Meet Nidhi Yadav: The Corporate Dropout Who Built a Rs 200 Crore Fashion Empire

In a world where conformity often prevails, there are extraordinary individuals who defy social expectations and pursue their passions with unwavering determination. Nidhi Yadav is one such trailblazer. She is an entrepreneur who, despite facing numerous obstacles, ventured into the captivating realm of fashion, leaving behind a lucrative career in computer engineering. Nidhi defied conventions associated with her profession when she entered the fashion industry. While working at Deloitte, she grew dissatisfied with the corporate lifestyle and realized that her true calling lay elsewhere. Nidhi shared that she never felt a desire to go to the office during an important presentation, triggering a transformative journey that would shape her destiny.

Encouraged by her seniors at work, Nidhi made the decision to pursue her passion for fashion. To acquire the necessary expertise, she enrolled in a one-year course at the renowned Polimoda Fashion School in Florence, Italy.

In 2014, Nidhi established Aks with the aim of offering affordable contemporary ethnic clothing for women between the ages of 18 and 35. The company faced its fair share of challenges but eventually made a name for itself in the industry, starting with a modest initial investment of Rs 3.5 lakh. A successful strategy employed by Nidhi was introducing 20 new styles every two weeks, which proved to be effective.

Over the years, Aks witnessed significant revenue growth. The company's earnings escalated from Rs 1.60 crore in 2014 to Rs 8.50 crore the following year, and rapidly surged to Rs 48 crore by 2018. As of the end of 2021, Aks had generated over Rs 200 crore in revenue, all without any external financing, according to DNA reports. Although the latest earnings statistics are unknown, Nidhi announced her goal of reaching Rs 500 crore in the financial year 2023–2024.

Nidhi Yadav serves as an inspiration to everyone due to her transformation from a dissatisfied computer engineer to a prosperous fashion entrepreneur. In an industry often dominated by established competitors, Nidhi's determination and entrepreneurial spirit have not only challenged the status quo but also created space for affordable modern ethnic wear.