A Brave Start at Just 15 

Chinu Kala’s journey is an inspiring narrative of bravery and resolve. At the tender age of  15, she made the bold decision to leave her home with merely the clothes on her back  and ₹300 in her pocket. With no financial backing or safety net, she ventured to  Mumbai, the city of dreams, driven by the desire to carve out a life on her own terms. 

Navigating Life in Mumbai 

Life in Mumbai proved to be a challenging experience for a young girl on her own. To  make ends meet, Chinu took on various jobs. She worked as a waitress, a receptionist,  and even sold coaster sets and cutlery door-to-door. Eventually, she found a position in  a clothing store, where she keenly observed customer behaviour and grasped the  significance of service, presentation, and understanding consumer needs. Despite the  trials she faced, her spirit remained unbroken, and she refused to surrender to  adversity. 

A Pivotal Moment at Tata Communications 

A significant turning point in Chinu’s life occurred when she landed a job as a  telemarketing executive at Tata Communications. It was during this time that she met  Amit Kala, an MBA graduate who would later become her husband. The couple tied the  knot in 2004. Amit’s business acumen and unwavering support bolstered Chinu’s  confidence and honed her entrepreneurial mindset, inspiring her to take bold strides in  her career.

Discovering Modelling and Entrepreneurship 

After marriage, Chinu moved to Bengaluru and pursued her passion for modelling. In  2008, she participated in the Gladrags Mrs India Pageant, securing a spot in the top 10.  This experience not only boosted her confidence but also opened doors to new  opportunities. Shortly after, she founded Fonte Corporate Solutions, a company that  specialised in corporate merchandise for renowned brands like Sony, ESPN, and Airtel. 

The Birth of Rubans Accessories 

While immersed in corporate merchandising, Chinu recognised a significant gap in the  Indian jewellery market. She noticed a rising demand for stylish, affordable accessories  that seamlessly blended ethnic and western designs. In 2014, she took a courageous leap, exited the corporate merchandise sector, and launched Rubans Accessories using  her personal savings of ₹3 lakh. 

Rapid Expansion Through Strategic Insight 

Rubans began its journey in a modest 36-square-foot store at Phoenix Mall, Bengaluru.  However, the brand quickly gained momentum. Within a year, it expanded to multiple  cities. Rubans distinguished itself through a deep understanding of customer lifestyles,  a diverse product range, and original designs—approximately 80% of its collections  were created in-house. The brand successfully catered to both traditional and  contemporary fashion tastes. 

Over the years, Rubans Accessories has experienced steady growth. From a turnover of  ₹56 lakh in 2014, the company soared to nearly ₹35 crore by 2022. The brand now  boasts several offline stores and continues to grow at an annual rate of around 10%.  Looking ahead, Chinu Kala is determined to accelerate growth further, aiming for a  turnover target of ₹140 crore. 

A Tale of Grit, Vision, and Self-Belief 

From surviving on just ₹300 to establishing a multi-crore fashion accessories brand,  Chinu Kala’s story is a powerful testament to the idea that determination, resilience,  and self-belief can transform even the most challenging beginnings into remarkable  success.