Atif Dhorajiwala – Entrepreneur

I’m a BBA graduate with a passion for building brands and solving real-world problems through business. Since college, I’ve been actively involved in entrepreneurship—launching ventures in e-commerce, D2C, and food innovation. I’ve experimented with dropshipping, explored the Amazon FBA model, and most recently, developed a unique calcium-based chocolate snack designed to combine health benefits with great taste.

For me, business is a platform for creativity, impact, and perseverance. I’ve faced my share of failures and criticism, but every challenge has helped me grow stronger, sharpen my vision, and fuel my ambition. I aim to build a large company within the next three years and eventually mentor aspiring entrepreneurs.

I’ve represented India at an international business plan competition in Taiwan and was a national-level finalist in another—opportunities that allowed me to pitch ideas, receive global feedback, and sharpen my entrepreneurial mindset.

I recently completed an internship at Zomato, where I gained hands-on experience in the food-tech industry. Now, I’m fully focused on building my startup—handling everything from product development to marketing, while learning through real-world execution. I prefer working with a close-knit, driven team and thrive in fast-paced, feedback-driven environments.

Whether it’s crafting a Korean-inspired cosmetic brand or scaling a luxury snack for Tier 2 cities, I strive to build products that people genuinely connect with. I value honesty in life and uniqueness in business—and this is just the beginning.

The biggest driving force for me has always been the desire to create something of my own—something meaningful, different, and impactful. I’ve never been content with just following conventional paths. I’m deeply curious about how things work, how brands connect with people, and how everyday problems can be turned into opportunities.

But more than that, I’ve always felt a strong need to prove that you don’t need to wait decades, huge capital, or a perfect setup to start building. I wanted to show that with the right mindset, even students and young professionals can build real businesses. I’ve faced failures, lack of funds, and criticism, but those very moments pushed me harder. I didn’t want to just learn business in classrooms—I wanted to live it.

Every venture I’ve taken up—whether it was dropshipping, launching a D2C brand, or developing a healthy snack—started with a simple question: Why not me? That mindset, mixed with a strong urge to innovate and the hunger to make a mark, is what really drives me every day.

One of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys I’ve been on is with my sneaker startup, which is set to launch soon on a Pan-India scale. The vision is to create a premium, stylish sneaker brand that resonates with youth across Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities—combining quality, affordability, and trend-forward design.

Building this brand hasn’t been without its hurdles. From sourcing the right materials to refining the brand identity and planning a nationwide launch, it has been a complex process that required patience and resilience. Some challenges took longer to overcome than expected, but each setback strengthened my understanding of market dynamics and consumer trust.

What makes this journey truly special is that the innovation behind this startup has been recognized internationally—I had the honor of representing India on a global platform for its unique approach. That experience fueled my motivation to keep pushing forward.

While the launch is just around the corner, I’ve already learned invaluable lessons in timing, resource management, and brand-building. I’m excited for the brand to finally reach customers and create a meaningful impact.

I started working on my sneaker brand back when I was just a second-year BBA student—someone with very limited funds and lots of doubts coming from people around me. Many thought the idea wouldn’t work or that it was too ambitious for a student like me. Turning that vision into a prototype and gradually winning hearts was incredibly challenging.

To be honest, sometimes the smallest moments can change your entire perspective. A simple argument—a small fight—with a close friend unexpectedly became a turning point. That moment pushed me to rethink my approach and fueled a determination I hadn’t felt before. It was this energy that eventually led me to represent India on an international platform for innovation.

That experience taught me that challenges and conflicts, no matter how small, can spark growth and open doors you never imagined. It was a powerful reminder that belief in your vision and persistence, even amid doubt, can lead to extraordinary opportunities.

Every success truly has a failure story behind it, and mine is no different. When I started my sneaker brand during my second year of BBA, I was a student with almost no funds and a lot of doubts—not just from others but sometimes from myself. Many people around me questioned whether the idea could work, whether I had what it takes.

The toughest part wasn’t just the financial struggle—it was the constant battle to believe in my own vision amidst skepticism. There were moments when prototypes failed, when marketing efforts didn’t click, and when progress felt painfully slow. One particularly challenging phase was when a small disagreement with a close friend escalated, shaking my confidence. But ironically, that very moment became a turning point—it pushed me to work harder, to refine my approach, and to believe even more in what I was building.

That hidden story of struggle and doubt is what made the eventual recognition on an international platform so meaningful. It reminded me that behind every win, there’s resilience built from failure, perseverance born from uncertainty, and lessons carved from setbacks.

In fact, I am still on this journey—there are still many steps backward, but here I am, standing strong and moving forward.

