"Sandhya KC: Redefining Fashion and Entrepreneurship in Nepal"

“I don’t necessarily believe that expensive always equals better. While high price tags can sometimes buy exclusivity or luxury, they do not automatically guarantee superior quality. There are plenty of expensive items out there that might not meet the standards of craftsmanship or durability one might expect. In my view, it is all about finding the right balance – something that offers both great quality and value for money”

Sandhya KC is the founder of House of SALT, a rapidly growing fashion house that houses five distinctive brands. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Business, KC is dedicated to expanding SALT. Her vision is clear: to establish the company as the leading fashion retailer in Nepal, with aspirations of expanding internationally. Her entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 17 when she first entered the professional world, working for a media company.

In this edition of Business 360, KC talks about her pick of top brands and how they influence her.

Top 3 brands

The three brands that I truly admire and consider top-tier are SALT, Dior and Cartier. SALT holds a special place in my heart as it is the brand I created and nurtured from the ground up. I am proud of how it has evolved and the loyal customer base it has built.

Dior and Cartier, on the other hand, are global icons in the fashion industry. The brands embody timeless elegance, luxury and innovation.

An all-time favourite brand

When it comes to my all-time favourite brand, I would definitely say it is SALT. As the founder of SALT, this brand holds a special place in my heart because it represents everything I have worked hard to build and create. SALT is not just a brand to me; it is a reflection of my vision, values and the passion I pour into every aspect of the business. What makes SALT so special is how it has evolved over time.

Do you think expensive is better?

I don’t necessarily believe that expensive always equals better. While high price tags can sometimes buy exclusivity or luxury, they do not automatically guarantee superior quality. There are plenty of expensive items out there that might not meet the standards of craftsmanship or durability one might expect. In my view, it is all about finding the right balance – something that offers both great quality and value for money. Price is just one factor; the real measure should always be the craftsmanship and lasting value the product provides.

How does advertising influence your purchase?

In the past, advertising had a much stronger influence on my purchasing decisions. I used to be more swayed by ads and the way products were marketed, as they often created a sense of desire or need. However, over time, I have become more discerning and thoughtful about what I buy. I look for value, authenticity and craftsmanship rather than just being influenced by a catchy ad or a celebrity endorsement. Quality is now a major priority for me and I feel more confident making purchases based on genuine insights rather than just the marketing behind them.

A company that has got its branding spot on

A company that I think has really nailed its branding would definitely be SALT, of course, since it is the brand I created and am deeply invested in. But if I were to highlight a few others, I would say Rhode, which has been impressing me lately with how they have crafted their identity. Their branding feels fresh, approachable and consistent, making it stand out in the beauty industry. And then there is Apple, which has had its branding absolutely spot on for years.

Gadgets you use

The gadgets I use on a daily basis are mostly from Apple as they really help me stay productive and connected. I rely heavily on my iPhone for everything, whether it is staying in touch with my team, managing work emails, or keeping up with social media for SALT. I also use AirPods, which have become a must-have for me, especially when I am travelling or working on the go. Another gadget I frequently use is my iPad. It is incredibly versatile whether I am reviewing documents, brainstorming ideas for new collections, or simply relaxing with a book, the iPad provides the perfect balance of portability and functionality.

Functionality or aesthetics

For me, both functionality and aesthetics are equally important. I believe it is possible to have the best of both worlds where a product not only looks great but also performs well. This is something I really focus on at SALT. Our designs are carefully crafted to be stylish and visually appealing, while also ensuring they are practical, comfortable, and durable.

An entrepreneur you admire

An entrepreneur I deeply admire is my husband, Aabhushan. His support and vision have always been a guiding force in my journey as an entrepreneur. He has played a key role in helping me build and grow SALT. I also have immense respect for a few industry giants like Amancio Ortega, the founder of Zara, Steve Jobs, especially for the way he created products that became more than just gadgets, they became a lifestyle and lastly, Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike, his memoir, ‘Shoe Dog’, gave me a behind-the-scenes look at the struggles and triumphs he faced while building Nike from the ground up.

3 things brands can do to retain customers

To build lasting relationships and retain customers, brands must focus on a few key principles:

• Treat customers with respect and honesty
• Consistency in quality, messaging and values
• Offer loyalty programmes and a strong reason to return

You would never buy a brand that…

I would never purchase from a brand that does not deliver on its promises. It is crucial for a brand to be reliable and honest about what they offer. When a brand makes claims about the quality, performance or benefits of its products, it must follow through and meet those expectations. If a brand over-promises and under-delivers, it creates frustration and a loss of trust.

A startup in Nepal that deserves recognition

A startup in Nepal that truly deserves recognition is Jeevee. It has shown incredible potential by addressing a real need in the market and offering innovative solutions. Their approach stands out because they not only focus on growth but also on creating value for their customers and the community.

Online or offline shopping

I enjoy both online and offline shopping, as each has its own advantages. While I still do a lot of shopping in physical stores because I like the experience of seeing and trying products in person, I have also started shopping online more frequently. That being said, offline shopping allows me to get a feel for the quality of the product and provides a more immediate, personal experience.

One thing you would never buy online

I am generally very comfortable with online shopping, and I don’t like to say ‘never’ about anything. However, at the moment, I don’t think I would purchase hardware or cars online. These are big-ticket items that require a more hands-on approach, whether it is inspecting the product in person or test-driving a vehicle.

Would you ever buy a fake of your favourite brand?

I would never buy a fake version of my favourite brand. Instead of settling for imitation products, I would rather choose a more affordable brand that still offers good quality. I believe in supporting brands that are authentic and true to their values. Buying knock-offs not only undermines the hard work of designers and creators, but it also compromises on quality.

3 things that top your search list on Google for shopping or travel

When it comes to my online searches, the top three things that dominate my list are all related to fashion. Whether it is for shopping or travel, I am always on the lookout for the latest trends, new collections or unique pieces that catch my eye. Fashion is a constant interest for me, both as an entrepreneur in the industry and as someone who loves to explore new styles.