Success Story: From “Grandma’s Wardrobe” to ₹1 Crore a Month – How a Couple Turned ₹3 Lakh into a Vintage Saree Empire

Bengaluru: A Bengaluru-based couple left their corporate jobs to start a vintage saree business that evokes the nostalgia of “grandma’s wardrobe.” Founded in 2021, Nerige Story now generates a monthly revenue of ₹1 crore.

Pooja Nadig and Shashank Sivapurapu noticed a gap in the modern fashion landscape, where contemporary saree designs were increasingly losing the emotional and cultural connection of traditional handlooms. With this insight, they launched Nerige Story – “Nerige” meaning “pleats of a saree” in Kannada. The venture reflects more than just a business; it is a story of courage, creativity, and returning to roots.

Pooja, a former software tester at TCS, and Shashank, an MBA graduate, started the business with a savings of ₹3 lakh. Today, the brand has not only gained recognition across India but also in international markets such as the USA, Australia, and Germany. The unique blend of tradition and modernity has resonated with customers, proving that products with emotional value find their market on their own.

Leaving Corporate Life Behind
Pooja, a BMS College of Engineering graduate, spent five years in software testing at TCS. Shashank, after completing his MBA in the Philippines, worked in sales and startups. In late 2019, Pooja shared the idea of creating a saree business that would celebrate heritage designs. The 2020 lockdown offered the couple time for reflection, leading them to quit their established jobs and venture into the uncertain path of entrepreneurship.

Starting with Just ₹3 Lakh
With no family background in business, Pooja and Shashank invested their savings of ₹3 lakh to start the venture. Due to limited resources, they took on multiple roles themselves – Pooja became the model for their sarees, while Shashank handled photography and videography. To supplement income, Pooja worked as a Zumba instructor and Shashank as a fitness trainer. Lacking prior experience in the textile industry, they spent months learning from weavers and artisans, as well as understanding D2C operations. This self-reliance became their greatest strength.

The Secret to Success
The brand’s success lies in its vintage collection. Pooja identified a gap in the market: while sarees were becoming modern, they lacked emotional connection. She revived simple cotton designs from the 1950s, including signature colors like the iconic MS Subbulakshmi blue and vintage coffee brown. Collaborating with traditional weaving hubs in Varanasi, Madurai, and Jaipur, they created sarees that remind customers of their grandmothers’ wardrobe. Saree names were chosen in regional languages, connecting directly to culture.

Reaching ₹1 Crore Monthly Revenue
From an annual revenue of ₹30 lakh in 2021, Nerige Story now earns ₹1 crore every month as of 2025. The brand has served over 60,000 customers, with 20% of sales coming from international markets. Prices range from ₹1,899 to ₹24,999, and the brand has built a strong community around its products. Pooja and Shashank emphasize that they are not just selling fabric but “happiness” and “emotions.” The company continues to grow at 100–300% annually, highlighting the rising global demand for Indian traditional attire.