Always get up one more time than you have fallen: Vijay Kapoor, Managing Director, Derby

A journey of a thousand mile starts with the first step, begins Vijay Kapoor, Managing Director, Derby Clothing Pvt Ltd, Chennai (http://www.derbyjeanscommunity.com/). “This first step was that of quitting a successful job as a senior sales executive and jumping into business with the faith that I will be looked after,” he continues, in an interview with YourStory, over the telephone and email. Listen in.

Initial setbacks

My partner withdrawing from business even before it took off; starting an unknown business of tailoring showroom of 200 sq ft under the name of Derby Gentlemen outfitters in December 1994; and learning the trade purely from experience.Was blessed along the way, always finding the right team members starting from Ramesh, Albert, Mohan Chary sir, Ganesh Babu, Hari Prasad, to name a few. They shared my passion and shouldered the responsibility of making my dream a reality.

The dream

Making the first Indian International Fashion brand. Growing Derby Jeans Community, from a regional player operating exclusive Derby stores across South India, to a national presence, and also achieving strong e-commerce sales with presence in the best retail sites.

Overview of the industry

A global slowdown and low consumer sentiments have affected retail in the national and international markets.

An understanding that clothing is among the basic human needs and will never be out of demand is comforting, and a motivation enough to keep us positive and determined to grow in a sluggish market.

Our industry is labour-intensive. Hence the potential to provide large-scale employment, which is highly needed during economic slowdown, and the importance of sustained performance, and objective and achievable targets.

Lessons for entrepreneurs

Believe in yourself. Make your passion your work and even get paid for it. Always get up one more time than you have fallen.

Identify your passion and work in a similar industry at least for a few years and gain experience in every department in that business (entrepreneurship is not about being a one role wonder but about being a holistic wonder, i.e., expert in all departments), Have enough savings to see you through the initial months of business.