How a Fruit Vendor Helped Boost SUGAR Cosmetics’ Sales on Colaba Causeway
How a Fruit Vendor Helped Boost SUGAR Cosmetics' Sales on Colaba Causeway
Vineeta Singh, the CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics, was worried about opening a store on Colaba Causeway because she thought street stalls might block its visibility. However, sales increased significantly after a year, surprising her.
She found out that Arab women visiting Mumbai for medical reasons were boosting sales. They liked Indian makeup because it suited their skin tones and the hot weather.
Initially concerned about street stalls, Vineeta discovered they actually helped. A fruit vendor named Suraj, who spoke Arabic, recommended SUGAR Cosmetics to Arab women, bringing them to the store.
Suraj and his father had been selling fruits outside Vineeta’s store for a long time. Arab women, preferring local fruits, often visited them. Suraj’s Arabic skills and his recommendation of “Kahaal Al Hindi” (Indian kajals) attracted these women to try the makeup, leading to big purchases.
Vineeta’s team built a strong bond with Suraj and his father. They shared tea and learned basic Arabic, making Arab customers feel welcome. This connection highlighted the impact of informal entrepreneurs in India.
The heartwarming story resonated on LinkedIn, showing the power of human connections in business. Comments praised inclusivity and the magic of Indian retail, focusing on street-smart entrepreneurship and personal connections.
Vineeta also shared her challenges as a co-founder with her husband, Kaushik Mukherjee, stressing that work disagreements sometimes affected their personal life, a common issue for co-founders.
