Interview with Richa Kar: Founder of Zivame
Q: What inspired you to start Zivame, and how did you come up with the concept?
Richa Kar: The idea for Zivame came from my personal shopping experiences and the challenges women in India face when buying lingerie. It was a very uncomfortable and limited experience, and I felt there was a need for a platform that offered privacy, variety, and comfort. Zivame was created to make lingerie shopping an empowering and easy experience for women by providing a wide range of options in a judgment-free environment.
Q: What were the biggest challenges you faced when launching Zivame?
Richa Kar: Building awareness and addressing the cultural taboo around lingerie shopping were some of our main challenges. Lingerie is a sensitive topic in India, and we had to educate our audience on the importance of well-fitting lingerie for their comfort and confidence. We worked hard on creating a platform that respects privacy while being approachable and inclusive.
Q: How did you overcome these cultural challenges and help normalize lingerie shopping online?
Richa Kar: A large part of our strategy was to create content and campaigns that emphasized body positivity and comfort. We focused on educating women about fit and style, breaking down the stigma attached to lingerie. By addressing women’s concerns and building trust through quality, we slowly gained acceptance and loyalty from our customers.
Q: What do you think were the key factors that helped Zivame become a trusted brand?
Richa Kar: Transparency, customer education, and a focus on comfort have been at the core of our success. We were among the first to offer a ‘try at home’ feature, making it convenient and easy for women to find their perfect fit. Additionally, we prioritized customer feedback, which allowed us to continually improve our offerings based on real needs.
Q: As a woman entrepreneur in a traditionally conservative market, what have you learned through your journey with Zivame?
Richa Kar: Patience and persistence are critical. Introducing new concepts and breaking down cultural barriers takes time, but staying true to your mission can bring about meaningful change. I’ve learned to embrace feedback, take risks, and believe in the impact of creating something that solves a genuine need.
Q: What are your future goals for Zivame, and where do you see the brand heading next?
Richa Kar: We want to continue expanding Zivame’s offerings, adding new categories, and making lingerie shopping even more inclusive and accessible. Our goal is to empower women further by creating a strong community that feels comfortable and confident in their choices. We also aim to enhance our technology to provide even more personalized experiences for each customer.
