Introduction:
In a world where fashion often excludes those who fall outside the narrow bounds of “standard sizing,” Pink Moon emerges as a beacon of inclusivity and practicality. Founded in 2017, this innovative brand has carved a niche in India’s plus-size fashion market by offering stylish, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed clothing for women. The journey of Pink Moon’s founder – Divya Goenka is a tale of perseverance, resourcefulness, and an unyielding commitment to breaking stereotypes. Recently, in a candid discussion with the Editor-in-Chief of Indian StartupTimes, R. Chandra, the founder shared insights into her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of building a brand from scratch, and their vision for a more inclusive fashion landscape.
Identifying Market Gaps in Plus-Size Fashion
R. Chandra: The lack of options for plus-size women in India is evident. What inspired you to tackle this challenge?
Divya Goenka: My journey began with a personal realization. Walking into mainstream stores like Zara or H&M, I found little beyond XL. This was neither realistic nor fair. After speaking to 200-300 women, I confirmed a significant demand for well-designed plus-size clothing. That led to Pink Moon—a brand that prioritizes comfort, fit, and quality for women aged 30 to 45 from tier one and tier two cities.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
R. Chandra: Launching a fashion brand, especially without industry experience, must have been daunting. What were the key challenges you faced?
Divya Goenka: It was incredibly challenging. Fashion is an unorganized industry that often relies on established contacts. Sourcing materials, managing minimum order quantities, and competing in a crowded market were tough. Being bootstrapped taught me to optimize every resource, but it also delayed some growth milestones. The silver lining was the outsider’s perspective—we could approach problems analytically and focus on creating value.
Customer Engagement and Feedback
R. Chandra: How do you maintain a connection with your customers and incorporate their feedback into your designs?
Divya Goenka: Building relationships with customers has been a cornerstone of Pink Moon. I still engage with our first 50 customers directly. We’ve also created a WhatsApp community to gather ongoing feedback. Offline trials for new samples are another way we ensure our designs meet customer expectations.
A Vision of Inclusivity Without Labels
R. Chandra: Inclusivity is a central theme of your brand. How do you approach it without perpetuating stereotypes?
Divya Goenka: Inclusivity for us means creating a friendly and open space where size is a non-issue. We don’t call ourselves a “plus-size” brand because labels can unintentionally highlight differences. Fashion is fashion, and it should be inclusive by default.
Sustainability and Long-Term Goals
R. Chandra: Sustainability is a growing concern in fashion. What steps has Pink Moon taken in this direction?
Divya Goenka: Sustainability is at the core of our operations. We use fabric scraps effectively, manage lean inventory to avoid wastage, and purchase materials in small batches. Our goal is to minimize waste while creating timeless designs that remain relevant for years.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
R. Chandra: What advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to start in the fashion industry?
Divya Goenka: Love the industry enough to endure its challenges. Fashion is competitive and demanding, but focusing on the journey rather than the outcome makes it worthwhile. Build a strong culture within your team, stay consistent, and always prioritize quality.
Conclusion:
Pink Moon is more than just a brand; it’s a movement that challenges outdated norms and redefines the boundaries of fashion in India. As the founder looks ahead, plans for new collections, collaborations, and sustainable growth are already in motion. Pink Moon’s story reminds us that true innovation stems from identifying unmet needs and addressing them with authenticity and passion. At StartupTimes.com, we’re proud to celebrate brands like Pink Moon, which are shaping the future of entrepreneurship with vision and resilience.
