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Kamal Khushlani launched Mufti in 1998, overcoming challenges by transporting clothes on his bike and personally selling them to retailers without an office or staff
In 1992, Kamal Khushlani borrowed Rs 10,000 from his aunt and started his own shirt manufacturing company. (X@kamalkhushlani)
Observing the lifestyles of prominent and successful business magnates, one might perceive their lives as effortless and free from financial constraints. However, their success, status, and wealth were not effortlessly attained. They have dedicated significant effort and hard work to build their empires, with many starting from humble beginnings.
Those even remotely familiar with the fashion world are likely acquainted with the Mufti brand. A renowned name in Indian fashion, Mufti holds a distinct position in the mid-premium and premium menswear market. Its parent company, Credo Brands Marketing Limited, boasts a market capitalisation of Rs 1,150 crore.
Mufti has 379 exclusive brand stores across the country. But it may surprise some to know that such a large brand was started with a borrowed amount of only Rs 10,000. Mufti’s founder, Kamal Khushlani, proved that with willpower, even the biggest dreams can be realised.
Fund Crunch After Father’s Death
Kamal Khushlani was born into a simple family. At the age of 19, he faced the devastating loss of his father. The family was thrust into hardship, facing financial strain and a mountain of grief. To support his family, Kamal took a job at a cassette company. Despite the circumstances, Kamal possessed an innate sense of fashion. People frequently sought his advice on clothing and style. This recognition fuelled Kamal’s confidence and sparked an idea: to establish his own fashion brand.
Started his own business
In 1992, Kamal borrowed Rs 10,000 from his aunt and started his own shirt manufacturing company, naming it ‘Mr & Mr’. Initially, without the rent for an office, he converted his house into a combined office and warehouse. Kamal personally managed every aspect of the business, from designing and producing the shirts to selling them.
However, Kamal aspired for greater recognition in the fashion industry. In 1998, he launched the Mufti brand. The initial stages proved challenging, with Kamal using his bike to transport clothes to the workshop and then to retailers. Lacking an office and staff, he carried a suitcase filled with clothes, travelling on his bike to sell them at shops.
The Gamechanger Moment
As time passed, Mufti steadily gained recognition. The brand’s breakthrough moment came after 2000 when Mufti introduced stretch jeans for men, becoming the first Indian brand to do so. This innovative idea was an instant hit with customers. Gradually, Mufti opened its own brand outlets.
Today, Mufti runs 379 exclusive brand stores, 89 large-format stores and 1,305 multi-brand outlets across India. Kamal faced many challenges in the beginning. One of these challenges was what people would say. Kamal did not care about it. He thought about his dreams and kept working towards making them a reality.
