From Rs.1.5 Lakh to Eight-Figure Annual Revenue: Bengaluru Couple's Journey to Success

From Rs.1.5 Lakh to Eight-Figure Annual Revenue: Bengaluru Couple's Journey to Success

Bengaluru-based entrepreneurs Deepika Jain and Anup N. Mehta have taken the fashion world by storm with their online artificial jewellery business, Just Lil Things, which has seen an astonishing growth from a modest Rs.1.5 lakh start-up capital to an eight-figure annual revenue today.

The story of how it all began started when Mehta's travel experiences inspired him to bring back unique, affordable, and trendy jewellery for his wife. As word spread, friends and family took notice, prompting the couple to convert their passion into a business, starting as a pop-up model exhibition at 'Sunday Soul Sante' in Bengaluru.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic hit hard, forcing Mehta and Jain to pivot and launch their website in August 2021. The online platform proved pivotal in transforming their fortunes, with revenue exceeding Rs.5 lakh by March 2022, garnering over 6,000 orders daily. Today, they claim to generate around 1,200 orders daily.

"To manage inventory is an uphill battle for artificial jewellery businesses," Jain admits. "We're leveraging AI and machine learning to find solutions. Omega Commerce provides us with optimal inventory planning, ensuring we receive the right products in advance to avoid stockouts."

Mehta notes that getting customers was never a challenge, as they ran ad campaigns since their website launch, including Meta Ads, Google Ads, and eventually influencer marketing through barter collaborations.

The key to success for Just Lil Things lies in scaling operations while navigating complex regulatory requirements. For example, sourcing from China, Korea, Thailand, or India often necessitates obtaining Licences such as the Legal Metrology Packaged Commodities (LMPC) certificate, Pre-Shipment Export Registration (PER), and Importer Exporter Code (IEC).

The startup is now in the funding process to expand their retail presence through shop-in-shop and kiosk model setups. Despite the numerous challenges they faced initially, from failed business ventures to complex logistics, Mehta and Jain remain committed to pursuing new categories like bags and grooming accessories.

"We started with affordable, premium jewellery for Gen Z," says Jain. "We'll continue innovating and leveraging effective tools for inventory management and reliable logistics partners."

As their business continues to soar, it is clear that the entrepreneurial duo has weathered many storms to become a shining example of how vision, perseverance, and adaptation can yield remarkable success in the fast-paced world of fashion e-commerce.