Who Is Shubhra Chadda?
If you’ve ever walked into a Chumbak store and smiled at a colorful owl-shaped clock or a fun phone cover with desi vibes, you’ve already felt the magic Shubhra Chadda created.
Shubhra is the co-founder of Chumbak, one of India’s most loved lifestyle brands. She’s a strong, imaginative entrepreneur who turned an idea born out of love for travel and culture into a ₹100 crore brand.
And yes—she did it while balancing motherhood and a new business. Talk about #Goals!
The Spark That Started It All
Back in 2009, Shubhra and her husband Vivek Prabhakar had just come back from a trip. They noticed that souvenirs from India were either too traditional or, honestly, just boring.
So, what did they do?
They decided to make their own!
They put in their life savings—₹40 lakhs—to launch Chumbak, starting with just fridge magnets and quirky souvenirs. The goal? Create products that screamed modern Indian cool.
Building Chumbak: Not Just Cute, But Smart
From the beginning, Shubhra focused on design and quality. Every product was thoughtfully created, combining global standards with a deep Indian soul.
Smart Choices That Made Chumbak a Hit:
- Design-first mindset: Everything looked Instagram-worthy.
- Clear target audience: Young, urban Indians.
- Affordable pricing: Perfect for impulse buys.
- Retail + Online Strategy: Started online, then scaled into stores.
They didn’t just sell products—they built a brand people felt proud to be associated with.
Overcoming Challenges Like a Pro
Let’s be real. The journey wasn’t all sunshine and sales.
Chumbak faced cash flow issues, tough competition, and the risky jump from being an online-only business to launching physical stores.
But here’s what worked:
They adapted. They evolved. They kept going.
In 2014, Chumbak raised ₹11 crore in Series A funding. This gave them the fuel to grow fast and smart. They later moved into fashion, accessories, home décor, and even personal care.
Shubhra’s Role: The Soul Behind the Brand
While Vivek handled marketing and operations, Shubhra led the creative vision. Every product had her touch—from the elephant mugs to the peppy notebooks.
She believed in:
- Staying original
- Listening to the customers
- Keeping the brand playful but premium
Even as the company grew, she didn’t lose that personal touch. Customers loved the experience Chumbak offered—online and in-store.
Chumbak Today: A Brand That Stands Tall
Chumbak has:
- 70+ stores across India
- A strong online presence
- Products in over 100 categories
- A loyal fanbase
All from a dream that started with a simple fridge magnet.
What You Can Learn From Shubhra Chadda
Thinking of starting your own brand? Here are three takeaways from Shubhra’s journey:
- Start small, but start smart. Your first product doesn’t need to be big—it just needs to be you.
- Solve a real problem. Chumbak filled a gap no one else saw.
- Let design tell your story. Make your customers feel something.
Her story shows that with belief, creativity, and consistency, quirky can become powerful.
Want More Inspiring Startup Stories?
Check out these related reads:
- How Falguni Nayar Built Nykaa Into a Beauty Empire
- Zerodha’s Bootstrapped Billion: The Kamath Brothers’ Formula
- How to Build a D2C Brand in India (Without Burning Out)
Final Thoughts
Shubhra Chadda didn’t just create a brand—she created a vibe. Chumbak is now more than just a store; it’s a part of how young India expresses itself.
So next time you sip chai from a bright, funky mug, remember: it probably started as a doodle on Shubhra’s desk.