Tell us about yourself and your background
I am an MBA (Marketing) from ICFAI and prior to launching it’spleaZure, I have worked in strategic research with brands like Deloitte and Citi. As far as my hobbies go, I actively pursue swimming and photography and follow basketball. I also enjoy travelling in my free time, which nowadays is very rare!
Tell us about the company you have set up – when did you set it up, what products or services do you provide, what is your target market?
We launched it’spleaZure in January 2016 after a year of study, research, and market study and of course lots of meetings with consultants and legal advisors. it’spleaZure is a premium online adult store, which aims to provide quality and safe products that can help couples enhance intimacy, love, and romance in couple relationships. We have a range of sexual wellness and products that help in enhancing intimacy – from sexy lingerie to fun adult games; and we are continuously striving to add more categories and variety. All couples, both those in love and those who are looking to bring back the spark in their relationship, are our target market.
Why did you set up the company? / What drove you to become an Entrepreneur?
The wish to create awareness about sexual wellbeing and help couples find sophisticated products to improve intimacy in their relationships inspired us to think about joining the entrepreneurship ecosystem. The challenges, the creative freedom that entrepreneurship provides and the ongoing start up India movement was also an added motivator.
What has been your biggest challenge in achieving your success?
Talking to people about sex and related topics. It is such a hard topic to talk about in India.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
For an entrepreneur the greatest achievement is ensuring that your customers are happy with the product and shopping experience. Our greatest achievement after launching it’spleaZure was helping a customer in planning a surprise for his wife in a small village in West Bengal, which was not covered by logistics companies. We utilized a speed post service to reach to this customer in time. This really made us feel good!
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
I have been always told this by my dad – “Always be strong, be confident and be fearless. If you think what you are doing is right, then go for it. There will be many who will oppose you, but always believe in yourself and continue to work towards your goals.”
I have never forgotten those words. Everything I’ve achieved so far and am doing as the co-founder of it’spleaZure, is all because of my dad – his faith in my abilities and the continuous encouragement that he provides.
How do you balance your work life and home life?
It’s difficult, but I try! I follow these four simple tips to maintain work-life balance – regular exercise, using calendars to manage the tasks in hand, prioritizing my work and setting expectations accordingly. I am also learning and practicing to say “no”. Apart from all this, I try to spend as much time as possible with my family. I make sure to spend some quality time everyday with my husband – my strong pillar in everything I do.
What advice do you have for women starting out on their own?
“Don’t be afraid to take risks. Be brave and do whatever you believe in”. If you have an idea that you think can change your own life and that of others for the better, then please don’t hesitate to give it a shot – your best shot!
Can you recommend any organisations or networking groups that have particularly helped you on your journey?
Zone Startups is one organization that I feel has helped us in our journey as entrepreneurs.
If you could ask for one thing to help propel your business what would it be?
Lots! But if I am to state one thing then it would be an open and mature society where it would be acceptable to have a healthy dialogue around sex education, sexuality, sexual wellness, personal relationships, other relationship related issues.
What does the future hold for you?
“I believe in living in the present, if you do things right now then the future will be as you want it to be…” Of course we have big plans for our venture in and we want to do a lot of things; but living in the present is as important as planning for future.
About Divya Chauhan:
Divya Chauhan is co-founder of it’spleaZure, an online store for adult products, which aims to help couples add spark to their relationship. She holds an MBA (Marketing) from ICFAI, Dehradhun, and prior to joining the entrepreneurial world, Divya has had stints in strategic research at global brands like Deloitte and Citi. In her free time, she pursues her interest in sports – swimming and follows basketball; if not sports, then her passion for photography keeps her occupied.
