage with their audience. As D’chica continues to
grow, Richa and Vani are committed to ensuring that the brand remains true to
its mission of empowering young girls during their transition to adulthood.
The Impact of Shark Tank India
D’chica’s appearance on Shark Tank India not only provided
the brand with crucial funding but also helped elevate its profile in the
competitive fashion industry. The show gave the founders a platform to showcase
their brand and their vision for empowering young girls. It also allowed them
to share their entrepreneurial journey with a larger audience, inspiring others
to pursue their dreams and persevere in the face of challenges.
A Brand with a Purpose
What sets D’chica apart is its deep commitment to its
purpose—empowering young girls to embrace their bodies, their identities, and
their journey through adolescence. The brand’s focus on creating a supportive
environment for teens, coupled with its stylish and functional products, makes
it a standout in the fashion industry. Richa and Vani’s entrepreneurial journey
is a testament to the power of resilience, vision, and the desire to make a
meaningful impact in the world.
A timeline for D’chica’s journey:
2019 - Richa Kapila and Vani Chugh co-found D’chica,
focusing on teen girls' innerwear.
2019-2020 - Learn from previous business failure and
research the market gap for puberty essentials.
2020 - D’chica launches its first collection of innerwear
and athleisure for teen girls.
2023 (Season 3) - D’chica appears on Shark Tank India,
seeking INR 80 lakhs for 1% equity.
2023 - D’chica secures INR 80 lakhs for 2% equity and 1%
royalty from investors Namita Thapar and Vineeta Singh.
2023 - Dr. Garima, a consulting gynecologist, joins to
provide guidance on health and well-being.
2023 - D’chica expands brand presence and boosts visibility
post-Shark Tank appearance.
2024 and Beyond - D’chica focuses on inventory management,
scaling operations, and empowering teen girls.
