MSME SuperPower:

From Dentistry to Décor: My Unconventional Entrepreneurial Journey

Renuka Mishra

Founder, RenHomz, New Delhi

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They say life has a way of steering us toward our true calling. For me, that journey began as a dentist managing clinics in New Delhi. While I enjoyed the operational challenges, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life as we knew it that I began rethinking my path. With dental practices slowing down, I found myself drawn to a lifelong passion for home décor. What started as a pivot during challenging times has now blossomed into a venture that fills my days with purpose and creativity.

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Finding Inspiration in Everyday Gaps

Growing up in a small city in Madhya Pradesh, I often noticed how limited the options for stylish, affordable home décor were in tier 2 and 3 cities.

This gap stayed with me, quietly simmering in the background as I pursued other career goals. In late 2020, I decided to turn that idea into action by launching RenHomz, an online-only brand offering high-quality, handcrafted home décor.

The early days were anything but easy. Listing our products on platforms like Flipkart in 2021 helped us reach a national audience, but we faced challenges such as product breakages caused by inadequate packaging on our part and struggles to balance affordability with quality. Still, I was determined to refine every aspect of the business.

A Turning Point with Walmart Vriddhi

In February 2022, I joined the Walmart Vriddhi program, a decision that transformed Renhomz. The personalized mentorship and training sessions offered practical solutions to challenges I faced daily. From better pricing strategies to optimizing packaging for fragile items like ceramics, the program taught me how to cut losses and boost efficiency. For example, I drastically reduced return rates by implementing secure packaging techniques.

By March 2022, we were already seeing results. Orders jumped from 100 per month in 2021-22 to 230 per month by 2022-23. On Flipkart alone, sales more than doubled—from 45 orders per month to over 100 by March 2024. Our revenue skyrocketed, achieving a 200% growth, which gave me the confidence and resources to reinvest in the business.

Crafting Stories Through Décor

At RenHomz, we take pride in working with artisans across India to create unique, handcrafted pieces. These artisans often have limited market exposure and infrastructure, which can make it challenging to meet demand, but their skill and craftsmanship are extraordinary. In the last five years, RenHomz has empowered more than 150 women artisans across India.

Our products reflect India’s rich artisan heritage, with bestsellers like pickle jar sets and customized dinner sets (up to 34 pieces). These have been particularly popular in South Indian markets and cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chandigarh.

eCommerce has allowed us to bring these treasures to customers across India without the need for physical stores. However, I’m also exploring offline retail opportunities as part of our growth plan.

The Bigger Picture

Building a business isn’t just about profits; it’s about creating opportunities. Today, RenHomz operates out of an office in Noida with a team of five employees. I plan to expand by hiring 10 more employees, bringing more operations in-house, and exploring offline retail while preparing for international expansion.

What motivates me most is knowing that each small success creates a ripple effect—supporting artisans, creating jobs, and contributing to India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

If you’re considering starting your own business, especially in eCommerce, here’s my advice: Take that first step – Don’t let fear hold you back. Be strategic with finances – Ensure you have enough capital to sustain and grow your business. Embrace setbacks – Failures are valuable learning opportunities. Think long-term – Success doesn’t happen overnight—be persistent and patient.

Programs like Walmart Vriddhi are game-changers, especially for entrepreneurs from non-business backgrounds. They bridge knowledge gaps, offering the tools and mentorship needed to thrive.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on this journey, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for what’s next. RenHomz is more than just a business—it’s a celebration of India’s artisan heritage and a dream that keeps evolving. The future holds boundless possibilities, from reaching more homes across India to taking RenHomz to international markets.

The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Every challenge has strengthened my resolve, and every milestone has reminded me why I started in the first place: to bring beautiful, affordable home décor to as many people as possible.

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