After completing her studies in Visual Communication and working in the television industry, Deepika’s life took a turn when she moved to Australia with her husband. They were living a comfortable and successful life abroad, but a thought kept nagging at her—they wanted to return to India and start something of their own. It was an idea without a clear plan until Deepika became pregnant. 

This personal experience of pregnancy and the challenges she faced in finding comfortable and stylish maternity wear planted the seed for Putchi. When she shared her vision of creating a brand exclusively for maternity wear, it was met with skepticism. There were no established brands solely focused on maternity, and many thought the idea wouldn’t work. But Deepika’s belief in the importance of motherhood as a crucial phase in a woman’s life pushed her to go ahead. 

With just Rs. 60,000 in her bank account, Deepika decided to launch Putchi. It was a leap of faith, an experiment she was willing to try even if it meant facing failure. The brand was officially launched on March 9th, 2020, right as the world began grappling with the Covid pandemic. The timing couldn’t have been worse, and the challenges were immense. For the first year, Putchi was run by a team of three—Deepika, her husband, and their four-month-old baby. They handled everything from packaging to deliveries, often with their child in tow. 

Despite the odds, Putchi started to gain traction, thanks in large part to Deepika’s focus on comfort and functionality in her designs. She knew firsthand the practical difficulties that mothers face, and she was determined to address them through her products. Unlike general women’s fashion, which sometimes includes maternity-friendly options, Putchi’s designs are exclusively tailored for mothers, prioritizing their needs without compromising on style. 

The brand’s growth from a Rs. 60,000 investment to a turnover of Rs. 5 crores is a testament to Deepika’s vision and hard work. Every detail, from the bio-washed, chemical-free fabrics to the functional design elements like hidden zippers, was meticulously thought out to ensure maximum comfort for mothers. This attention to detail set Putchi apart in a market where maternity wear often lacked both style and practicality. 

One of the key strategies that fueled Putchi’s growth was its collaboration with over 100 Indian mom and baby brands. This not only enriched the platform but also helped create a supportive community of women entrepreneurs. Deepika is passionate about using her platform to empower other women, particularly those running small-scale brands. She believes in lifting each other up and creating opportunities for growth. 

Putchi’s success has also had a significant impact on the lives of the 275 women who have become sales partners with the brand. These women are more than just sales partners; they are ambassadors who bring their own experiences and insights to the table, helping Putchi better understand and serve its customers. 

Looking ahead, Deepika is excited about the future of Putchi. She envisions expanding the product range and reaching more mothers across India, continuing to empower women through her platform. 

Balancing the demands of running a business and being a mother is a constant challenge for Deepika, but she has found a way to manage her time effectively. The guilt she once felt about leaving her son has been replaced by pride as she watches him grow up confidently, aware of the work his mother is doing. 

Deepika’s advice to other women who want to start their own business is simple “don’t give up.” There will be good days and bad days, but resilience, hard work, and a willingness to learn from every experience, even failure, are key to success.