1. Varun and Namrata, how do your different personalities complement each other?
   
   Varun: My wife has a beautiful aesthetic sense, which I have recently started to enjoy and appreciate. Prior to being married, my busy lifestyle didn’t allow me the time to enjoy very much outside of work. Namrata compliments my personality, to slow down and enjoy the small things. Doing up our place was a lovely process. 
   
   Namrata : Varun is very cerebral! I often times can be emotionally charged. Him, being calm by nature - most importantly makes me feel secure and supported.
   
   
2. Namrata, tell us more about Ahikoza and how did you start your entrepreneurial journey?
   
   My Ahikoza journey was a pure call of Destiny. Curious by nature, I dabbled in a few things, prior to starting my design journey. Mainly building my marketing portfolio, and started strategy consulting as well. I remember sitting at my desk at the time, reflecting and asking myself some really difficult questions. I felt stuck, and needed a breath of fresh air. I’ve been a handbag collector since the age of 16. For me it was the whole process - fine leather, packaging, the experience of luxury. I thought to myself - why not. I remember the moment like it was yesterday. That spark of inspiration led to my first sketch (looked like a school kids drawing) and that led to the inception of my brand, Ahikoza. 1 fortnight later, I had my business plan. 6 years later, I consider myself blessed to do what I love. I never thought my label would carried by the likes of Nikki Reed, Nadine Leopold, Grace Elizabeth  & Sonam Kapoor to name a few. It’s humbling, these talents have access to every brand in the world. Life is serendipitous. I truly believe a vision supported by hard work and gumption will never fail you. No matter how many falls, lessons and seasons, you endure through the process.
   
   
3. Varun, you are persuinng your executive education from Stanford; with a business in renewable energy. How and when did you decide to get into climate change industry?
   
   One never stops learning, and this mindset and continues to fuel me til date. I was passionate about climate change; cognizant of the fact, that not only is it lucrative industry, but one with a ethical and social responsibility bone. I met the founder of GPS renewables, at an airport lounge due to a delayed flight. True story. This was in 2017. Fast forward, aligned vision ensued a business relationship. As thier Chief Business Officer, I’m proud to say we’ve achieved several milestones. We’ve set up Asia’s largest Waste to BioCNG plant, our company has been granted 5 patents and today we have more than 100 Bio gas plants, making us the largest player in South Asia. This is just the beginning.
   
   
4. Varun, how has your political lineage shaped you as a person?
   
   Varun : It’s a double edged sword. My father is one of the highest educated in the current cousil of ministers. He is the deputy finance minister of India, the fifth largest economy in the world. Having said that, he comes from very humble beginnings. I’ve witnessed his journey first handedly and it has been awe inspiring and exemplary. He set the chore values for our family by example, truly walking the talk. I get my work ethic and drive from him; it’s a trait I stand tall on. If you truly want to test a man’s character - give him power. I’ve been fortunate to yield only the best fruits from my fathers character. It’s what you do with power that counts. Having said that, it can be distracting at times. Like a house of glass, you must tred carefully. A political lineage requires a certain refined tact, which only on the go experience will teach you.
   
   
5. Have you both been to the UAE? If yes, how was your experience?
   
   Varun : We both have been to UAE at different time periods, but never together. Albeit, both us love it. It’s full of culinary richness, arts & warmth. Namrata having moved to India, and us being in a closer proximity - we look toward to visiting together. As our family grows, we often talk about buying our holiday home there.
   
   
6. Considering the fierce competition in Today’s  business world, how would you highlight your company’s competitive advantages? What makes it stand out of the crowd?
   
   Namrata : Its an extremely competive space. For Ahikoza particularly, I accredit it’s success to having a defined, and now, recognized brand DNA. Essentially my designs are an aesthetic symmetry. That, and strong CRM in place. We evolve with our consumers and they’re needs. Im not here to be the next trend, I aim to be a value addition to one’s wardrobe; and make each Ahikoza an experiential purchase. Luxury is an emotion, one I want to evoke everytime a woman carry’s my handbag.
   