1. It’s not about how many people are in your team—it’s about having the right people with diverse skills and a strong bond. Building a startup team is like marriage: a lifelong, very important decision.
2. Funds are everywhere—you just need to start. If you are truly working towards making an impact, the right people and resources will come to you.
3. Communicate actively. Conduct focus groups, get out on the field, and talk directly to your prospective customers. Understand their problems through primary data, not just secondary research.
4. Remember, there is no true innovation without doubt. When everyone doubts you, take it as a sign that you’re on the right track.

For me, success means impact. It’s about being remembered for what you’ve done and inspiring others along the way. This idea kept me going even during the toughest phases of my startup journey, reminding me that true success is about the difference you make, not just numbers or fame.

I draw inspiration from many individuals, each teaching me something unique.

From Steve Jobs, I learned the power of vision and creating impact through design. The Rich Dad in Rich Dad Poor Dad taught me financial intelligence and how mindset shapes destiny. Dhirubhai Ambani inspired me with his hustle—turning melted coins into opportunity and eventually building an empire. Harshad Mehta, despite the controversies, showed how deeply understanding systems can reveal hidden opportunities. Elon Musk proved that even an unemployed economist can redefine industries through bold ideas and relentless execution.

Even small children inspire me—the way they smile through setbacks, rise after every fall, and keep their enthusiasm alive no matter what. That spirit is something every entrepreneur should hold on to.

But from all of them, I’ve learned one core lesson: opportunities are everywhere, but what matters most is the ability to identify them. The world is full of chances—only those who are observant, curious, and bold enough to act will turn them into success.

My leadership mantra is:
“Entrepreneurship doesn’t come from will, it comes from your habits.”

Leadership, to me, is not about titles or power—it’s about how you handle the smallest decisions with purpose. It’s reflected in how you spend every penny, how you justify it, and how you solve problems—not just in business, but in everyday life.

I believe a true leader leads by example. It’s not the idea that makes someone an entrepreneur or a leader—it’s the person behind it. Your discipline, mindset, and the way you respond to adversity define your leadership.

Leadership can’t be taught in a textbook—it’s built over years through your personality, habits, and the way you treat people. At the end of the day, it’s about being accountable, staying grounded, and pushing forward with purpose and clarity, no matter what comes your way.

Innovative. Purpose-driven. Resilient.

Sneakers that adapt to your outfit—changing colors and designs without any electronics. Foldable, lightweight, and easy to carry—your perfect travel companion. Style meets convenience, wherever you go.

As a generation, we love experimenting with our looks. Our wardrobes are full of outfits in every possible color—but when it comes to sneakers, most of us still stick to the basics: black, white, maybe red.

Ask yourself—have you ever bought a purple, green, brown, orange, or mustard sneaker?

Probably not. Why?
Because they don’t go with every outfit? Or maybe we think we won’t wear them often enough?
And every time we travel and take pictures in vibrant outfits, our sneakers remain the same—basic and repetitive.

Why?
Because we don’t have space to carry multiple pairs.
And that’s exactly where the idea for my sneaker startup was born.

I wanted to solve this modern fashion dilemma—how to bring variety, personality, and practicality into a single pair of sneakers. The inspiration wasn’t just style—it was the need for self-expression and smart travel, all without compromising comfort and without it being electronic.

I’d answer this with a question:
If success told you it’s 30 failures away, would you be ready to face it?

Most people might hesitate, but that’s exactly where the truth lies. The key is to try, try, and try again—no matter how many times you fail.

Sometimes, it’s not just about reaching the destination, but about embracing and enjoying the journey itself.

I am not an extraordinary person. I’m as simple as anyone else—neither a topper nor a scholar, and definitely not from a rich or fancy background. Even something as simple as planning a small outing required convincing my parents, friends, and their families, and arranging finances.

So why should starting a business be any different?

The biggest challenge was overcoming the fear of convincing people—whether it’s family, friends, or investors—that my idea was worth their trust and support. It’s not easy putting yourself out there and asking for belief, especially when you don’t have a lot of resources or credentials backing you. But pushing past that fear was essential—it’s the first step every entrepreneur must take.

The issue of brain drain arises when you’re working just for money. The real solution lies in changing your mindset.

If I asked you—What is something you’d still love doing even if you had to do it 20 hours a day for the rest of your life without getting paid?—your answer to that question is your passion. That’s where your energy belongs.

When you’re truly dedicated to something you love, you don’t feel drained—you feel driven. You don’t count the hours; you enjoy the process. That’s how I protect myself from burnout or brain drain—by working on something that feeds my purpose, not just my wallet.

1. Passion with Purpose – There will be countless ups and downs. The highs are easier to handle because they come with recognition and money. But it’s the lows that break most startups. When nothing else works, it’s your passion and purpose that keep you going.
2. Adaptability – Business is uncertainty. In fact, the other word for business is change. Every day brings new challenges, so you have to react, act, and evolve constantly. The world won’t wait—you need to keep upgrading yourself.
3. The ‘Jugaadu’ Approach – Whether you have ₹10 lakh or ₹10 crore, funds will always feel limited. So you need to justify every rupee you spend and think creatively. Being resourceful, street-smart, and finding unconventional ways to solve problems is what sets you apart.

