In the competitive world of activewear, Ankur and Shalu Poter have carved a unique niche with their brand, RAXEDO, the first-ever Active Utility Wear brand. Combining their extensive experience in IT, digital marketing, data science, and business, this dynamic duo is on a mission to empower individuals to lead active, fulfilling lives without compromising on style or comfort. In this exclusive interview, we delve into their journey, the challenges they faced, and their vision for the future.
Q: What inspired you to become entrepreneurs?
A: We are Ankur and Shalu Poter, the dynamic duo behind RAXEDO, the first-ever Active Utility Wear brand. Our journey into entrepreneurship was fueled by our shared passion for innovation and a desire to make a significant positive impact on individual lives.
Shalu, born on April 20, 1994, in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India, holds a B.Tech in IT from Uttarakhand Technical University. She brings a wealth of experience in IT and digital marketing. Ankur, born on September 6, 1994, in Meerut, India, earned advanced degrees and programs from Hult International Business School and Harvard Business School. Before venturing into entrepreneurship, he built a successful career as a data scientist in the U.S., utilizing data-driven strategies to enhance customer engagement and optimize product recommendations. Together, we combined our expertise to create RAXEDO, aiming to empower individuals to lead vibrant, active lives without compromising on style or comfort.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?
A: Starting RAXEDO came with several challenges, the biggest being breaking into the highly competitive activewear market and establishing our unique position. To overcome this, we focused on our unique value proposition—blending fashion with functionality. We invested in high-quality materials and innovative designs inspired by the needs of fitness, outdoor, and sports professionals. Building a strong community through social media and word-of-mouth recommendations also played a crucial role in overcoming these challenges and establishing our brand.
Q: What key market trends do you think will shape your industry in the coming years?
A: In the coming years, the activewear industry will likely be shaped by trends such as sustainability, technological integration in apparel, and a growing focus on versatile, multi-functional clothing. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that are not only stylish and comfortable but also environmentally friendly. Integrating technology into clothing for enhanced performance and tracking fitness metrics is another trend on the rise. Lastly, the demand for apparel that transitions seamlessly from work to workout will continue to grow, reflecting the dynamic lifestyles of modern consumers.
Q: Can you share a story of how your product or service has significantly impacted a customer or client?
A: One of our customers shared how RAXEDO’s Active Utility Wear transformed their fitness journey and overall lifestyle. Initially, they struggled to find clothing that offered both comfort and style for their active lifestyle. The daily hassle of changing clothes from the office to the gym added to their stress.
Discovering RAXEDO’s Work to Workout utility wear was a game-changer. Our gear provided the perfect blend of comfort and durability, boosting their confidence and motivation to pursue their fitness goals. The versatility of our apparel allowed them to seamlessly transition from work to workout without the need for multiple outfit changes. This positive experience extended beyond their workouts. They began incorporating RAXEDO apparel into their daily routine, significantly enhancing their overall lifestyle. The customer expressed how RAXEDO not only met their functional needs but also supported their journey towards a more active, fulfilling life.
Q: What are your personal and professional goals for the future?
A: Personally, we aim to continue balancing our careers and personal lives, finding joy in both spheres. Professionally, our goal is to expand RAXEDO’s presence globally, continuously innovating and improving our product line to meet the evolving needs of our customers. We are also committed to promoting sustainability within our industry and exploring new ways to integrate eco-friendly practices into our production processes.
Q: What motivated you to start your current business, and how did the idea originate?
A: The motivation to start RAXEDO came from a desire to bridge the gap between fashion and functionality in activewear. The idea originated from observing the challenges faced by fitness enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and sports professionals who often had to compromise on either style or functionality. By leveraging our combined expertise in digital marketing, data science, and fashion, we set out to create a brand that offered the best of both worlds, ultimately empowering individuals to lead active, fulfilling lives.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers that we haven’t covered?
A: We would like to emphasize the importance of community in our journey. The incredible response and support from our customers have been a driving force behind RAXEDO’s success. We believe in the power of active living and the positive impact it has on overall well-being. RAXEDO is more than just a brand; it’s a movement that encourages everyone to embrace an active, healthy lifestyle. We invite you to join us on this journey and “Live the New You” with RAXEDO.
