From Setbacks to Success: How Ritika Gupta Turned ₹50,000 into a Multi-Crore Ethnic Wear Brand

Chandigarh: At just 28, Ritika Gupta has become a shining example of perseverance and entrepreneurship. After facing two failed startups and a factory fire, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) textile designer launched her women’s ethnic wear brand ‘Sanskritam’ in 2021 with a modest investment of only ₹50,000. Today, Sanskritam is a multi-crore business, celebrated for its inclusive sizing and innovative designs.

Early Challenges
After completing her textile design course at NIFT Mumbai, Ritika worked with Skill India, training inmates at Tihar Jail in sewing. Driven by entrepreneurial ambitions, she left her job to start a men’s shirt business. However, as a woman entrepreneur, she faced numerous challenges, leading to heavy losses on an investment of ₹4 lakh. Later, she attempted a footwear business with her husband, Gaurav Gupta, but that too did not succeed. Financial constraints even led her to take a mentoring job at WhiteHat Junior to fund her next venture.

Factory Fire and a Fresh Start
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ritika invested her remaining ₹50,000 to purchase a few kurtas from Jaipur and sell them at exhibitions. Encouraged by the positive response, she launched Sanskritam and started her own manufacturing. However, in December 2020, a fire destroyed her factory, wiping out all stock. Undeterred, Ritika and Gaurav restarted operations. With Gaurav, an MBA graduate, taking charge of digital marketing, monthly sales skyrocketed from ₹50 lakh annually to ₹35–50 lakh per month.

A Unique Business Model
Sanskritam’s key differentiator is its size inclusivity. The brand produces clothing from XS to 6XL without charging extra for larger sizes—the price of a 6XL item is the same as an XS. Today, the company employs a team of 50 and offers a diverse product range, including long kurtas, coordinated sets, palazzos, and bedsheets, sourcing premium fabrics from Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Chennai.

Rapid Growth and Financial Success
Financially, Sanskritam has seen remarkable growth. From ₹50 lakh in its first year, revenue surged to ₹1.4 crore in FY 2022-23. In just the first eight months of FY 2023-24, the brand crossed ₹3 crore in revenue—all while being fully bootstrapped. Sanskritam has established a strong presence among women in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities, particularly those above 30, and continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs across India.