TRECHO – Vision of a 15-Year-Old for a FIT & SUSTAINABLE INDIA. In Conversation with the Founder, Divyaans Pasari.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background. What inspired you to start your own startup?
My name is Divyaans Pasari, I am studying commerce in class 11th. I belong to a traditional Marwari family with a business background. When I told my father that I would like to enter his business after finishing my studies, he refused stating that he would be there as a backbone always but that I needed to start something of my own. This is what led me to begin thinking about my own start-up. I want to stand on my own feet and create a name/brand of my own
Tell us a little about your team. Who are the core team members and the total strength of your team?
Our team consists of 5 people with the core members being my parents under whose guidance I am able to take decisions with regard to the designs and product launches.
Briefly describe your startup and the problem it aims to solve.
TRECHO, started in May 2023, aims to make clothing sustainable. My initiative of using recycled polyester demonstrates the first step taken to make our country sustainable and unstoppable when it comes to saving the environment. With the emerging youth fashion is not only about looking good, it also implies being comfortable in what one is wearing. Loungewear recycled polyester keeps one comfortable as it is breathable, airy, lightweight and one can carry it even for 12 hours at a stretch. TRECHO means to sprint which resonates with the spirit of India i.e. to continue moving on without looking back or stopping. That’s exactly what our activewear clothing aims to achieve. As a youth, I would like to set an example of caring for the environment hence I chose to promote clothing manufactured from recycled polyester rather than virgin polyester. The future of our planet is in our hands.
Can you share the story of how your startup came into being? What motivated you to pursue this idea?
I always wanted to do business and this idea came into my mind around 2 years back when I was studying in the 9th standard. As I had my boards the next year, I kept my idea within me until May 2023, when I enrolled in the Thapar Entrepreneurial Academy program headed by Mrs Namita Thapar of Shark Tank. With mentorship and guidance from the academy and my idea winning the 1st prize, ignited the spark and I decided to give it a proper shape.
What were the initial challenges you faced while starting your business, and how did you overcome them?
Recycled polyester is not a widely populated and readily available cloth so initially we had to rush from one supplier to the next in search of the fabric. Another bottleneck we faced was that to obtain the GRS Certificate for recycled polyester wherein one needs to source a minimum of 300kgs of each fabric of a given colour.
What sets your startup apart from others in the same industry
The majority of the renowned brands are not focused on 100% recyclable/sustainable clothing unlike us. We specialise in making clothing from 100% recyclable / sustainable raw materials and that is what sets our startup apart.
What is your unique selling proposition, and how does it benefit your customers?
The USP of Trecho – It is 100% recycled and thus good for the environment. The T-shirts do not cause allergies to the skin, are breathable, and quick drying. They are also not very expensive on the pocket.
Could you explain your startup’s business model? How do you generate revenue?
We have tied up with reliable manufacturers of recycled yarn after which we convert them into fabric and then manufacture the clothing. Our revenue is generated from sales of our products.
Every startup faces challenges. What have been the major challenges you encountered, and how did you tackle them?
The biggest challenge for Trecho is getting the recycled fabric manufactured as per requirement as it requires considerable investment. At the same time, the amount of SKU required is quite considerable and the clothing line is such that you need to keep innovating with new products, styles, and designs.
Can you share a specific difficult moment in your entrepreneurial journey and how you overcame it?
I would consider myself to be in that difficult phase right now as besides making a stand in the market, we have to work a lot on creating awareness about sustainable clothing as well as market our attractive products at the same time.
What have been the most significant lessons you’ve learned as a startup founder?
Aspire, Persevere, Achieve. Trechos’ tagline is my biggest learning. Every goal starts with Aspiration, with Perseverance and hustle, there’s nothing in this world that can stop you from achieving your goals. Money isn’t everything in a startup, it is the journey that is important, the learning, the experience, and the knowledge one gains that helps one to grow.
Is there a piece of advice you wish you had received before starting your entrepreneurial journey?
The entrepreneurial journey is all about the journey one undertakes. It’s about the steps one undertakes, the learning process. No venture is small in this journey for every step taken in this journey teaches us something. Learning is invaluable.
What have been the key milestones for your startup so far?
Winning the 1st prize at The Thapar Entrepreneur Academy. Participation in India Start Up Fest 2023 at Bengaluru and winning the Sustainable Fashion Startup Award at Sustainability Innovator Awards 2023.
How do you plan to scale your startup in the future?
We plan to launch a bamboo clothing line for people who are not very comfortable with polyester and also launch our online shopping portal as well as list ourselves on online stores like Amazon.
Can you share some insights into the strategies you’re employing to ensure sustainable growth?
Trrecho is sourcing 100% sustainable materials like recycled polyester, bamboo etc. for our product as well as for packaging our products.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are just starting their journey?
Get an idea, listen to your brain follow your heart, and keep on working till you convert that idea into a reality. Never feel disheartened when faced with challenges but always have faith that the journey will ultimately lead you to your destination, however far, however tough, however time-consuming it may be. Always have faith in yourself and the divine spark within you.
Are there any resources or books that you found particularly helpful in your entrepreneurial endeavors?
No, I did not take the help of resources and books. I just followed in the footsteps of my idols and listened to the advice of my mentors and parents.
Where do you see your startup in the next 5-10 years?
We see Trecho as a leading brand that portrays Sustainability within the next 5-10 years.
What is your vision for the future, both personally and for your company?
Vision for the future is to make “A Fit India” and “A Sustainable India”. Trecho would like to cater to all young and old and encourage all to indulge in some fitness activity hence the inclination of Trecho for active wear. A sustainable India- Hence the need for recycled polyester and other sustainable materials like bamboo etc. to protect the environment “
Is there anything else you would like to share with our listeners, any upcoming projects, or initiatives?
We look forward to all following us on our Instagram page to stay updated with all new initiatives of TRECHO.
