Biography of Shweta Shivkumar: Founder & CEO of WhySoBlue- Entrepreneur
Birth of WhySoBlue
Shweta Shivkumar, along with her mother Jaya, co-founded
WhySoBlue, a sustainable clothing brand, in 2015. Shweta had always been
intrigued by fabrics and fashion, thanks to her mother's long-standing passion
for stitching and design. The brand began in their living room, where they
combined their love for fabrics and creativity. Initially, the idea was simple:
to make customizable, comfortable clothing that was also environmentally
conscious. Shweta, at the age of 24, had quit her job to pursue this dream with
her mother, marking the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey together.
The Story Behind the Name
The name "WhySoBlue" is inspired by a common idiom
that questions why someone is sad. Shweta and Jaya wanted the brand to reflect
happiness and positivity. The idea was to create clothing that made people feel
joyful, confident, and free. Each piece of clothing in their collection
embodies this sense of cheerfulness, promoting comfort and vibrancy. It’s not
just about fashion; it’s about making people feel good and bringing a smile to
their faces.
The Vision of WhySoBlue
When starting WhySoBlue, Shweta and Jaya aimed to create
something colorful, inclusive, and fun. They wanted their clothes to stand out
with unique prints and fabrics. Their designs focused on cotton materials and
customizable options, allowing people to express their individuality through
their outfits. They wanted to break away from the traditional norms of fashion
and create something that resonated with people who loved bold, comfortable,
and affordable clothing.
A Mother-Daughter Partnership
WhySoBlue isn’t just a business; it’s a partnership between
a mother and her daughter. This bond has strengthened over the years,
especially after Shweta’s father passed away, leaving her as the sole
breadwinner of the family. Starting the brand helped Shweta and Jaya reconnect,
filling a gap that had formed in their relationship. Working together allowed
them to rediscover their shared love for design and fabric, which was crucial
to the brand's growth. It also marked a new chapter in their lives, both personally
and professionally.
A Growing Brand
From humble beginnings in their living room, WhySoBlue has
grown into a larger operation with multiple studios. The company now produces
hand-made, affordable, and customizable clothing for women who value comfort,
sustainability, and style. They focus on creating garments that are breathable
and practical for everyday wear, with an emphasis on supporting artisans and
using sustainable practices in production. WhySoBlue’s commitment to ethical
employment and zero-waste production has set it apart in the competitive
fashion industry.
Shweta’s Journey to Entrepreneurship
Shweta didn’t always dream of being an entrepreneur. She
worked in various jobs before realizing that she wasn’t happy working for
someone else. After quitting her desk job at 24, she found clarity and decided
to pursue her passion for fashion by starting WhySoBlue with her mother. This
leap into entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to do something meaningful
and create a brand that would resonate with people who cared about both style
and sustainability.
The Fashion Inspiration
Shweta’s inspiration to enter the fashion world came largely
from her mother. Growing up, Shweta and Jaya would shop for fabrics and design
outfits together. Their bond over textiles and design sparked Shweta's interest
in the fashion industry. What started as a hobby evolved into a deep passion
for creating unique, comfortable clothing that celebrated individuality. Shweta
now channels this childhood inspiration into every collection at WhySoBlue.
The Importance of Customization
Customization is at the heart of WhySoBlue. The brand offers
clothes that cater to different body types and personal styles, with an
emphasis on comfort and functionality. Their clothing features pockets, a
practical detail that’s often overlooked in other designs. Shweta and Jaya
ensure that their garments reflect the personality of the wearer, allowing them
to celebrate their uniqueness through the clothes they choose.
Biography of Shweta Shivkumar: Founder & CEO of WhySoBlue- Entrepreneur /age/net worth/investor/sustainable, customizable clothing/WhySoBlue story
The Challenges of Being a Co-Founder Duo
Although being a mother-daughter duo has strengthened their
relationship, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. The early days of the
business were filled with challenges, from limited resources to the pressure of
starting something new. However, working together has allowed Shweta and Jaya
to overcome these obstacles and grow their business. The dynamic between them
has made them both stronger, and their shared passion for the brand has kept
them motivated through tough times.
