Pretty Little Shop: A Journey of Creativity and Resilience
Founder: Khushi Mandlik
At just 21 years old, Khushi Mandlik from Mumbai has already made remarkable strides in entrepreneurship. While pursuing her MBA and managing her study expenses independently, Khushi turned her passion for creativity into a thriving business.
The Business: Pretty Little Shop
Pretty Little Shop specializes in customized and creative gifts such as:
- Polaroids
- Keychains
- Story Frames
- Other personalized memorabilia
The brand focuses on turning personal moments into creative frames, catering to Gen-Z and millennials aged 18 to 35.
Achievements
- Launched in December 2021
- 10,000+ orders completed
- Handmade gifts crafted and shipped single-handedly by Khushi
Financial Snapshot
- Lifetime Sales: ₹18 Lakh
- Net Margin: 62%
- Gross Margin: 77%
- All orders are received through Instagram.
Recent Monthly Sales
- October 2024: ₹86,000
- September 2024: ₹90,000
- August 2024: ₹87,000
Production
Khushi produces 5,000 Polaroid units per month, ensuring quality in every product.
The Pitch
- Ask: ₹30 Lakh for 10% equity
- Goal: To expand into a one-stop customized gift shop and launch physical stores.
- Website: Pretty Little Shop
Shark Reactions
Aman Gupta
- Opted out of the deal, citing concerns about her team management skills but acknowledged that funding could help her develop those skills.
Peyush Bansal & Namita Thapar
- Appreciated her efforts but doubted the scalability of the business.
Anupam Mittal
- Praised Khushi's work but stated that the business needs more scale to be investable.
Vineeta Singh
- Commended Khushi’s resilience and hard work, but felt the business was not yet ready for investment.
The Road Ahead
Despite not securing funding, Khushi’s vision remains strong. She aims to:
- Build a one-stop customized gift shop.
- Expand operations to physical retail stores.
Her entrepreneurial journey is a testament to her determination and creative brilliance, inspiring many young founders to turn their passions into businesses.
Conclusion
While the sharks appreciated Khushi’s hard work and achievements, the business was deemed too early-stage for investment. However, with her talent and persistence, Pretty Little Shop is poised for growth, and Khushi's story continues to inspire the entrepreneurial spirit of her generation.