In a world where businesses were shutting down and jobs were vanishing, two young sisters from Ghaziabad — Anuja Gupta and Prataksha Gupta — decided to take a leap of faith. With just Rs 1 lakh in hand and a deep belief in their craft, they started a humble chikankari clothing brand from their small 750 sq. ft. home. Today, their label ‘Chaukat’ is valued at over Rs 5 crore, inspiring countless women across India.
A Brand Born in Lockdown
In February 2020, right before COVID-19 changed the world, the sisters launched Chaukat with just 40 pieces of chikankari clothing — kurtas, palazzos, and sarees. They created an Instagram page, uploaded simple photoshoots done on their building’s rooftop, and started taking orders. In their first month, they received 34 orders and sold out their stock in just 20 days.
Brains Behind the Brand
Prataksha, a fashion design graduate from NIIFT Mohali, had always been fascinated by India’s traditional crafts. She saw huge potential in chikankari, a beautiful hand-embroidered art from Lucknow. Anuja, with a journalism degree from IIMC Dhenkanal and experience in digital marketing, helped promote their work online. Together, they built a perfect blend of design and digital.
Defying Norms, Embracing Dreams
Born in a middle-class family, the sisters faced criticism from relatives for being “just daughters.” But their father, a former assistant director at the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), stood firmly by them, urging them to dream big. Their mother helped manage household responsibilities while they built the business.
Even during the worst pandemic months, when travel to Lucknow wasn’t possible, they kept pushing forward — managing operations, handling customers, packaging orders, and delivering joy to hundreds of homes.
From Home Office to Corporate Hub
As orders increased, their home was flooded with clothes and packaging materials. They rented a second flat in the same building to use as an office. By August 2023, Chaukat moved to a professional space in Noida Sector 63. They also began working directly with artisans and creating their own designs, giving a platform to Indian craftsmanship.
Today, Chaukat offers hand-painted sarees, Jaipur block prints, and designer suits, employing 45 people, of which 40 are women. Their story is not just about fashion — it’s about female empowerment, resilience, and making India proud.
A Digital-First Success
From starting as a small Instagram page, Chaukat is now a leading name in sustainable Indian fashion. Their focus on affordability, authenticity, and artistry has won the hearts of thousands of women who want tradition with style.
When passion meets purpose, no challenge is too big. Anuja and Prataksha didn’t just build a brand — they built a movement. One that proves small-town dreams, backed by big hearts, can change the world.