From being young girls to reaching adolescence, we females go through life-altering events at every stage of life such as getting our first period and then experiencing womanhood, or shopping for undergarments!
But while being on this very difficult and new journey, we’re constantly told to be quiet about it. However, one rebel who doesn’t follow the herd always surfaces. Talking openly about lingerie or discussing periods in public doesn’t scare this one rebellious lady away; in fact, she’s made it her career to discuss lingerie.
Meet Richa Kar who founded a brand for comfortable lingerie shopping. She rebelled against her parents who also shied away from her idea. But today, Richa has broken the cultural stigma and her brand is making crores. How? This is a question; to find out the answer, keep reading!
Zivame- A Brand for Women by a Woman
We all are well aware of this brand, “Zivame“, a well-established lingerie and nightwear online shopping brand that understands every woman’s need for privacy. This brand has become every woman’s favourite brand when it comes to shopping for lingerie. I am also sure, this brand has solved many problems for those growing up teenage girls who feel uncomfortable while shopping for lingerie for the first time. In addition to it, it helps women to carry any stylish and fashionable dress with confidence.
The brand name, Zivame has the beautiful meaning of “Radiant me” in Hebrew. With its collection of 5000 designs. 50 brands and 100 sizes, this brand is making a woman of every age feel radiant and confident for being simply beautiful.
Today, Zivame is a successful brand that has made a place in the hearts of every girl and woman. Isn’t it amazing that someone understood our need and created Zivame? Doesn’t a question arise in your mind who is the founder of Zivame?
Richa Kar- The founder of Zivame
As mentioned above, Richa Kar breaking the social taboo around lingerie, founded the “Zivame” in 2011. With her successful brand, She stands true to the statement that “Only a woman understands the other woman.” Her entrepreneurial journey of breaking stereotypes and laying the foundation of Zivame wasn’t an easy one but she stood strong with her mission.
Richa Kar Family
Richa Kar is a 43-year-old from a traditional middle-class family in Jamshedpur. Richa Kar family includes her parents and her. Her father used to work at the Tata Steel Company and her mother was a homemaker. Currently, she is living with her husband Kedar Gavane in her hometown, Northville, Michigan in the United States.
Richa Kar Education
Richa Kar education was the one big factor in her learning and gaining the experience and knowledge needed to make her entrepreneurial journey successful. Richa completed her post-graduate diploma from SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) in 2007.
After receiving her degree, she first spent a few years working in the IT industry. She graduated with a master’s degree from the prestigious Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) later in 2007. Richa gained useful experience while employed at SAP Retail Consulting and Spencers.
Richa Kar Success Story of overcoming the cultural challenges
After gaining experience, Richa chose to start her own business and she chose women’s lingerie wear as her business. Upon learning about her business idea, Richa’s parents showcased their disappointment due to the cultural stigma around this topic. However, her determination and vision for her dreams propelled her to move forward.
She focused on developing her business and personally worked on the design, manufacture and supply of innerwear. Despite the criticism and initial challenges, her unique concept of Zivame gained the attention of investors. She raised $3 million in funding in May of 2012; she then raised $6 million in December of 2013 and $40 million in a major fundraising round in 2015. As of now, Zivame is valued at around Rs. 681 crores.
Later, in 2020, this brand was acquired by Reliance retail company.
Richa Kar Net Worth
In 2017, Richa stepped down as CEO of the company but she maintains her position on the board of directors and has retained equity in the company. As per the sources, her net worth is 749 crores.
Take Motivation from the aspiring story of Richa Kar!
Being a woman and working in a sector that is considered taboo in society is not an easy task and we all agree with it. However, Richa made a successful brand out of that taboo topic because she believed in it. Her self-belief and resilience against the negative perspective of society for her brand are commendable and deserve a lot of applauds.
Her aspiring story sets an example that a “Woman can do anything, once she sets her mind to something.” Richa serves as an inspiration for all those women entrepreneurs as she has proved that with dedication and passion, any stereotype and any cultural barrier can be broken and women can achieve remarkable success.
We at Mad4india feel proud of Richa Kar and her zeal to never give up. To know more about this dedicated and determined lady, check out her Instagram.
Top 5 Female Entrepreneurs of India
| Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw | Founder of Biocon Limited |
| Falguni Nayar | Founder of Nykaa |
| Radhika Ghai Aggarwal | Founder of Shopclues & Kindlife |
| Swati Bhargawa | Founder of Cashkaro |
| Vandana Luthra | Founder of VLCC |
Frequently Asked Questions
Besides lingerie, is there any other women’s wear available at Zivame?
Besides lingerie, women’s fitness and sleep wears are also available at Zivame.
How can one purchase lingerie shopping on Zivame?
There is a smartphone application of Zivame where you can place orders for lingerie as per your preferences in size and design.
What lingerie brands are available at Zivame?
Brands like Jockey, Mark and Spencer, floret, etc are available at Zivame.
For copyright purposes, links of feature Images- Instagram, Website
If you loved reading this aspiring story of Richa Kar, then do read about Sindhutai Sapkal who Lived In a Crematory, Cooking On A Dead Man’s Flame, But Never Gave Up; An Inspiring Story Of A Mother Of Thousands
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