“Starting your own business is a constant process of growth and learning”

It has been a little over a year that Huba, a Made in Nepal clothing brand, was launched in the country. However, it has been able to carve a niche for itself within this short period of time. Ankit Shrestha, one of the co-owners, says it is the selection of products that they offer to which they owe their success. Huba’s mission statement is ‘a style for every story’ and true to this statement, Shrestha has made sure that Huba is just not another clothing store, “We not only want to offer variety but we want to do it at a reasonable cost so that people visiting us can afford what we are offer.” After almost two years of relentless research and studying the market, Shrestha decided to open Huba along with a school friend, Ashim Udas. Though Huba at present is an online store, they are working on opening a physical store in Kathmandu very soon. “Once that kicks off we will be expanding to other cities of Nepal,” he claims, adding that they also have their eye on going international. In this edition of Business 360, Shrestha talks about some of his favourite brands and what he has learnt from them.

Top 4 apps that you use

Instagram YouTube Facebook Spotify

Three destinations within Nepal you want to travel to

Mt Everest Khaptad National Park Langtang

Women-run businesses you think deserve accolade

LaMuse

A startup business that you think will ace later

Khaalisisi

An entrepreneur who inspires you

Steve Jobs

A non-profit you want to contribute to

Hoste Hainse

Your top 3 best seller items

Pastel sweatshirts

Oversize hoodies

Streetwear jackets

The best work advice you have received

Starting your own business is a constant process of growth and learning. It’s important to enrich yourself with both practical and emotional skills.

If you could change ONE thing about the present entrepreneurial scene in Nepal, what would that be?

People are following the mass and doing things in a rush and in an unplanned manner which is ultimately leading to failure for many startups. I would urge people to first research and plan and then only execute their ideas.

Who among the Nepali influencers do you want to work with

Prabal Gurung

Three things patrons can do to promote local businesses

Sharing about local businesses on social media Choosing local before international when buying products Telling friends and family about the local businesses you know

Any advice that you want to give to young aspiring entrepreneurs?

Make a solid plan and work on it. Be mentally prepared for the unexpected and tackle problems.

Startups are important for a country like Nepal because…

All and all, I feel for a small developing nation like ours it’s very important to generate and circulate finance within the country rather than importing from foreign country. This shall surely help for the betterment of the country and the citizens.