Crafting Culture: How Vedas Exports is Redefining Indian Home Décor

• Tell us about your entrepreneurial journey.

My father always encouraged my creative side and passion for design, which laid the foundation for Vedas Exports. The idea came to life while I was travelling globally and realised that Indian decor could beautifully merge with contemporary styles. I noticed a gap in the market for handmade home décor that not only looked good but also carried meaning—something that connects people to their roots and culture.

To build the foundation, I travelled across India, studied consumer preferences, explored design possibilities, and collaborated with top designers. Our focus was clear: to create home décor items that tell a story, support artisan communities, and remain affordable.

The journey wasn’t smooth. It took nearly a year to get everything in place, and we didn’t make a single sale in the first month. But we persevered, building momentum through both online and offline channels. Today, Vedas Exports is known for its handmade, eco-friendly home décor that celebrates India’s rich artistic heritage.

• When and how did Vedas Homes start? What was the inspiration?

Vedas Exports started in 2014, initially focusing on wooden crafts and paintings. Over time, we expanded into utility décor. Our growth has been steady and strong—we now sell over 10,000 pieces every month and hold a market share of 8% to 10%. We are present in over 700 stores across India and 500+ internationally. In India, you can find us at major retailers like Hometown, Shopper's Stop, Evok, Starmarks, Royaloaks, Pepperfry Studios, and many more. We also sell through platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Pepperfry, and our own website and social media channels.

• What is the USP of Vedas Exports, and how has the journey been so far?

Our USP lies in our fusion of traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities. Every piece is handmade, eco-friendly, and tells a story. Our mission has always been to bring Indian art into homes worldwide. The journey has been fulfilling—we’ve grown sustainably, built a loyal customer base, and empowered artisan communities across the country.

• What was your online-to-offline journey like? Why was it necessary?

Home décor is a tactile category. Indian consumers love to touch and feel the product before buying, which is why we ensured a strong offline presence from the start, even while investing in digital marketing and influencer campaigns.

Having our own stores was always part of the plan. However, it took time due to the capital required. Now that we’re ready, we’ve built a robust expansion strategy and aim to open 10 new stores by March 2026.

• What are the pros and cons of an omnichannel approach?

The biggest benefit is the ability to connect with customers across platforms—online, offline, and social media—creating a seamless and engaging experience. It builds trust, improves customer retention, and offers deep insights into consumer behaviour.

On the flip side, maintaining consistency across all touchpoints and managing integrated systems is resource-intensive. But in today’s digital-first landscape, the advantages definitely outweigh the challenges.

• What is your management mantra?

My mantra is simple: build the right team, invest in them, and empower them. I believe in giving people complete ownership once they align with the vision. Micromanagement kills creativity—when people feel trusted, they deliver outstanding results.

• What are Vedas Homes' expansion plans for FY26?

We plan to open 10 new stores this financial year, primarily in tier 2 cities. Our first store launched in Jamshedpur, followed by a new outlet in Ranchi this August. We’re also exploring franchising as a strategic growth model. With a solid operational template now in place, the next phase will be a combination of company-owned and franchise-owned stores.

• What led you to consider franchising? How has that journey been so far?

Franchising is a natural next step. Initially, we focused on launching company-owned stores to refine our model. Now, we’re actively seeking franchise partners who share our values and understand our vision. We want partners who can execute our brand ethos and customer experience with integrity and consistency.

• Where do you see Vedas Exports in the next five years?

Our goal is to have a presence across all tier 2 and tier 3 cities in India. Beyond that, global expansion has always been part of our long-term vision. In the next five years, we hope to take the brand international and introduce our unique offerings to a global audience.

• How has the home décor market evolved in the last five years?

The market has matured significantly. Today’s consumers are more conscious of where their products come from, how they’re made, and their environmental impact. There’s been a major shift toward sustainability, transparency, and cultural connection. Digital commerce and influencer-driven marketing have transformed how brands interact with their audiences.

• What trends do you foresee shaping the home décor industry in the next five years?

Technology will continue to play a pivotal role—AI-driven personalisation, virtual try-ons, and blockchain for product traceability will become more mainstream. Consumers will favour brands that align with their values and offer unique, meaningful experiences. The rise of community-led brands, circular economy models, and hyper-personalisation will define the next phase.

• How has Vedas Exports integrated technology into its growth?

Technology has been central to our growth. Our digital-first strategy—from e-commerce to backend tools like inventory management—has helped streamline operations. Data analytics allows us to understand consumer behaviour and make informed product and marketing decisions. We’ve also leveraged digital storytelling and social media to build a strong brand presence.