In startups, it’s not always about perfection—it’s about speed. The faster you execute, the faster you learn, pivot, and grow. That’s where planning and the right tools come in.

It’s extremely important to plan your day, month, and year—setting clear goals, tracking progress, and knowing your next move. And to speed things up without burning out, I heavily rely on AI-powered tools.

As a founder, you might not be an expert in every field—but you need to know enough to get things done. Here are some tools I use and recommend:

My Go-To Tools:
• Canva – For all things design: packaging, social media, presentations, and more.
• Captions AI – To edit and subtitle videos quickly, especially for social content.
• Notion – My all-in-one workspace for planning, research, ideas, and team collaboration.
• ChatGPT – For refining strategies, content, market research, and brainstorming.
• Magisto – For easy, high-quality video creation without needing editing skills.
• Khata Book – Simple and efficient for managing finances and small business accounts.
• HeyGen – AI-generated videos and avatars to create engaging visual content fast.
• Dhandha.ai – For automating marketing campaigns and simplifying customer communication.

Leverage tools smartly, not to replace your efforts but to amplify them. AI is not here to do your job—it’s here to make your job faster and sharper.

In today’s world, the most important thing is to break your comfort zone, trace where your time goes, and measure how much of it is truly productive.

Take reels, for example—they can either be distracting or deeply informative. It’s not about whether you use them, but how you use them. That applies to everything.

That’s why I believe in daily self-accountability. When I plan my day—ideally the night before—I also review it at the end:
• How many tasks did I actually complete?
• How much time did each task take, and was it worth it?
• How much time did I waste, and where?
• What was my screen time? Which app took the most of it?

When we do marketing, we have metrics.
When we study, we get scores.
When we launch a product, we track performance.

So why not do the same with our day?
I believe everyone should create their own set of metrics for self-measurement. That’s how you move from being busy to being effective.

One thing in my journey that consumed a lot of time?

Seeking too much validation.

Yes, feedback is important—but I learned the hard way that you can’t please everyone, and not everyone will believe in your idea, especially in the early stages.

What helped me move faster was this shift in mindset:
• Don’t ask everyone—ask the right people.
• Talk more to consumers, not just peers or random opinions.
• Build a prototype or proof of concept first—let your work speak louder than your words.
• Remember: Too many minds can spoil the plan. Trust your gut, test fast, and iterate.

Now, I validate smarter—not louder.

One thing in my journey that consumed a lot of time?

Seeking too much validation.

Yes, feedback is important—but I learned the hard way that you can’t please everyone, and not everyone will believe in your idea, especially in the early stages.

What helped me move faster was this shift in mindset:
• Don’t ask everyone—ask the right people.
• Talk more to consumers, not just peers or random opinions.
• Build a prototype or proof of concept first—let your work speak louder than your words.
• Remember: Too many minds can spoil the plan. Trust your gut, test fast, and iterate.

Now, I validate smarter—not louder.

My Top 3 Gateway Destinations:
1. USA – Known worldwide as the hub of innovation and technology. It’s more than a travel spot; it’s a place to absorb new ideas and see how breakthroughs happen.
2. Singapore – A vibrant entrepreneurial hub, where business ecosystems thrive and startups grow rapidly. Spending time here helps understand how to build scalable and sustainable ventures.
3. China – Famous for its incredible speed in implementation and manufacturing. Here, even teenagers run big factories. It’s a place to learn the power of execution and resilience.

These countries aren’t just for sightseeing—they’re learning grounds. Spending time there, talking to people, observing business models, and making connections can completely transform your perspective on entrepreneurship.

“If you are born poor, it’s not your fault. But if you die poor, then it’s your fault.”

Success isn’t about luck or background—it’s about mindset. Many people can achieve great things, but they don’t believe they can.

If I asked you, with the right education and network, could you be the next Einstein or Steve Jobs? Most would say no—not because it’s impossible, but because they don’t believe in themselves.

Belief in your own potential is the first step to breaking barriers.

There are more than 140 crore people in India and over 800 crore people in the world. In such a vast crowd, what is it that I want people to remember me for?

We all know that when someone dies, people feel sad for a few days and then move on. But what truly matters is to leave behind a legacy that inspires the world long after you’re gone.

Business has been my passion since childhood—I’ve always wanted to create an impact in this field. More than that, I want to set an example for future generations: If your goals are big and you never give up, you can achieve greatness. You can be one of ‘me’.

My passion for what I do, the constant support and sacrifices of my parents, my mindset to inspire others, the encouragement from my close friends, and the guidance of my mentors—all of these together keep me motivated and pushing forward every day.

