From Small Town Dreams to Entrepreneurial Success: The Journey of Eeravi started by Aditi Vidwans
- Neel Writes
- Jul 4, 2024
- 3 min read
Growing up in a small town in Maharashtra and later moving to Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Aditi had a typical middle-class upbringing. Her father worked tirelessly to secure a better future for us, and as the eldest daughter, I bore the responsibility of looking after my younger siblings. Despite the challenges, we thrived in a large, loving family with our grandparents.
Her educational journey took her through school, graduation, and post-graduation in Indore. In 2009, I married an amazing man who became a steadfast pillar of strength in my life, supported by my wonderful mother-in-law. The move to a bustling city like Pune marked a significant shift in my life and personality.
After marriage, we were blessed with a beautiful daughter. Embracing motherhood was transformative, but it also sparked my entrepreneurial spirit. Starting a business while raising a young child was daunting, yet it was a challenge I eagerly accepted. It was during this time that I fully realized the importance of embracing change and seizing opportunities.
Thus, “Eeravi. the beautiful you” was born, my second "child." Eeravi specializes in exclusive Maheshwari sarees, handloom sarees, and a variety of silks, including Banarasi, hand-painted, and pure silk Chanderi sarees from across India. Each saree is meticulously handcrafted and curated to meet the diverse needs of our cherished customers, offering exceptional quality at the best rates. Our unique selling proposition lies in our Maheshwari and Handloom sarees, and we take pride in uplifting small-scale weavers by collaborating directly with them.
The strength of Eeravi lies in our excellent customer relations, the joy and satisfaction of our clients, and their glowing reviews as they flaunt their sarees. Our brand has garnered several accolades, including being featured in Pune Mirror’s Pula Corner as the "Queen of Sarees," partnering in a calendar shoot for White Divine Events, and being recognized as a distinguished participant by Mesh Exhibitions. I was also honoured with the title "Women of Influence 2023" by Business Icon.
Running a saree business is not without its challenges:
1. Inventory Management: Managing a wide variety of sarees in different fabrics, designs, and price ranges is complex.
2.Quaility Control: Ensuring consistent quality, especially when sourcing from multiple weavers, is crucial.
3. Competition: The saree market is highly competitive with many established and emerging players.
4. Changing Trends: Keeping up with evolving fashion trends requires continuous research and adaptation.
5. Pricing Strategy: Balancing affordability for customers while maintaining healthy profit margins is tricky.
6. Marketing and Branding: Building a strong brand presence both online and offline requires effective marketing strategies.
7. Customer Loyalty: Retaining customers and building a loyal base amidst numerous options is challenging.
To keep our team motivated in this competitive environment, we apply several strategies:
1. Set Clear Goals: Establish clear, achievable goals to provide direction and purpose.
2. Recognize Achievements: Regularly acknowledge and celebrate successes to motivate the team.
3. Create a Positive Work Environment: Foster a supportive and inclusive culture where everyone feels valued.
4. Encourage Open Communication: Maintain open lines of communication for sharing ideas and feedback.
5. Ensure Work-Life Balance: Promote a healthy balance to prevent burnout and energize the team.
6. Involve Them in Decision-Making: Give team members a sense of ownership by involving them in important decisions.
7. Support During Challenges: Offer support and encouragement during difficult times to show you care about their well-being.
My journey from a small town girl to a successful entrepreneur in a big city is a testament to the power of embracing change and recognizing opportunities. Eeravi is not just a business; it’s a passion that brings beautiful, handcrafted sarees to the world while supporting the artisans who create them.
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