Meet Deeptha Venkatesan | Entrepreneur and Tech Recruiter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deeptha Venkatesan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deeptha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea of being an entrepreneur was always in the back of my mind, but I never put too much thought into it. But when I was pregnant, I realized how expensive baby/kids items were including clothing. So, I thought why not start something small? That’s how the idea of starting Hugs and Cuddle happened. I started with swaddle blankets and teething accessories and then slowly after a year, we expanded to small-batch handmade clothing. It’s not fair for any parent to spend $60+ on clothing for a toddler /infant who is going to outgrow that in a couple of months. The main idea is to bring quality, sustainable fashion at affordable pricing to all.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

I started my business to do something for myself and to contribute something eco-friendly in any small way I can. We started small with two products, and now we have expanded my website to different categories. It was not easy to get to where I’m right now. The challenge is to introduce new products, but also keep them affordable and make profits to keep the business running. I use my home country to my advantage as it’s a textile hub and cotton is very famous. There is always some challenge or the other, with growing inflation, and shipping costs, new ideas that should fit the business. 

I also started this shop with my love for cotton and linen. I have introduced various styles in cotton, especially hand-block printed clothing. It’s so soft and perfect for kids’ clothing. when they hear how much handwork goes into it, they’re surprised. Same with the crochet toys, we get them custom-made from an international vendor, and every time I try to give her a new idea, they find a way to execute it. I try to support women artisans globally through my shop. If I have to say the one thing I want everyone to know about Hugs and Cuddle, is you get the best quality clothing and accessories for kids. No compromise in the quality and customer service.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh sure! I would love to take them on a drive to Palos Verdes, Hermosa Beach pier, then the aroma cafe on sunset blvd, The Rahel Vegan Ethiopian restaurant on Fairfax Ave, the Grove (love it every time), a visit to Santa Monica pier and 3rd street and eat at the Blue Daisy cafe, a drive to Malibu and if they love Indian food, then a visit to Rajdhani in Artesia is a must. Of course all other touristy places like Hollywood, Universal Studios, and Disneyland. oh if time permits Venice beach and Abbot Kinney avenue too.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Definitely, if I’m able to come this far in my journey as an entrepreneur the main credit goes to my husband Naveen Vijay. In fact, he was more excited than me when I suggested the idea of starting my own business, his immense support, being the rational side to my passion, and the way he tells me how proud he is of me, mean the world. I might not have reached great heights, but to come this far and be recognized matters. Also, the credit equally goes to my son Samrudh (4 years), but his understanding of me having to go to pop-up markets on weekends where I would be gone an entire day and he has to stay with his dad from the age of 2 was mind-blowing. 

Most of the materials are from India, so my extended family including my parents and in-laws used to coordinate and help me in this process. For them to lend support at an old age, and blindly support me in my business without questioning and not once being doubtful about my ability was a blessing too. 

Last but not least, all the vendors I work with and the customers who have shown immense support and appreciation, my hearty thanks to all of them. 

Website: www.hugsandcuddle.com

Instagram: Instgram.com/hugs.cuddle04

Facebook: Facebook.com/hugs.cuddle

Other: www.etsy.com/shop/HugsandCuddle

Image Credits
Sofia Lockinour Jeanie Edwards Lindsey Shedd Carrie McGittigan Inna Rhyzko Megan Tauber