A Proud Moment for Shweta
Shweta’s proudest moments in the business come from the
impact their clothing has on customers. She recalls a particularly heartwarming
experience when a customer ordered a customized outfit for her mother, who was
in a wheelchair. The outfit not only made the mother feel confident and
comfortable but also brought joy to the entire family. This moment, for Shweta,
was a reminder of why she started the business in the first place – to make a
meaningful difference in people's lives.
WhySoBlue’s Philosophy on Sustainability
Sustainability is a core value at WhySoBlue. The brand uses
eco-friendly fabrics and ensures that the production process results in minimal
waste. Shweta and Jaya are committed to ethical practices, from ensuring fair
wages for their employees to promoting zero-waste production. The company works
closely with artisans, helping preserve traditional hand-block printing
techniques while reducing its carbon footprint.
The Struggle of Pricing in Fashion
During the Shark Tank India pitch, the pricing of
WhySoBlue’s co-ord sets became a point of contention. Some sharks, like Radhika
Gupta, questioned the higher price point compared to similar products available
online. However, Vineeta Singh came to the brand’s defense, highlighting the
quality, customization, and sustainability of the products. Despite the debate,
the entrepreneurs remained steadfast in their belief that the value of their
clothes justified the cost, reflecting their commitment to quality and ethical
production.
Shark Tank India Pitch
Shweta and Jaya took their business to Shark Tank India,
seeking ₹75 lakhs for 3% equity in WhySoBlue. The pitch highlighted their
brand’s story, the uniqueness of their products, and the values they stood for.
Despite some disagreements among the sharks about the pricing and scalability
of the brand, Ritesh Agarwal saw the potential in the entrepreneurs and their
vision. He offered them ₹40 lakhs for 3% equity, along with ₹35 lakhs in debt
at 10% interest for three years.
The Offer from Ritesh Agarwal
After an intense round of discussions, Ritesh Agarwal made
an offer that Shweta and Jaya could not refuse. He believed in their potential
and was willing to support them in their journey. The offer was a combination
of equity and debt, which would help the business scale while keeping their
vision intact. Ritesh’s investment marked a significant milestone for
WhySoBlue, giving them the financial support they needed to grow further.
A New Chapter for WhySoBlue
With the support of Ritesh Agarwal, WhySoBlue is poised for
further expansion. The investment will help the brand increase its reach and
grow its customer base. Shweta and Jaya remain focused on their core values of
sustainability, customization, and comfort, ensuring that their clothing
continues to reflect the happiness and joy they wish to bring to their
customers. The investment is just the beginning of a new chapter for WhySoBlue,
one that promises exciting opportunities and continued growth.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Shweta and Jaya are excited about the future
of WhySoBlue. They plan to expand their product offerings, refine their
designs, and continue promoting sustainability within the fashion industry.
Their vision is to make WhySoBlue a global brand that is synonymous with
comfort, style, and ethical practices. With Ritesh Agarwal’s backing and a
growing customer base, they are ready to take the fashion world by storm, one
customizable outfit at a time.
A timeline for the birth and growth of WhySoBlue:
2015 - Shweta Shivkumar and her mother Jaya co-found
WhySoBlue, focusing on sustainable, customizable clothing.
2015-2016 - The brand begins in their living room, with a
focus on comfort, unique prints, and eco-friendly materials.
2017 - WhySoBlue grows into a larger operation, emphasizing
sustainable production and ethical employment.
2020 - The brand becomes known for its customization,
offering clothing that celebrates individuality and comfort.
2024 - Shweta and Jaya pitch WhySoBlue on Shark Tank India,
seeking ₹75 lakh for 3% equity.
2024 - They secure an offer from Ritesh Agarwal for ₹40 lakh
equity and ₹35 lakh debt, marking a major milestone.
2024-2025 - With new investment, WhySoBlue plans expansion,
refining its designs and promoting sustainability globally.
