Success Story: From a ₹300 Fine to Raising a Billion-Dollar Legacy – The Journey of Revathi Kamath

Revathi Kamath’s Journey of Determination and Resilience

New Delhi: The inspiring story of Revathi Kamath, mother of Zerodha co-founders Nikhil and Nitin Kamath, is a testament to perseverance and grit. Today, she leads a successful life, but her early journey was far from easy. Recently, she shared a story from her early days on social media that still brings tears to her eyes—a story not of wealth or status, but of struggle, courage, and life’s unexpected turns.

Revathi Kamath began her career as a freelance florist, managing decor for banquet events. She recalls one incident that shook her deeply: after an event, her workers arrived late to remove the previous day’s decorations, and she was asked to pay a fine of ₹300. While this amount may seem small today, at the time, it was significant. Despite her hard work and dedication, she was asked to pay, leaving her heartbroken and in tears.

Learning the Value of Every Rupee

She remembers feeling helpless during that time, but with advice and support from her brother, she overcame the crisis. Reflecting on that day now, she realizes how difficult it was to earn even a single rupee. The event she had decorated—a wedding—remains vividly etched in her memory. Today, the same venue sees her as a client, a poignant reminder of how dramatically life can change. Through her journey, she shares a message of hope: circumstances never remain the same, and perseverance leads to better days.

Starting Small, Dreaming Big

Revathi’s interest in floral design began at home, inspired by her husband, Raghuram Kamath, who would bring flowers from work. With determination, she borrowed ₹5,000 from a friend to showcase her talent to a corporate client. Her efforts paid off when she received her first major order as a floral artist worth ₹45,000.

Her entrepreneurial journey took a decisive turn when she rented a small space in Jayanagar for just ₹500. Though initial sales were slow, her dedication and quality work earned recognition. She gradually expanded her services, catering to large corporations and multinational companies, eventually including weddings, receptions, and major events.

Nikhil Kamath’s Net Worth

Revathi’s son, Nikhil Kamath, co-founded Zerodha with his brother Nitin in 2010. Listed in Forbes’ latest “40 Under 40 Self-Made Billionaires,” Nikhil is among India’s youngest billionaires, with a net worth of approximately $3.3 billion. Forbes estimates Zerodha’s valuation at around $8 billion.

Revathi Kamath’s story is not just about success—it is about resilience, patience, and the transformative power of hard work. From a ₹300 fine to raising a legacy worth billions, her journey continues to inspire.