For me, success means creating a lasting impact—being remembered for what you’ve done and inspiring others along the way. It’s not just about personal achievements but how you lift others and make a difference, especially during the toughest phases of your journey.

My advice to college graduates who want to become entrepreneurs:

Start small, start now. Don’t wait for perfect conditions or unlimited funds—use what you have and learn by doing. Build a diverse team you trust, stay curious by talking directly to your customers, and be ready to adapt every day. Most importantly, develop a mindset that sees failure as a step forward, not an end.

I draw inspiration from many remarkable people—Steve Jobs for his innovation, the “Rich Dad” from Rich Dad Poor Dad for financial wisdom, Dhirubhai Ambani for his grit in building an empire from scratch, Harshad Mehta for spotting unique opportunities, and Elon Musk for his relentless drive despite setbacks.

But beyond all of them, I also find inspiration in the enthusiasm of children—how they face challenges with joy and resilience. From all these inspirations, the key lesson I’ve learned is how to identify opportunities that others might miss and have the courage to pursue them.

My favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur is the freedom to create and innovate—turning ideas into reality on my own terms.

I love the challenge of solving real problems, learning constantly, and inspiring others along the way. The journey is unpredictable, but that’s what makes it exciting and fulfilling.

Additionally, entrepreneurship allows me to leverage my skills, travel while I work, and experience the pride of contributing to the economy and building a product that makes my parents proud. Most importantly, it gives me the opportunity to inspire the younger generation to dream big and pursue their passions.

My business is all about innovation and solving everyday problems with creative solutions. We focus on developing products that combine functionality, style, and convenience, aiming to make life easier and more enjoyable for our customers. At its core, it’s driven by passion, customer feedback, and continuous improvement.

The main motivation behind my decision to start a business was the desire to create a meaningful impact and build something of my own. I wanted to solve real problems, challenge myself, and inspire others by showing that with determination and hard work, anything is possible—even when starting with limited resources.

I draw inspiration from many remarkable people—Steve Jobs for his innovation, the “Rich Dad” from Rich Dad Poor Dad for financial wisdom, Dhirubhai Ambani for his grit in building an empire from scratch, Harshad Mehta for spotting unique opportunities, and Elon Musk for his relentless drive despite setbacks.

But beyond all of them, I also find inspiration in the enthusiasm of children—how they face challenges with joy and resilience. From all these inspirations, the key lesson I’ve learned is how to identify opportunities that others might miss and have the courage to pursue them.

Start small, start now. Don’t wait for perfect conditions or unlimited funds—use what you have and learn by doing. Build a diverse team you trust, stay curious by talking directly to your customers, and be ready to adapt every day. Most importantly, develop a mindset that sees failure as a step forward, not an end.

Remember, entrepreneurship is a journey of perseverance, passion, and continuous learning.

My favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur is the freedom to create and innovate—turning ideas into reality on my own terms.

I love the challenge of solving real problems, learning constantly, and inspiring others along the way. The journey is unpredictable, but that’s what makes it exciting and fulfilling.

Additionally, entrepreneurship allows me to leverage my skills, travel while I work, and experience the pride of contributing to the economy and building a product that makes my parents proud. Most importantly, it gives me the opportunity to inspire the younger generation to dream big and pursue their passions.

Starting the business came with many challenges. As a student with limited funds and resources, convincing people—including family, friends, and mentors—about my vision was tough. There were moments of doubt, skepticism, and financial constraints that tested my resolve. Balancing studies and business, managing time, and overcoming the fear of failure were constant hurdles. But each difficulty taught me valuable lessons and strengthened my determination to succeed.

While we have faced many challenges, we are excited to be launching our product in the upcoming year. We are currently focused on research and development to ensure the product meets the needs and preferences of our customers. Our goal is to create something that people truly love and find valuable. Moving forward, we see our business growing steadily as we expand our reach, innovate continuously, and build strong relationships with our customers.

In my business, I would never compromise on quality, integrity, and customer trust. Delivering a product that truly meets the expectations and needs of customers is non-negotiable. I also believe in maintaining transparency and ethical practices at every step.

Additionally, work culture and having a strong, passionate team are very important to me. I want people who are genuinely passionate about what they do. It’s fun as long as the work gets done and deadlines are met—enjoying the process goes hand in hand with responsibility.

For me, success means creating a lasting impact—being remembered for what you’ve done and inspiring others along the way. It’s not just about personal achievements but how you lift others and make a difference, especially during the toughest phases of your journey.

“If you are born poor, it’s not your problem. But if you die poor, then it’s your fault.”

Success isn’t about luck or background—it’s about mindset. Many people can achieve great things, but they don’t believe they can.

If I asked you, with the right education and network, could you be the next Einstein or Steve Jobs? Most would say no—not because it’s impossible, but because they don’t believe in themselves.

Belief in your own potential is the first step to breaking barriers.