Richa Kar’s story is one of courage, vision, and perseverance. From facing parental opposition to building India’s largest online lingerie brand, her journey reflects the determination of a woman who refused to let societal taboos define her path. Today, Zivame – often called the “Desi Victoria’s Secret” – continues to thrive under Reliance Retail, a testament to her pioneering spirit.
Born on July 17, 1980, in Jamshedpur, Richa grew up in a traditional household. Her father worked at Tata Steel, while her mother managed the home. After completing her post‑graduate diploma at SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) in 2007, she gained valuable experience working with companies like Spencers and SAP retail consultancy. These years equipped her with the skills and insights that would later fuel her entrepreneurial dream.
While working at SAP, Richa studied Victoria’s Secret’s online sales model. She realized how difficult lingerie shopping was for Indian women, often shrouded in embarrassment and limited choices. This insight planted the seed for Zivame, a brand that would normalize lingerie shopping and empower women with variety, privacy, and confidence.
When Richa shared her idea with her parents, she faced resistance. Her father was skeptical, and her mother was outright disapproving, embarrassed by the thought of her daughter selling lingerie. Yet, Richa’s persistence eventually won her mother over, who not only supported her but also contributed savings and rallied relatives to invest.
With ₹35 lakhs raised from friends and family, Richa launched Zivame in 2011. The name, meaning “Radiant Me,” symbolized her vision of helping women embrace themselves with confidence. Starting small, she faced challenges even in renting office space, as landlords hesitated to associate with a lingerie business. But her determination never faltered.
Zivame’s breakthrough came when a customer from Indore made a significant online purchase, validating Richa’s idea. Soon, investors took notice. In 2012, she secured $3 million in funding, followed by $40 million in 2015. By then, Zivame had become a household name, expanding into physical stores across tier‑2 and tier‑3 cities.
One of the brand’s biggest endorsements came in 2015, when Ratan Tata invested in Zivame, giving it credibility and momentum. By 2020, the company was valued at $200 million (₹1,670 crore), cementing its place as India’s lingerie leader.
Richa Kar is married to Kedar Gavane, Vice President at comScore, and the couple keeps their personal life private. Though she stepped down as CEO in 2017, she continues to serve on Zivame’s board of directors. In 2020, Reliance Retail acquired Zivame, but Richa retained her equity. With an estimated net worth of ₹749 crore, Richa Kar’s journey is more than a business success story. It is about breaking barriers, redefining norms, and proving that conviction can turn even the most unconventional ideas into thriving enterprises.
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