I have been an entrepreneur all my life. I have always loved living life outside of my comfort zone. I’ve learnt everything I know from doing and learning and trailing and failing.
I started my first business in my twenties. Passionate about fashion but without any formal training in design I launched the fashion label Kal Kaur Rai. Starting in my studio flat I went on to have a wholesale showroom in London’s West End, I had agents in Manchester and Germany and sold in 120 boutiques worldwide. The label was worn by Victoria Beckham in her Spice Girls days and many other celebrities including Beyonce and Alesha Dixon.
The 2008 recession forced me to close Kal Kaur Rai but the seeds for my next business had already been sown. With growing awareness of the true cost of throw away fashion, I had started hosting second-hand designer fashion events to encourage London’s fashionistas to sell their wardrobes. The events were such a success that they led me to raise investment for an online marketplace; BuyMyWardrobe was launched in 2012.
For the next six years, I entered the rollercoaster world of startups, raising £1M in investment - my education in business was taken to new heights.
I was lucky enough to have some incredible investors and mentors, including Mimma Viglezio, the highly acclaimed fashion consultant, Carmen Busquet, an early-stage investor in Net-a-Porter and David Suddens the brilliant former CEO of Dr Martin. I built the business as far as I could before selling it in 2018.
My passion is entrepreneurship and my purpose is to impact the world in a positive way.
Since 2018, I have been working as a consultant, helping small business owners on their own journeys. I have also set up several local community initiatives and continue to collaborate with inspirational people to create projects that excite me!
Latest projects
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What they say…
"The path of an entrepreneur isn’t an easy one. In addition to knowing your market, it requires courage, resilience, vision, passion, consistency and rigorous self management, especially in the face of challenges, of which there are many.
I have known Kal for over 20 years and she embodies all of these attributes, as witnessed in her excellent ability to deliver. She knows how to work on herself as well as her business, such that she is always learning, evolving and growing.
She is a phenomenally talented entrepreneur and professional".
Remi Olajoyegbe
iamremi.co.uk
"I have known Kal for more than ten years, and worked with her in a previous venture.
She is a serious entrepreneur, relentless with ideas and albeit business oriented, she definitely possesses a strong creative mind. Most of all, Kal is resilient, optimistic, and therefore she doesn't give up easily. She knows how to listen, yet she can be firm in her point of views.
Lastly, she has a clear ability to use her past experiences to know what can make or break any new venture. It is always a delight to brainstorm with Kal".
Mimma Viglezio
mimmaviglezio.com
“In my career journey, there have been those rare moments when stars align and you meet unique individuals who stop you in your tracks and inspire you - Kal is definitely THAT person!
I’ve worked alongside Kal in various projects, and I am constantly in awe of her tireless resilience, endless ideas, her drive and her foresight. Having had a career in the fashion industry for over 25 years, Kal has been my mentor constant, through brand changes and varied job roles.
More recently, Kal has helped me to brainstorm the birth of my boutique styling brand. She continues to support my small business with encouragement, fresh ideas and her take on solutions to new challenges. She is my motivational powerhouse!”
Jennifer De Gray Birch - Edit By Jen
