If there’s no existential doubt, it’s not an early-stage business.

Because you're just figuring it out, one bold risk at a time.

In this episode Shantanu is joined by Vedang Patel (Co-Founder of The Souled Store) and Yogesh Kabra, (Founder of XYXX Apparels) for a raw and honest conversation on what it really takes to start up.

As a bootstrapped company, Vedang started with just ₹5 lakhs and a big dream. On the other hand, Yogesh started up in a 250 sq. ft. room in Surat.

But Now? These founders have built a 1000Cr empire.

Key Takeaways from the episode:

•⁠ ⁠How a customer-first mindset shapes everything, from product to brand.

•⁠ ⁠What should you know before building a clothing brand for women?

•⁠ ⁠Why “mental freedom” from your investor can often be more powerful than just financial backing.

This is a story of building something of your own with the right people by your side.

Tell us in the comments: What’s the wildest risk you’ve taken to build your dream?

And if you’d like to join our next conversation as a live audience member, sign up here: https://forms.gle/yF6Rzr9NRheKRoV98

Navigate the episode

00:00 – Coming Up

01:10 – What Are Business Models and Market Trends?

04:13 – Why Being Honest About Business Numbers is Important

07:01 – Problems in the Clothing Industry

09:59 – How to Stand Out in a Crowded Market

13:08 – What Customer Retention and Acquisition Costs Really Mean

16:02 – How Good Products Keep Customers Coming Back

19:08 – How Fashion Trends Change and How to Keep Up

22:16 – A New Look at the Underwear Market

25:16 – Wrapping Things Up and Looking Ahead

26:49 – Why Average Order Value (AOV) is Important for Sales

29:20 – How to Market Your Brand and Keep People Interested

32:09 – The Problems with Quick Commerce in Clothing industry

35:14 – Why Consumers Return Stuff in Online Shopping

38:18 – How to Build and Market Your Brand Creatively

41:55 – Is Business Success About Luck or Strategy?

49:22 – Moving Your Business from Offline to Online

52:17 – How Luck and Your Attitude Impact Success

54:00 – Finding the Right Investors and Why They Matter

59:22 – How We Think About Money

01:03:03 – The Mindset of Thriving vs. Just Getting By

01:07:16 – The Excitement of Growing Your Business

01:14:01 – Closing thoughts

The Ruby Ridge Standoff

Stuff You Should Know

Intro

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