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

Hi Radhika, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
From a young age, I have always been passionate about all things footwear. This passion only grew as I ventured into the ecommerce/retail space, gaining over 10 years of experience and knowledge on various types of shoes and accessories.

Also, being a yoga practitioner and instructor myself, it was crucial to bring yogic practices into my professional life. This meant infusing the brand with intentions of mindfulness and respect for traditional craftsmanship. With this ethos in mind, I set out to create a range of high-quality, handcrafted sandals that drew inspiration from the Indian traditional ‘Kolhapuris.

The aim was always to develop a brand that bridged the gap between Eastern and Western aesthetics, embodying the essence of ‘East meets West’.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began my career in 2012 as a retail employee with a passion for understanding the business side of brands. Along my journey, I was fortunate to find mentors who guided and supported me. Upon moving to the US, I had to start fresh to learn about the US market and its nuances. I was fortunate to work for a company that allowed me to apply my retail knowledge, learn from my mistakes, and grow professionally.

Two years ago, I made the decision to leave my job to travel to India in search of a manufacturer that shared my vision for Kosh-a. It took a year to finalize the colors, designs, and styles that aligned with my concept and have them produced and shipped to the United States.

In 2023, I founded Kosh-a Footwear, overcoming initial hesitation to pursue my vision. Since its launch, the brand has navigated through a series of highs and lows. Building a brand from the ground up is no easy task, especially when infusing it with your Indian values, heritage and culture in a diverse country like America.

Through various pop-ups and partnerships with other brands and content creators, Kosh-a has been fortunate to receive overwhelming support from the community we aimed to serve. While we have faced challenges over the past year, we have also celebrated numerous successes.

Growing a small business is always a challenging journey, but with the support of friends, family, and fellow South Asian founders, I am grateful for the mistakes and victories that have shaped our path thus far.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For me, a typical week of activities would involve enjoying delicious food, engaging in yoga sessions, participating in outdoor activities, and exploring our creativity through arts and crafts.

Residing in the suburbs of Dallas, one of the experiences I would cherish while hosting a friend is taking them to my favorite restaurants in the city to try diverse cuisines.

As a morning person, I enjoy hikes and immersing myself in nature. While Texas may not have mountains, there are plenty of trails and parks in the DFW area where one can enjoy walks or bike rides on a beautiful spring morning, followed by a nourishing breakfast at a local eatery.

Attending various yoga classes in the city is another favorite pastime of mine, as it not only helps me stay fit but also allows me to connect with individuals who share similar interests.

In addition to these activities, I would also suggest taking a pottery or painting class to tap into our artistic abilities and have some fun.

Overall, the week would be brimming with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, culminating in delightful evenings of good food and drinks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband has been my greatest source of support and encouragement throughout my entrepreneurship journey. Without his unwavering belief in me, I would not have embarked on the creation of Kosh-a.

The inspiration for the name Kosh-a comes from the yoga books that have guided me on my spiritual path. Derived from Sanskrit, a classical Indian language, Kosha signifies the sheath or covering of the Atman or True self – beginning with the physical body and progressing inward to the essence of one’s being.

Website: https://kosh-a.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_kosh_a/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/92966203/admin/feed/posts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Kosh-a/100082330956589/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

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