PEAKLIFE gets in conversation with Sharann Bathija, Founder of Ekaani, a luxury home décor gifting brand catering to millions across the globe.
A leading kitchenware and corporate gifting brand, Mumbai-based Ekaani is loved for its valuable products and services across the world, offering an extensive and extremely impressive range of kitchenware, dinnerware and gifting collections. With each product a vessel of a unique inspiration from global trends, Ekaani’s collections offer a wide spectrum of designs and patterns ranging from tradition to the modern – all while bringing affordability in style and lifestyle.
In candid conversation with Sharann Bathija, Founder, Ekaani, PEAKLIFE scoops in on the brand’s conception, best-sellers, future plans, and much more.
What was the concept behind launching Ekaani, and how did the idea for your business come about?
Ekaani is a one-stop store for gifting from brands across the world. Dinnerware and glassware is something people don’t prefer carrying back in their luggage due to the risk of it breaking, which is why we thought of an idea to bring it to them in the best way possible.
Moreover, India is undergoing a transformation; there is a hybridisation of Indian culture. Indians are striving to find a balance between their old cultural traditions and the new modern changes which are the result of a global economy. This phenomenon translates to a generation of Indians that are educated in Western management theories and practices, but retain a strong set of traditional Indian values imbibed in them through their Indian upbringing. Keeping in mind this trend, all Ekaani products (even the Indian God traditional idols) are built with modern techniques (via modern designers).
How did you come up with the name for your company? Can you tell us about your best selling products?
Ekaani means oneness in God, and we truly believe in the same which is why ‘EKAANI’. Our best selling products are our silver-plated God range and articles; the customers seem to be very fascinated by that range of collections that we offer.
Please share your experience in bringing in international brands like Versace and Roberto Cavelli to India?
We visited a few fairs internationally and after 2-3 years of studying the market and understanding consumer mindset we thought of the same, and have by far been the best decision because it has truly worked for us and our customers too. They seem to love the luxury collections of Versace and Roberto Cavalli collection as it’s so diverse and distinctive. Our customers are well travelled and appreciate luxury home décor and dinner sets so it makes sense to offer it here where their homes are located.
According to you, what are the key factors that make a great entrepreneur?
Firstly, be passionate about your goal. Smoothly and calmly managing risks and day to day difficulties is also essential. Communication skills being the key factor, it’s important to always find better and improved ways to communicate on a day to day basis without a lot of blunder. Lastly, get inspired and inspire others!
Who do you consider an inspiration when it comes to being an entrepreneur in the home decor space?
We quite like Karim Rashid, he is an Egyptian-born and Canadian-raised industrial designer. His designs include luxury goods, furniture, lighting, surface design, brand identity and packaging. We also fancy Natuzzi group’s work. They are an Italian high end furniture company founded by Pasquale Natuzzi.
Could you tell us more about Ekaani’s new experimental wedding lounge in Juhu and why it is different from what the competitors offer? What brands will you be offering?
The lounge at Juhu is different because we are not offering our silver range and gifting items. We are keeping it separate and only offering our International Branded Premium Tableware, Teaware and Barware and home decor products (Noritake – Rosenthal Versace – Roberto Cavalli). We wish to keep only our Imported Divine Collections from across the globe specialized and curated for weddings. Indian weddings are one of the most extravagant affairs, to fill that gap of people’s specific requirements and taste, we felt a wedding lounge with bespoke gifting ideas would be ideal.
Any advice you would give for our budding entrepreneurs in the home decor space?
Understanding the market and exactly curating what your customer needs and delivering beyond their expectations is what will keep you going.
