Ujjwal Trikha is an entrepreneur and concept builder. He has worked as an executive assistant to chairperson – Mrs.Tina Ambani at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. A sportsman with Karate Black Belt, national champion for 5 years in a row and a former Indian team member, Ujjwal represented India in Asian & World Championship and was top 5 in the world (Juniors) in karate.
Upon realizing that furniture is the need of every individual, Ujjwal started furnituredekho, an online store, which is a one-stop solution to all needs related to Furniture and interiors that provides complete range of services, right from buying, selling and renting new and used furniture.
Please provide a brief overview of your product/ service?
Furnituredekho.com is a one-stop solution to all needs related to Furniture and interiors. We provide complete range of services, right from buying, selling and renting new and used furniture. Customers now have plentiful options to choose from nearby furniture stores and experts from related industry (Interior designers & Architects, Vastu Consultants, Packers & Movers). We are changing the way furniture is bought and sold in India. On this dedicated platform, customers can select from a range of products at display in nearby stores, call up the stores, compare the products & prices and then visit to get the touch and feel of the product which is definitely creating a better buying experience for them.
What inspired you to build the above product/ service?
Furniture is the need of every individual. Customers face lot of problems while choosing the right interiors for their residential and commercial needs. There are different prices at each and every store and for each and every class of society. There was a need to organize this industry which inspired me to build this product. Furnituredekho.com is a dedicated marketplace for them which can solve the problem of selecting, comparing and buying the best products at reasonable prices.
What is your life mantra?
The life mantra which helps me to stay positive is truth, love and compassion. Without this the humanity cannot survive. Truth instills fearlessness. Love is the most powerful force in the universe which can win anything and with compassion you understand the feelings & sufferings of others. All these are the attributes makes you a complete human being.
I also believe in the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which means the whole world is one family.
What was the most challenging part of your journey till now?
The most challenging part was getting the SMEs onboard. It was very difficult to build trust in them as they invested their hard earned money on many online platforms and felt cheated because they didn’t get any fruitful results.
How did you overcome those challenges?
We were able to overcome the challenges with our honest approach to the clients. We were successful to make them understand that we are here to make SMEs stronger. We have made a product which is creating its own credibility in the market. We are not charging any commission on sale of their products and helping the SMEs to promote their brand in the market so that they compete with the big players in the industry. Now we have 5000+ stores registered all over India and the numbers are increasing with every passing day.
Share some details about the investments that you have been able to fetch for the business till now?
The business is self-financed as I always had faith in this product. We will be approaching the Investors for the initial round of funding now which will help us to make this product even stronger.
How do you protect yourself from the problem of Brain Drain?
We are not just a startup, we are a corporate startup. Our work culture is such that we have been able to minimize the problem of brain drain till now. We have a secret formula for that.
According to you, what are the three qualities an individual must have to achieve success?
- Positive approach
- Honesty
- Humility
Which online tools/ services/ apps do you use the most and would like to recommend as well?
Facebook & Whatsapp
Share any one habit which you think makes you more productive?
I am a perfectionist and pay attention to even small details. I always make sure that the work is done flawlessly and in an organized way.
Share any one habit which you wish to change in yourself?
I need to focus more on my fitness.
Answer in less than 50 words
Believe in yourself
- One mistake you believe every individual must avoid
Overconfidence
- One most important lesson that you have learnt till now
Being flexible. Acceptance and adaption is very important.
What are your plans for next 3 years?
Making Furnituredekho.com, the most trusted brand in the market.
If you get a chance to start your career again what would you do differently this time?
I wouldn’t want to start my career again because this is what I always wanted to do and I am doing what I love to do.
What are your top three getaway destinations?
Share a quote that inspires you the most?
“A Karma-yogi performs action by body, mind, intellect and senses, without attachment (or ego), only for self-purification.” a quote by Bhagavad Gita inspires me the most.