Chappers offers customized chappals

May 6, 2022 Start Up Valli Sarvani

Kolhapuri chappals are well-known for their brand and manufacturing process. These hand-crafted leather chappals are tanned with vegetable dyes.

But, their making technique was not upgraded as per the lifestyle changes of the modern era and the comfort sought by the youth.

Harshwardhan Patwardhan, a young man, realized the fact. Around nine years ago, he was working with his father in their family business. At that time, he wished to start his own business by stepping out of the family business.

Then, several business ideas came to his mind, and he chose to sell Kolhapuri footwear. He met local artisans and observed the manufacturing process.

Realizing the need to change the design of the footwear to meet the modern trends, Harshwardhan decided to add comfort and luxury to them.

He also wanted to bring a global reputation to footwear. That’s how his entrepreneurial journey began. He launched Chappers.

Chappers brand initially offered Kolhapuri chappals. But, currently, it has many models like loafers, mules etc. In addition to that, it offers customized 3D footwear.

As Harshwardhan had limited knowledge of the leather and footwear industry, he struggled in the initial days. Moreover, he had limited funds. So, he depended on scrap leather dealers of Dharavi in Mumbai for the manufacturing of Kolhapuri sandals. He sold them to his friends and relatives.

Many of them visited his workshop for ordering their footwear. From the design to colour, everything was customized as per their needs. Thus, from the very beginning of the operations, Chappers offered customized footwear. The customization of the footwear is the USP of the startup.

The footwear offered by Chappes ranges from ₹2,500 to ₹60,000. The business was slow in the beginning. But, now, its turnover is ₹2.5 crores for FY 2021-22. The startup has several customers from various countries, including the US.

Image Credit: Chappers Website Screenshot