By Sandhya Bharti

In a country where vacation wear and swimwear are still evolving categories, WomanLikeU is making waves with its stylish yet modest options tailored for the Indian body type. Co-founded by Zoheib Jilani and Shrijal Dave, the brand has rapidly gained traction, especially after its appearance on Shark Tank India. In an exclusive conversation with Indian Startup Times, the founders shared insights about their journey, the impact of Shark Tank, and their vision for the future.

The Birth of WomanLikeU

Fashion in India has evolved, but finding well-fitted and stylish vacation wear remains a challenge for many Indian women. Recognizing this gap, Zoheib Jilani and Shrijal Dave launched WomanLikeU, a brand dedicated to making vacation wear accessible, stylish, and body-inclusive. The brand focuses on empowering Indian women by offering designs that celebrate diverse body types while ensuring comfort and style.

“We wanted to create a brand that resonates with the modern Indian woman who loves to travel but struggles to find fashionable vacation wear that fits her body type,” said Zoheib. The journey wasn’t easy, but their customer-first approach and emphasis on inclusivity have set them apart.

A Transformational Experience on Shark Tank India

For any young startup, appearing on Shark Tank India can be a game-changer, and for WomanLikeU, it was no different. Their pitch caught the attention of investor Aman Gupta, whose validation provided an immense credibility boost.

“The experience was exhilarating. Meeting like-minded entrepreneurs and receiving feedback from investors was invaluable,” Zoheib shared. “While we are yet to receive the investment, the visibility has significantly boosted our website traffic and customer engagement.”

Building a Loyal Community

More than just selling products, WomanLikeU is creating a community. Through social media and influencer collaborations, they are connecting directly with customers, understanding their preferences, and refining their offerings accordingly.

“Our target audience is an Indian woman who travels at least once a year,” explained Shrijal. “We involve them in our design process and take their feedback seriously. This has helped us craft a brand that truly resonates with them.”

Swimwear and Cultural Norms in India

Marketing swimwear in India presents unique challenges due to cultural sensitivities. WomanLikeU addresses this by balancing global fashion trends with local sensibilities. Their collections feature options like cover-ups and tunics, allowing women to feel confident and stylish while respecting cultural preferences.

“There is a perception that swimwear is not for everyone. But we believe that every body is a beach body, and we want to change that mindset,” said Shrijal. By offering elegant cover-ups and modest swimwear, WomanLikeU is redefining the narrative around vacation fashion in India.

Social Media: The Driving Force Behind Growth

Social media plays a pivotal role in shaping WomanLikeU’s brand identity and community engagement. The founders emphasize how platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow them to engage directly with their audience, build a strong brand identity, and spread their message.

“Storytelling plays a key role in our growth. Whether it’s sharing customer stories, behind-the-scenes insights, or design inspirations, social media has been instrumental in creating a personal connection with our community,” Zoheib noted.

Future Growth and Collaborations

With a solid foundation in place, WomanLikeU is now focusing on expanding its presence and deepening its community engagement. Rather than chasing aggressive performance metrics, the brand is prioritizing storytelling, collaborations, and brand positioning.

“Our goal is to make WomanLikeU the go-to brand for vacation wear,” Shrijal stated. “We want to create a space where Indian women feel confident and celebrated.”

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Building a startup comes with its fair share of challenges. Zoheib and Shrijal emphasized resilience and perseverance as key traits for any entrepreneur.

“There will be sacrifices – personal time, social life, and sometimes even financial stability. But if you believe in your vision, it’s worth the journey,” Shrijal said.

Final Thoughts

WomanLikeU is more than just a fashion brand – it’s a movement redefining vacation wear for Indian women. With a strong community, innovative designs, and a clear brand mission, Zoheib and Shrijal are on the path to transforming how Indian women embrace fashion while traveling. As they continue to challenge norms and build their brand, their story serves as an inspiration to budding entrepreneurs in the Indian startup ecosystem.