Karishma Shah, a 25-year-old, is among a few Indian entrepreneurs who are counted in the “Forbes Under 30“. Karishma Shah owns ‘Ardorite’ which is a brainchild of ardent sports lovers and fitness freaks with an extensive background and diverse experience in conducting events, creative writing, and building technologies. Karishma was later also awarded with “Build India Award” by the Indian government.
1. What gave you the idea for your startup?
I had been experimenting with this idea since early 2015, but it took its shape in August when I had retreated to a village called Lilapur in Ahmedabad, India for social work. There I met a few kids, who had quit chewing tobacco just to play Kabaddi, as a rule, followed to respect the playground. When I saw their field, it was not so special as we see in Pro Kabaddi League, and one pitch was actually damaged by an industrial construction site. I was empathized to see how a game can actually change lives in amazing ways. I determined there itself start small with events and stories on sports and fitness and use technology to first create awareness about it. Did not spend much time in studying, but just did it.
In one month we launched our first project, Khel Kabaddi, on same ground purely based on a gift economy. It was bizarre to pitch such an idea before sponsors, but we got support from few NGOs and then help began pouring in out of goodwill. People volunteered for every job and participants played even in heavy rains. The event got popular worldwide and was featured in print and online media many times.
2.How did the initial days go? Were there any difficulties?
Like any business, we had our own share of ups and downs. One of the challenges was to create awareness and understanding about our concept. Many people had a misconception that Ardorite is just another event management company or a non-profit organization. However, after we did a couple of unique projects, they were able to get a clear idea of what we do. And of course, having a company website helped in getting the message through in a better way. Besides, one of our customer segments was communities and NGOs who may not be able to afford our services. For them, we had incorporated gift-economy (not the same as non-profit) in our business model, which also included services for private or public companies as well as institutes to generate revenue. As I look back now, I see that such difficulties helped us in learning more about the market during the initial days.
3.How has your life changed after getting the recognition you deserve?
Life keeps changing, with or without any recognition. Yes, there is more pressure now due to increasing expectations, but I have now learned the hard way to find my peace even in chaos. And this has helped me in embracing and finding my way through some life changing events.
4.Whom will you give credit of your success to? “Idea or Hard Work”?
Many, if not all, smart or creative ideas have a story behind them, that spans years of hard work and has tons of courage. I prefer calling it ‘Work In Progress’ instead of success.
5.Who has been your mentor and support all along?
My family has always stood there for me as a strong support system. My mom – an architect by education, a tutor by profession and an entrepreneur by heart – has been a great mentor to me.
And a few close friends always make sure that I don’t get succumbed to stress.
6.Which is the best memory of your entrepreneurial journey?
My entrepreneurial journey had begun a year before I started Ardorite, with a small Education Technology project that I had pitched for some investment, along with a friend. We didn’t get funding but another investor approached us to seed-fund the project for few months as his company’s spin-off. We realized that this means starting up which needs 100% commitment. We were total newbies in the startup arena, and my friend had a full-time job while I had other lucrative job offers besides all prep for my higher education abroad. But obvious, there was some resistance from family initially, but my dad, an experienced businessman, proposed an idea. He had invested in a new garments business and was having a hard time selling a new lot of T-shirts and jeans in the wholesale market to even break even.
So, he asked me if I would like to help him in his business as a learning opportunity for a few weeks and then I might be able to decide what I should do. I started marketing the new designs through Whatsapp along with my sister during Deepawali festival, at a discounted price for pairs and bundles. Every day, I would sell and talk to the customers, show and fold the clothes, as well as manage the inventory and accounts. Within 2 weeks we had sold more than half a lot of T-shirts and people called back to check if there were new designs coming up. Although small, this gig helped me understand the real unglamourous meaning of entrepreneurship. That is the best memory of my entrepreneurial journey so far, thanks to my father.
7. What are the key factors that are involved in any business?
Business involves factor likes Values, Discipline, Relations, Team, Finance, and Idea. It’s not just all about making money or winning awards only!
8. What were the reactions that you got after moving away from mainstream jobs?
Reactions came in the form of advice and the one that tops them all was – “get married and settle down”. Yet, I did not ignore them, rather followed another advice – “Listen to everyone with an open mind, and Do what you feel right in the end.”
Karishma Shah facebook page