Richa Kar: The Woman Who Made Lingerie a Conversation in Indian Homes

Early Life and Education

Born in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, Richa Kar grew up in a traditional Indian household. Like many ambitious students, she worked hard and earned her degree in engineering. Later, she completed her MBA from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) in Mumbai.Before becoming an entrepreneur, she worked in the retail and IT sector, gaining valuable experience in business and operations.

The Spark Behind Zivame

While working with the retail giant SAP, Richa had exposure to global lingerie brand Victoria’s Secret. She realized a major gap—India didn’t have a platform where women could comfortably shop for intimate wear without judgment or embarrassment.Most women felt awkward buying lingerie in physical stores, especially in small towns where men dominated the counters. That’s when Richa had her “aha!” moment:“Why not create a private, respectful space where women could explore, understand, and buy lingerie?”

Launching Zivame Against All Odds

In 2011, Richa launched Zivame, an online lingerie store. But it wasn’t easy.At that time, lingerie was still a taboo topic in Indian society. People weren’t comfortable talking about it, let alone building a business around it.She even faced resistance at home. Her parents were skeptical and questioned why she would sell “underwear” online. But Richa stood by her idea.

Breaking the Stigma

Zivame wasn’t just about selling bras—it was about empowering Indian women. The platform:Offered educational content to help women choose the right fit Promoted body positivity and inclusivity Created a safe space to talk about women’s comfort and confidence

From padded and sports bras to shapewear and sleepwear, Zivame offered products for every body type and every mood.Richa turned what was considered “awkward” into a mainstream, normal conversation.

Challenges and Courage

Building Zivame came with hurdles:

Societal judgment

Lack of initial funding

Difficulty in marketing lingerie in a conservative country

But Richa kept going. She believed that when women feel confident inside, they reflect it outside.Over the years, Zivame raised millions in funding and became India’s top online lingerie brand.

Stepping Back as CEO

In 2017, Richa decided to step down from her CEO role but remained involved with Zivame as a strategic advisor. Her decision reflected maturity and vision—knowing when to step aside and let the company scale with fresh leadership.

Impact and Legacy

Redefined online lingerie shopping in India. Empowered millions of women to make informed and confident choices. Opened up conversations around women’s bodies that were long overdue. Inspired a generation of women to take bold business steps

Conclusion: Quietly Revolutionary

Richa Kar didn’t shout. She didn’t seek headlines. She just saw a problem, found a solution, and executed it with purpose.She reminds us that true empowerment often begins with small, personal choices—and the courage to make them public.Thanks to her, lingerie in India is no longer hidden in corners—it’s celebrated.