Nitesh Agarwal, once forced to quit school due to financial constraints, now runs a thriving business worth crores. His journey was anything but easy, marked by numerous challenges and setbacks. However, Nitesh's determination to persevere and grow has led him to great success. According to the NBT report, his chikankari (traditional hand-embroidery) business spans 40 countries, generating an impressive annual revenue of Rs 7 crore.
Struggles During Early Education
Nitesh’s hardships began in 2000 when financial difficulties forced him to drop out of school after the 10th grade. Though he managed to complete his 10th-grade studies in 2003, further education was out of reach. Growing up in Lucknow, Nitesh eventually found his way into the business world, starting small by borrowing money from a friend to launch his venture. He began selling chikankari sarees, kurtas, handcrafted shoes, and other traditional items, while also providing employment to over 2,000 women today.
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A Serendipitous Beginning
In 2005, Nitesh’s luck changed when he stumbled upon a directory in a dustbin near his home. The directory contained the names of various exporters. Already familiar with the chikankari market, Nitesh reached out to a few of them, introducing himself as a manufacturer based in Lucknow. One of the exporters requested samples. Nitesh, on credit, managed to acquire 30 samples worth Rs 30,000 and sent them to Mumbai. Only one sample, a white cotton chikankari saree, was selected.
First Profit of Rs 20,000
The report added that the single sample led to an order for 1,000 sarees. Nitesh managed to fulfill the order, earning Rs 3.75 lakh for the sale. This resulted in a Rs 20,000 profit—his first in the business. However, success didn’t come easy. Nitesh struggled with completing orders on time, clients rejecting shipments, and delays in payments, which soon drained his resources. In a pivotal moment, an old client lent him Rs 13,000, enabling Nitesh to restart his business.
Expanding Internationally
Nitesh then decided to explore selling chikankari products in Delhi, where he met someone heading to Singapore. Invited along, he took some stock, but it didn’t sell well, putting him back into financial trouble. However, Nitesh had spotted a new opportunity. He returned to Singapore with chikankari kurtas, marking the start of his international expansion. Over time, he established a presence in other countries as well.
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Rs 7 Crore Annual Revenue
Today, Nitesh’s chikankari business operates in Europe, Latin America, Australia, and Africa, generating an annual revenue of Rs 7 crore. He maintains a 10% profit margin and provides employment to over 2,000 people. Looking ahead, Nitesh plans to open franchise stores in foreign markets, continuing his global expansion.