EP42: Building a carpet empire w/Jaipur Rug’s Nand Kishore Chaudhary

In 1978, Nand Kishore Chaudhary (NKC) got a job offer from a Government bank and the chance to move from Churu to Jaipur -- something most people could only dream of back in the day.

But, he declined that offer. He saw an opportunity in the carpets business which was a 100% export market and was growing steadily. He also saw this as an opportunity to impact lives and connect with people.

So, he took a leap of faith. He took a loan of INR 5000 from his father. Bought a bicycle. Two looms. And started working with 9 artisans in Churu.

And that's how Jaipur Rugs was born.

Fast forward to today, he has created a sprawling empire with their carpets being exported to 60 different countries. They have trained >40,000 artisans and run various social initiatives via Jaipur Rugs Foundation.

NKC & Jaipur Rugs are a shining example of how a business can create lasting impact in the lives of people.

I learnt a lot while speaking to NKC and we spoke about a range of topics like:

(02:03): How NKC started his entrepreneurial journey with INR 5,000

(08:14): Inception of JaipurRugs — navigating early challenges of doing biz in the 1980s

(14:49): What goes into making an exquisite handcrafted rug? Wool > Yarn > Carpet

(20:31): How long does it take to make one carpet?

(22:02): Challenges in the rug making biz - machine made carpets + reduction of artisans

(25:28): BIG OPPORTUNITY — Evolution of luxury rugs market in India

(28:17): Jaipur Rugs Foundation — changing lives of artisans

(32:12): BUILDING LEGACY — Integrating children into the family biz

(36:33): New initiatives @ JaipurRugs - converting artisans to artists

(39:41): RAPID FIRE Qs

You can check out their website @ JaipurRugs