Enrico Eyewear was a college project during an branding class which turned into reality after working for few years post graduation.

2. What made you start working on Enrico and executing this idea?

While I was working with Essilor India (world's largest eyewear conglomerate) - I realized the increasing issues of eye health to the mass with absence of good and authentic quality ready-to-wear eyewear in India.

3. When did you realize the need to raise Venture Capital - Seed funding?

With increasing awareness of the category, I realised I required more funds for creating a very strong base to ensure I'm available to serve the need better.

4. How has 100X helped you at the beginning of your journey?

100X gave perspective which was important to build a very strong base. The team provided mentorship, guidance. Infact they taught us how to say NO also to a lot of things and pushed us to take tough but right decisions required to meet the consumers need.

5. Has your startup pivoted? If so, What has the pivot been?

The startup has pivoted from being a company with a wide catalogue to a company with a hero - product strategy catalogue. Design has been given more importance than many other points. Our own website has been growing at a higher rate than marketplaces.

6. What challenges did you face & how did you overcome them?

Challenge 1: I've faced a challenge or high cost of working in Mumbai 

Solution: We shifted base to Ahmedabad and growing it from there

Challenge 2: Marketplace is just discounting the brand by becoming a price war

Solution: We focused more on D2C - website growth and organic branding

Challenge 3: Wide catalogue caused brand discounting, stock issue, not able to meet recurring demands

Solution: Identified hero products and scaling in them more

7. What stage is Enrico at present?

Seed / Initial Revenue. R&D for offline launch.

8. As a founder, what are your goals for the next 1-2 years?

Launch offline in selected optical stores. Launch different lens technologies to cater to light pollution blocking needs.

9. What keeps you motivated & keeps you going?

Eyewear has been my breakfast table discussion since childhood, as my father is a part of the industry since 35+ years. He always dreamt of seeing a brand in the affordable space become big and the idea of fulfilling his dream is what makes me going.

10. Your message for Startup founders building in the same sector?

The industry uses unorganised ways, I suggest follow the organised way. Let go of the short term gains and allow short term pains to have long term gains.

About Kavin Khara:

A graduate in double majors i.e. finance and advertising, he later Worked for 4 years in Essilor India (world's biggest eyewear company) where he handled revenue of 35 crores per year in sales. He has  Past experience in advertising and marketing in colours general entertainment.