Founder Editor Team
From Criticism to Triumph: The Inspiring Story of Richa Kar and Zivame’s Success
Richa Kar’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and the courage to break societal norms. Born into a middle-class family, Kar always dreamed of creating something that would change the way people perceived everyday products. Her venture into the world of business was anything but conventional, especially in a society where certain topics were considered taboo. Yet, her unwavering determination led her to revolutionize lingerie shopping in India and, ultimately, earn the recognition she deserved.
Richa Kar’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2011 when she founded Zivame, an online lingerie store that aimed to break the stigma surrounding intimate wear in India. At the time, lingerie shopping in India was a highly private affair, with limited options available in the market. Most women found it uncomfortable to shop for lingerie in public spaces due to social taboos, and they often settled for ill-fitting or low-quality products. Kar, recognizing this gap in the market, set out to create a platform that offered comfort, privacy, and a variety of high-quality intimate wear.
However, the road to success was not an easy one. Initially, her family and close friends were skeptical of her idea. In a society where open conversations about intimate wear were rare, Richa Kar faced resistance, both at home and in the business world. Her business was often shamed for addressing what many considered a ‘sensitive’ topic. Despite the negativity, she remained steadfast in her belief that the market for lingerie was untapped and would thrive with the right approach.
Building the brand was an uphill battle. Zivame had to work hard to gain consumer trust and convince women to embrace the idea of shopping for lingerie online. Kar focused on creating a comfortable shopping experience, offering detailed sizing charts, expert advice, and a variety of styles to cater to every need. She used the power of digital marketing to reach her audience and ensure that Zivame was accessible to women from all walks of life. Slowly but surely, the brand gained traction.
Richa Kar’s perseverance paid off, and Zivame’s popularity soared. It became one of the most trusted names in India’s e-commerce space, selling a wide range of intimate wear and other products. Her innovative approach and commitment to providing quality products helped the brand break cultural taboos and redefine the lingerie shopping experience for millions of Indian women.
In 2020, after a successful nine-year run, Kar stepped down as the CEO of Zivame. During her tenure, she had successfully led the brand to the top of India’s e-commerce sector. The same year, Zivame was acquired by Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Retail, a significant milestone that marked the company’s continued growth and expansion. This acquisition was a crowning achievement for Kar, as it signified the value and potential of her once criticized business idea. Under Reliance Retail’s ownership, Zivame continues to expand its reach, bringing intimate wear into the mainstream and further normalizing conversations around it.
Richa Kar’s story is a powerful reminder that success rarely comes without obstacles. From facing skepticism to seeing her business acquired by one of India’s richest entrepreneurs, Kar’s journey reflects the importance of persistence, self-belief, and the courage to challenge societal norms. Today, she is not just a successful entrepreneur; she is an inspiration for women everywhere who dare to dream big and break barriers.
Her story shows that with the right vision and determination, one can turn criticism into success and build a legacy that redefines industries. From a middle-class background to creating a brand that changed the Indian lingerie market, Richa Kar’s entrepreneurial journey is nothing short of remarkable.