   Varun: GPS is a pioneer in the Bio - Energy sector that has had a lot of Business firsts. Such that, bring one of the first commercially viable captive Bio Gas plants. The first distributed Bio Gas plant, & the first Bio Gas to EV charging station. And at present we’re currently building the largest MSW to Bio CNG plant in the world. Our competitive advantage is our highly qualified and experienced management. Furthermore GPS has a strong culture, everyone is a team player. As I say success is a team sport.
   
   Our investors, Tridos Capital Management and Neev Fund are highly supportive of our growth plans. Our strategic tie ups with the likes of Mitsuii & Co; enabling us to make an actual impact. A chore value we hold at GPS.
   
   
7. Outline the schedule of one of your typical working day?
   
   Namrata : Every day is different. Being an entrepreneur, you also have to assume many responsibilities. I til date, oversee every division. When one is busy, such as production - it allows me to allocate my time to other areas. Work is always. A new routine I enjoy though, is discussing each others work, our goals etc once a week with my husband. Conversations can get heated, but it’s so special to able to share that.
   
   Varun : If I’m at home, the first thing I do is walk our dog Kingston, so he can do his business and I can go about doing my own! Ha. On a serious note a typical working day in my life means a lot of calls from 9AM onwards.
   Being a CBO my responsibilities entail finding new avenues for business growth, which requires a lot of travel. Typically I’m traveling 2/3 days a week. Since being married, I have a phone ban post dinner. That however rarely works out. I’m a great negotiator.
   
   
8. What best motivates you? How have your entrepreneurial motivations changed since you first started?
   
   Namrata : Its one life. I aim to do big things in life, not only in space of fashion, but social work, motherhood, spirituality to name a few. Life is about progression and evolving. Entrepreneurship has changed me, in that it’s me the confidence that with right mindset and action set - nothing is impossible.
   
   
9. Who is your greatest support when facing up hardships in business?
   
   Namrata : However cliché, my biggest support is my husband, Varun. He is my biggest critic; and at the same time my biggest cheerleader. Coming from different industries, we posses different skill sets, that make more a for strong synergy. Entrepreneurship can be a very isolating journey. Nothing is guaranteed, and the yield of dedication only heightens with your business growth. Having a partner who understands entrepreneurship from a grass roots level, opens a beautiful for communication.
   
   
10. Do you believe there is a winning formula for becoming a successful entrepreneur? What is yours?
    
    Namrata : Entrepreneurship is not what it looks like. It’s a lifestyle, and requires a lot of patience along with not hard, but what I call smart work. There is however no formula. The closest to a formula I can think of is learn, re learn and learn again. Get the foundations of your business right, study every detail of the industry. Good mentors also go a long way. Most important take away for me - I truly believe once you get hubirous, you start losing. Keep a humble spirit. Don’t develop an ego and get caught up in the game.
    
    Varun : I’m privileged to meet accomplished Business Men on a regular basis. I’ve come to realize the common thread to they’re success include - being early risers. They also possess immense grit and deciveness. Most important they don’t fear failure. After all nothing is to be feared, but understood really.
    
    
11. What next for Varun and Namrata?
    
    Namrata : I feel this is the beginning of a beautiful journey we both are embarking both professionally and personally.
    
    Varun : We usually take life on a day to day basis. A common value and goal though is to grow as a couple, and raise well valued children one day. We aspire to have balanced lives, amidst the heat of being young entrepreneurs.

1. What do you think are the strength in Ahikoza’s pieces?

Its unique/signature geometric elements, paired with premium quality and bold colors.

2. How do you stay inspired?

Many things keep fueling my inspiration! From architecture, to my travel experiences and even quirky style trends that pique my interest. As a designer, I think its your responsibility to continue elevating your product and breaking boundaries, so to speak. Your consumer’s perception, and more importantly experience is your brands reality. It’s important to always offer something new and cutting edge.

3. Have your Indian roots influenced your design aesthetics?

India is a rich country that a heartwarming array and experience of history, culture, and traditions through architecture, people and style. Due to the nature of my work, I get to frequent India quite often. In turn, the sensory and soulful experience it provides me with definitely fuels my creativity and design aesthetic.

