September 14th, 2007 
Deepak Beginning a business is never simple. Making an out-of-the box idea to work is an even bigger challenge. It all started out with an idea. A vague concept that many a business stalwart would cock their eyebrows at. In a country where business has traditionally originated in match-box-sized family workstations and grown into hereditary goldmines, the out-of-the-box, fledgling enterprise has gradually burrowed its way to the surface. “Innovative enterprises have always existed in the developed markets, they now need to be given an Indian structure,” says a CEO, of an organisation which mentors budding entrepreneurs and has about 50 start-ups, across Mumbai, under its wing. Wire money online to India with Xoom.com for as low as $4.99. Veterinary Assistant and an MBA believe that having a unique selling proposition was “the strongest point” of their new start-up. However, a signboard that read Poodle manicures and Labrador haircut initially met with many a raised eyebrow. “It’s not like we opened up and had people streaming in. There were days when we would have just one to two clients,” she reveals. Five years on, the entrepreneurs have seen business at Tailwaggers triple. And bouquets have now replaced the initial brickbats. “We even have customers sending us flowers as recognition for giving their dog a good haircut”. However, no matter how uncanny the idea, it’s “the clarity of thought” that is the differentiator. When 34-yearold marketing executive Bhavna Jasra stumbled upon a unique concept of freezing life’s milestones, she knew she had hit upon a goldmine. “I knew that in India, the strong family ties and fondness for festivities would help the concept catch on,” says Jasra. Jasra’s company, First Impressions, moulds special memories for its clients by framing impressions of hands and feet in gold, silver, bronze and even pearl. Although it was a first of its kind in the country, business growth was gradual in the first year. However, it was Jasra’s confidence in her product that kept the cash registers ringing, “It’s important to be focused and tailor your strategies to a definite target group,” she says. Five years on, her business has doubled with the client list boasting the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Haseena Jethmalani and the who’s who of Bollywood. One year ago, British Chartered Accountant Christopher Way and hotelier Krishna Pujari kicked their jobs to start a city based tour company. However, the Reality Tours itinerary was [...]
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