The success stories of major companies and their visionary founders often inspire us, but the challenges behind these achievements are seldom highlighted. One such story is that of Kamal Khushlani, the founder of the Mufti brand. Today, Mufti is a well-known name in the Indian fashion industry, and its parent company, Credo Brands Marketing Limited, is valued at Rs 1,150 crore. But did you know that his journey began not with millions, but with a humble loan of just 10,000 rupees? Let’s read Kamal Khushlani’s remarkable success story.

Background

Kamal Khushlani's life was marked by numerous struggles. Born into a modest family, he lost his father at the age of 19, which plunged the family into a severe financial crisis. The situation became so dire that even basic household expenses were hard to manage. To support his family, Kamal took up a job at a cassette company. However, despite the challenges, he always harboured the ambition to achieve something greater. His passion for fashion, coupled with his keen sense of style that earned him praise from others, eventually motivated him to create his own fashion brand.

The beginnings

In 1992, Kamal borrowed just 10,000 rupees from his aunt to start his first company, “Mr & Mr”, which specialised in making shirts. With such a modest capital, Kamal had no office or staff to begin with. He converted his home into both an office and a warehouse, taking on every role himself, from designing the shirts to overseeing their manufacturing and sales. However, the journey was far from easy. Breaking into the competitive fashion industry and selling his products proved to be a significant challenge.

Launching Mufti

In 1998, Kamal took a bold step by launching the Mufti brand, aiming to target the mid-premium and premium menswear market. However, gaining recognition for the brand in its early days was no easy feat. Without the resources for publicity or large offices, Kamal took a hands-on approach. He would load his bike with clothes and visit shops to sell them directly. 

Carrying only a single suitcase full of apparel, he personally delivered products to customers and retailers. It took time for Kamal to understand market competition and customer preferences, but he never gave up. His perseverance eventually paid off as Mufti began to establish its presence in the market. Today, his company is a well-known name with 379 exclusive brand stores.