4. What have been the biggest challenges so far in starting your own brand?

There have been lots of challenges. I think this stands true in any industry, not just fashion. Entrepreneurship is not what it looks like. You never stop learning .You have to know your Business from a grass roots level. Do your homework. Most important lessons for me have been

1. Listen to your customer. Engage with them. Really get to know what they’re needs are.
2. Don’t get caught up in the hype and develop an ego.

5. How do you ensure quality?

Quality is extremely important. I believe it is also what identifies and sets Ahikoza apart. I do my best to oversee all aspects of production, including quality control and make sure the skins and all raw materials used are of premium grade.

6. How do your Bespoke clients find you?

All mediums! Bespoke is one of the major aspects of my Business, and one I enjoy most.

I love working closely with my clients, especially brides.

Word of mouth, Social Media (definitely a powerful forum today) and bag enthusiasts who seek a tailored experience for value additions to they’re wardrobe.

7. How has moving to Bali influenced your creative drive?

The relaxed nature of the Island allows freedom and immensity to my creativity! It makes me realize that there are still so many aspects of the brand that are still there to be explored. Moving to Bali, has also given me the time and space to work closely with my artisans. I value the hands that go behind the art. This aspect has been extremely rewarding to me.

Source: L'officiel Digital

AHIKOZA - Ahikoza is an exotic leather-based brand that has several collections of luxury accessories for women, which retains its design and quality. This label, inspired by designer Namrata Dudaney from different backgrounds, as well as his love of fashion. Ahikoza's own name is taken from the sansekerta, namely Ahi and Koza, which means snake skin. By combining two philosophies and cultures, namely from Indonesia and India, the designer wants to show the uniqueness of its brand name in order to be easy to remember. In addition, the designer also wants to focus on the main ingredients of snake skin with little treatment and reduce the use of additional materials. This is the typical and more value for the Indonesian brand that shows the ability in the field of art.

AHIKOZA - COLLECTION OF PREMIUM BAGS QUALITY

Each collection of Ahikoza is unique and has a story in each story. For example, the handbag line bag collection is not in production twice, as it maintains the quality as well as the exclusivity of the Ahikoza. Not only the basic ingredients, but also the quality rather than the production is also highly regarded. Not surprisingly, Ahikoza's collection is also included in the premium label category with limited production quantity. Speaking of his philosophy, Ahikoza also focuses on techniques that use bold colors, as well as designs that not only show a good design, but also functions that fit the needs of women today.

On this occasion, Ahikoza released two new series from his bag line named Juliana Bejeweled Minaudiere and Rachel Foldover. In the Juliana Bejeweled Minaudiere series, Ahikoza gives a glamorous impression with embroidery techniques with sequin accents. In addition, this type of clutch bag made from leather cobra with classic nuance style. This series bag is perfect for use during formal events to give an elegant statement with your dress bandage. It's going to be a fabolous night! In addition, the next collection series is Rachel Foldover. Is a unique type of clutch bag inspired from geometric shapes with a touch of architectural elements typical of the brand Ahikoza. This series bag also shows edgy pieces are timeless and suitable for use at any event.

Exclusively Focusing on Exotic Skins.

Ahikoza uses very little treatment and minimal hardware on craftsmanship to expose the beauty of the skins. It is guaranteed that no two items produced will be identical due the natural scaling of the skins; The collection is produced in limited quantities to uphold their commitment to premium quality and authenticity. The functional pieces are designed using emphasis on technique and bold colors.

The Gigi Minaudiere

The Gigi Minaudiere is a modern twist to Ahikoza’s collection. It is designed with thoughtfulness, prioritizing both elegance and functionality. Styled with a god tusk clasp that elevates a classic oval shape Ahikoza’s Gigi Minaudiere fits iphone 6 and 6+.

The Sierra Minaudiere

Inspired by geometric installations, the Sierra Minaudiere is the most intricate piece of the brands collection. Add dimension to your wardrobe with a unique addition of Ahikoza geometrica. Cover4ed hinge details bring industrial edge to this clutch. The piece is rendered in python belly and lined in full grain leather.