The Impactful Teammates at Smytten 

At Smytten, we operate like a close-knit family, where every team member has played a vital role in shaping the journey of our company. However, as I reflect on our early days and growth trajectory, a few exceptional individuals stand out as the pillars who have profoundly impacted Smytten's evolution.

In the very beginning, we were navigating uncharted waters with nothing but a vision and a dream. At that time, individuals like Chhavi Jain (Associate Director - Founder’s Office and Business Analytics), Varun Bhattacharya (Associate Director - Consumer Business), Mihir Shah (Associate Director - Engineering), Pratiti Shah (Lead - Brand, Partnerships, Research, and Insights), Nisarg Dave (Lead - Operations Excellence), Purav Thakore (Lead - Demand and Inventory Planning), and Radhika Panchal (Lead - Customer Engagement and Experience) trusted us when even we weren’t entirely sure of where this journey would take us. Their unwavering belief, coupled with their ability to lay the foundation for their respective domains, has been instrumental. Over the years, they’ve not only built exceptional teams but have also cultivated the vibrant, inclusive culture that defines Smytten today.

As the company grew, new leaders joined us at pivotal moments, bringing their experience and expertise to elevate Smytten further. Deepak Dalai (Vice President - Engineering), Krishan Sharma (Vice President - Retail and Operations Excellence), and Khanjan Shah (Head - Finance and Accounts) came on board mid-journey and seamlessly integrated their knowledge with our vision. Their ability to harness their experience while embracing Smytten's ethos has been transformative. They’ve not only fortified our infrastructure but have also propelled us to new heights by building on the solid foundation laid by the early team.

Each of these individuals has left an indelible mark on Smytten’s story. Together, they represent the essence of Smytten—a perfect blend of trust, tenacity, and talent. Their contributions have been instrumental in turning a fledgling startup into what we proudly call Smytten today.

A Defining Moment

At Smytten, every individual brings a unique perspective and plays a vital role in shaping our journey. While each of them has their own incredible story, together, they form the pillars of Smytten. As a founder, I feel truly fortunate to have them as part of my close-knit team.

Chhavi Jain (Associate Director - Founder’s Office and Business Analytics): From an intern to a strategic powerhouse, Chhavi has been my go-to for anything related to numbers and strategy. She has this uncanny ability to spot patterns and insights that no one else can, making her an irreplaceable part of our foundation.

Varun Bhattacharya (Associate Director - Consumer Business): Varun has led almost all our product and marketing functions—an achievement that speaks volumes about his dedication. His relentless focus on understanding customers, attention to detail, and driving growth is nothing short of inspiring.

Mihir Shah (Associate Director - Engineering): Mihir started as a contractual employee, and I’d say hiring him full-time was one of the best decisions we’ve made. He laid the tech foundation for Smytten and has since become the tech visionary driving seamless digital experiences. He’s our go-to person for business knowledge, innovative ideas, and all things AI.

Pratiti Shah (Lead - Brand, Partnerships, Research, and Insights): From an intern to leading one of the most critical teams at Smytten, Pratiti’s journey is remarkable. She’s the creative force behind building meaningful partnerships and growing our brand into something truly special.

Nisarg Dave (Lead - Operations Excellence): Nisarg is more than just a leader— He’s always the person one can go to for advice or support. With his operational expertise, he ensures that everything runs like clockwork.

Purav Thakore (Lead - Demand and Inventory Planning): Fondly known as "Mr. Cool," Purav handles challenges with ease and brings an infectious positivity to his team. His precision in planning and execution is the backbone of our operations.

Radhika Panchal (Lead - Customer Engagement and Experience): Radhika has an incredible ability to connect with customers and make them feel like part of the Smytten family. Her energy lights up the workplace, and when she’s not around, one can truly feel her absence. She’s a strong, dependable individual who adds so much to our culture.

Deepak Dalai (Vice President - Engineering): Deepak has taken our tech infrastructure to the next level. His deep understanding of the business and ability to approach challenges with a tech-first mindset is invaluable.

Krishan Sharma (Vice President - Retail and Operations Excellence): The man behind our offline presence, Krishan brought a vision and confidence to build Smytten’s retail footprint. His contributions stand out as a major milestone in our journey.

Khanjan Shah (Head - Finance and Accounts): Khanjan is the financial guardian who ensures stability and growth with meticulous planning. The trust and reliability he’s built are truly remarkable and give me peace of mind. Each of them has brought their own strengths, vision, and resilience, which have been instrumental in making Smytten the thriving organization it is today. Together, they exemplify the spirit of trust, tenacity, and teamwork that defines our journey.

Advice for Fellow Founders

Finding and empowering individuals who can make a meaningful impact starts with recognizing potential beyond just skills—look for passion, alignment with your vision, and a willingness to grow with the company. From my experience, one of the most critical steps is identifying individuals who resonate with the purpose of your startup.

For example, when I first met some of Smytten’s key team members, it wasn’t just their resumes or technical skills that stood out—it was their hunger to take ownership, their curiosity, and their drive to solve challenges creatively. For founders, I’d say the key qualities to prioritize when hiring or nurturing talent are adaptability, resilience, and a sense of ownership. These traits often outweigh technical expertise because skills can be taught, but the right mindset is innate.

Lastly, give them a clear path for growth. The biggest impact comes when individuals feel their personal development is tied to the success of the organization. Offer mentorship, guidance, and opportunities to lead. When people see the impact of their work and feel empowered to take charge, they don’t just follow—they build alongside you.