Baby steps to big dreams

Bankers turned entrepreneurs and colleagues turned life partners, Ankit Gupta and Divya Bansal not only have a heartwarming story to share but also some big dreams to build on. Their children’s clothing line, 'The Baby Label' is already making waves even as the young couple give the endeavour their all

This love story was first scripted on the premises of a leading bank in Pune even as upcoming bankers Divya Bansal and Ankit Gupta would commute to work together. Little did they know that the commute of a few minutes was to become the journey of a lifetime, and that the gupshup and banter, forever business. “While we are both Marwaris, we are also very different people. He’s reserved and introverted while I am outgoing and talkative. But I found him attractive and the conversation between us was easy and spontaneous. Enough to draw us closer,” reminisces Divya.

Luckily, the families were absolutely fine with the same except for Divya’s mother’s hesitation to marry off her daughter so far away from the family home in Himachal. But everyone liked Ankit, and some relationships are meant to be. The duo tied the knot in 2012.

THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF MARRIAGE-AND A BUSINESS

Three's family! Divya and Ankit with their son little Ashwat

Blessed with a son soon after marriage, Divya busied herself with full-time motherhood. But even as the fond mommy devoted her hours to little Ashwath, she realised that finding clothes for him was far from child’s play. “The clothes had to be the perfect blend of comfort, functionality and fit. Easier said than done, though. Most of the stuff I found in the stores wasn’t suitable,” she says. That’s how she started researching clothes-and making them. “I understood the criticality of using fabrics that would allow the little one’s skin to breathe. Silhouettes and comfort are both important, she says. “Also, it is a well-known scientific fact that when children wear synthetics their bodies emit beta rays, which isn’t a great thing. That’s why natural fabrics are so important,” she explains.

Along the way, the idea struck that perhaps she could turn it into a big business. This, despite the fact that coming as she did from a business home, she had always been attracted towards the security represented by a job. “But building your own brand is an entirely different kettle of fish,” she expresses. “It’s beautiful and rewarding to watch your idea take shape and it’s an amazing process.”

In this, she was amply supported and egged on by Ankit. “I saw the potential in her idea-and the lacunae 'The Baby Label' would fill. I told her that she had to turn it into a full-fledged business. Nothing else or less would do,” he says.

Besides, being a young parent herself she was in the perfect position to have an insight as to what would work and wouldn’t.

And so she took the plunge into a full-time business in 2014.

Ankit would also quit his work in 2018 to join her completely. “She’s the creative one while I look after the financial aspect. The partnership is both symbiotic and fun,” he says. “I am always amazed by how she manages to come up with such fantastic concepts.”

Err, but how do they maintain the all-important work-life balance given that they work together? “It’s easier than one would think,” smiles Divya. “We share responsibilities and take turns looking after our little boy who is now six.” It also helps to have supportive in-laws. “While we are based in Pune, they are not too far away in Mumbai and are able to help out with Ashwath when there’s a critical work meeting in store,” she says.

But how do they keep work stress away from home? “Honestly, there is no stress. By God’s grace, our little venture has found takers and clients from different countries. From the very outset, it’s been an upward trajectory and for that, we are truly grateful,” says Ankit.

As of today, the brand focuses on comfort wear, salwar kameezs and harem pants for little ones between 0 and 5 years.

THE MANTRAS OF A MARRIAGE

• Trust and loyalty
• Sharing a dream and building on it
• Supporting one’s life partner
• Helping out with both the little and big and stuff

FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Life currently is hectic but happy with work and Ashwath. Considering that they are partners in both life and work, what according to both, are the fundamentals of a relationship? Ankit would root for clarity in communication. “When you have that, everything pretty much falls into place. It is critical to express what’s on your mind, so the other person understands where you are coming from. Speak your truth even if you think it’s hard,” he says.

On her part, Divya says trust is the most integral gift that one can give and receive. “Be loyal to your commitment and your relationship. To trust and be trusted in return is the most wonderful thing,” she says.

Like every couple, they have their share of fights too-but the manner of resolution has evolved over time. “We have both realised over time that it doesn’t do to let fights linger,” she smiles. “The silent treatment has given way to conversation and discussion. It is always better that way.”

While lockdown on the backdrop of the ongoing pandemic has been hard on most families, this one has only grown together. “If there’s one thing this period has taught us, it is the importance of family and regular communication-especially with parents and relations who are away. This is because when it comes to the nitty-gritty, family is everything,” expresses Divya.

Quality time consists of board games and watching films with little Ashwath. “While one of us plays the good cop, the other will play the bad cop. It’s important to walk the fine dividing line between leniency and over-strictness as he’s only six,” says Divya. “It’s not easy managing work meetings even as your child asks for attention-but it has to be achieved. It’s important to see the world from the little one’s viewpoint as well.”

At the end of the day, what advice would they give entrepreneurial hopefuls out there? “If you have a dream, just go for it and make it come true,” rounds off Ankit.