Prabhkiran Singh, the Founder and CEO of Bewakoof, is a name synonymous with perseverance and innovation in India’s entrepreneurial landscape. His journey, marked by struggles, resilience, and sheer determination, serves as an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs. From starting in a humble slum office in Mumbai to building one of India’s most recognizable direct-to-consumer (D2C) fashion brands, Prabhkiran Singh’s story is one of relentless pursuit and belief in his vision.
The Humble Beginnings
Prabhkiran Singh embarked on his entrepreneurial journey with nothing but a small rented space in a Mumbai slum. At just ₹6,000 per month, this makeshift office with a tin shed became the birthplace of Bewakoof. The conditions were far from ideal plastic chairs, makeshift tables, and the unforgiving Mumbai heat. Without an air conditioner, the environment was grueling, but Prabhkiran Singh and his team remained unshaken in their resolve. Their passion for building something meaningful kept them going, despite the odds stacked against them.
Equity funding was a rarity in 2011, and fresh graduates with no work experience weren’t taken seriously. But Prabhkiran Singh was not deterred. With just a few thousand rupees sourced from home, he laid the foundation of a brand that would one day disrupt India’s casual fashion market.
Scaling Against the Odds
For two years, Prabhkiran Singh and his team operated from that cramped space. But as the brand gained traction, they moved to an industrial estate in Ghatkopar. This marked a significant upgrade not just in location, but in work conditions. For the first time, they had chairs with wheels and an air-conditioned office. The small joys of these upgrades reinforced their belief in the journey.
Prabhkiran Singh recalls moments of celebration, like playing football in their empty office before it got filled with employees and equipment. The road to success was filled with everyday challenges fights, chaos, risks, stress, and hustle but they powered through with resilience and rebellion against conventional norms. As one of the early adopters of the D2C model in India, Prabhkiran Singh had to educate the market about its potential at a time when it wasn’t fully believed in.
Growth and the Importance of Reflection
With growth came greater responsibilities. The hustle of running a rapidly expanding company often meant that celebration took a backseat. However, Prabhkiran Singh ensured that one day remained sacred April 1st, the launch anniversary of Bewakoof. While the world celebrated April Fools’ Day, for Prabhkiran Singh, it was a day of reflection, gratitude, and reset.
Every April 1st, Prabhkiran Singh follows a ritual he walks into his office with no agenda, leans back in his chair, and simply breathes in the journey. He acknowledges the transition from plastic chairs to rolling office chairs, from the heat of a tin-roofed slum office to the comfort of an air-conditioned workspace. He spends time with his team, celebrates their achievements, and, most importantly, allows himself a rare moment of kindness. As his own harshest critic, this annual pause reminds him of how far he has come.
Lessons from Prabhkiran Singh’s Journey
The story of Prabhkiran Singh is filled with valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs:
Start with Whatever You Have – Prabhkiran Singh didn’t wait for ideal conditions. He began with minimal resources, proving that a strong vision and hard work can make up for initial shortcomings.
Adapt and Evolve – Moving from a small slum office to a recognized D2C brand wasn’t just about growth; it was about constantly adapting to challenges and opportunities.
Celebrate Small Wins – Whether it was upgrading office chairs or moving to a new location, Prabhkiran Singh found joy in every small victory. These moments kept the journey exciting and fulfilling.
Resilience is Key – Funding wasn’t easily available, and fresh graduates were not taken seriously, but Prabhkiran Singh didn’t let these obstacles define his journey. His resilience became his greatest strength.
Take Time to Reflect – In the midst of the hustle, it’s crucial to pause, acknowledge progress, and appreciate the journey. Prabhkiran Singh’s ritual of reflection every April 1st is a practice that every entrepreneur can learn from.
Bewakoof at 13: A Testament to Vision and Grit
Today, as Bewakoof turns 13, it stands as a testament to Prabhkiran Singh’s vision, hard work, and the collective efforts of his team. What started as a small idea in a cramped Mumbai office has grown into a brand loved by millions. The journey was anything but smooth, but it was real, filled with struggles and triumphs.
Prabhkiran Singh’s philosophy of rebellion challenging the norm, questioning limitations, and carving out new possibilities has been the driving force behind Bewakoof’s success. His journey reminds us that entrepreneurship is not just about business strategies and financial planning; it’s about persistence, passion, and the courage to keep going when the odds are against you.
Final Thoughts
Prabhkiran Singh’s story is an inspiration for anyone who dreams of building something from scratch. His journey from plastic chairs to boardroom meetings, from a tin-roofed office to leading a multi-million dollar brand, is proof that success is not about where you start but about how you persist. Through resilience, adaptability, and a never-give-up attitude, Prabhkiran Singh has created a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs.
As Bewakoof enters its teenage years, one thing remains certain Prabhkiran Singh’s journey is far from over. With his unshakable will and relentless drive, the best is yet to come.
