In a world where fashion trends change rapidly, sustainable and innovative clothing solutions are gaining traction. Riya Khattar, a young entrepreneur, identified a unique market gap and launched Heart Up My Sleeves, a fashion brand offering detachable sleeves, capes, and brooches to transform everyday outfits. Her pitch on Shark Tank India impressed investors Anupam Mittal and Vineeta Singh, who collectively invested ₹25 lakh in exchange for 30% equity.

The Idea Behind Heart Up My Sleeves

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Riya noticed a significant shift in consumer behavior. People were reluctant to spend money on new clothes and instead reused what they already owned. This inspired her to create a product that could reinvent existing wardrobes without requiring additional purchases.

Riya, a psychology graduate, hails from a family with an established apparel business, which sparked her interest in fashion and entrepreneurship. She envisioned a brand that would empower women by giving their outfits a fresh and glamorous touch with minimal effort. Heart Up My Sleeves was born out of this idea, offering versatile, stylish, and detachable fashion accessories that could be easily added to any outfit.

Product Innovation: A Sleeve for Every Occasion

Heart Up My Sleeves seeks to redefine fashion as more environmentally friendly and customizable. The company provides:

Detachable Sleeves: These can be combined with western or ethnic wear to produce different styles in a single garment.

Capes and Brooches: More accessories to add grace to a garment.

Customization Options: Clients can order customized designs, giving each item a personalized touch.

Riya describes the versatility of the accessories:

A plain white tee and denims can be turned into party wear by introducing statement sleeves.

Sarees that are old can be given a glamorous touch by combining them with sparkling detachable sleeves.

Bodycon dresses can look even trendier with lace sleeves, while office wear can be dressed up with neutral-colored ones.

The brand offers an extensive range of designs, from sequins and frills to balloon and flare sleeves, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Manufacturing and Business Growth

Heart Up My Sleeves operates from Riya’s father’s factory in Delhi, where she has employed two tailors to craft the designs. The brand started with an initial investment of ₹10,000 and has since grown, generating sales of ₹15 lakh.

The business follows a direct-to-consumer (D2C) model, selling primarily through its website. However, Riya has ambitious plans to expand by listing her products on major e-commerce platforms.

The Shark Tank India Journey

Riya’s entrepreneurial path reached new heights when she presented Heart Up My Sleeves on Shark Tank India. Her sustainable and innovative fashion idea impressed the group of investors, especially Anupam Mittal (the founder of Shaadi.com) and Vineeta Singh (co-founder of Sugar Cosmetics). They proposed an investment of ₹25 lakh for 30% equity, finding the brand’s potential to expand.

Revealing her joy at getting the funding, Riya stated,
“Heart Up My Sleeves is an innovative brand. With the encouragement of Anupam Mittal and Vineeta Singh, we plan to expand the business, increase our product range, and leave a permanent mark in the fashion world.”

A Brand Loved by Celebrities and Influencers

Heart Up My Sleeves has already become popular among fashionistas and influencers. It was showcased by celebrities such as Hansika Motwani in one of Tony Kakkar’s music videos. Other influencers like Komal Pandey, Niki Mehra, Bandagi Kalra, and Ankita Tiwari have also showcased the brand’s accessories in different ways, further increasing its popularity.

Targeting a core demographic of women between 18-33 years old, the brand seeks to revolutionize fashion through making wardrobe overhauls affordable, fashionable, and eco-friendly.

Future Plans and Expansion

Riya and her sister Chandani Khattar, who holds a master’s degree from New York City and has a strong business background, are now focused on expanding their brand. Their plans include:

• Introducing detachable collars and a new line of innovative clothing.
• Expanding operations to reach global markets.
• Listing Heart Up My Sleeves on major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Myntra.
• Exploring healthy competition in the market to further refine their product offerings.

With the backing of investors and a growing customer base, Riya is optimistic about the brand’s future. She believes Heart Up My Sleeves will set new trends in the fashion industry by offering sustainable, stylish, and functional solutions for modern women.

Conclusion

Heart Up My Sleeves is not only a fashion label—it’s a sustainability-focused revolution for the fashion industry. Riya Khattar’s creative thinking has not only earned her a profitable deal on Shark Tank India but also set her brand apart as a trendsetter in value luxury fashion. As the company continues to expand, it will revolutionize how women dress up their closets, making high-end fashion accessible and recyclable.

With a continually expanding customer base, high-profile endorsements, and a visionary founder at the helm, Heart Up My Sleeves is a brand to watch in the changing world of sustainable fashion.