How this new and galvanising startup, BeUnic is heralding narratives around the “queer” community and breaking stereotypes around the LGBTQ+. With a zeal for the global fashion business, BeUnic is a philosophy that questions our convictions and engenders a unique way to equality.
About BeUnic- a confluence of ”Be” and ” Unique”
Began in the year 2019, BeUnic is a Delhi-based start-up, firmly established as an e-commerce marketplace and as a fashion brand. It curates and produces lifestyle products from queer creators and entrepreneurs. Today, it proffers a wide range of products from footwear to clothes, stationery, and home decor. Currently, it has commissioned design artists and uses models from the community to promote its products. Shipping to 12 countries, it has become a successful enterprise with 500 products from 26 creators.
About the founders
Though Simmy Nanda dedicates her full-time efforts to BeUnic, Ashish contributes his time part-time due to his HR role at Google. Previously, Ashish worked for Amazon and Philips. Additionally, Vishesh, Ashish’s elder brother, is also engaged in his crypto venture. Likewise, this unique and impactful dynamic allows for the BeUnic team to have a diverse set of experiences and expertise.
How did it all begin?
The brand was started in 2019 by Ashish, who was inspired by his own fondness for heels and the lack of inclusive footwear. The idea was to start a gender-fluid and inclusive footwear brand.
Simmi Nanda and Ashish Chopra realised the need for an e-commerce platform that supported the LGBTQ+ community in entrepreneurship. As members of the community themselves, they understood the challenges faced by queer creators and entrepreneurs. They wanted to create a space where individuals could showcase their skills, gain international exposure, and receive support from like-minded individuals.
Inspired and motivated, the mother-son duo created a platform that not only facilitated entrepreneurship but also provided upskilling opportunities for those who needed it. Gradually, BeUnic partnered with many NGOs to offer free mental health therapy for LGBTQ individuals. In addition, the company donated funds to support these NGOs and ensured eco-friendly packaging by eliminating the use of plastic.
Major challenges and stumbling blocks
BeUnic faced numerous challenges in the early stages of its development. Initially, convincing investors to support a queer-owned e-commerce platform was a daunting task. However, Simmi Nanda and Ashish Chopra persevered and eventually secured funding from like-minded investors who believed in their vision. Another significant challenge was building a loyal customer base. BeUnic tackled this by providing exceptional customer service, offering unique products that resonated with the LGBTQ+ community, and actively engaging with customers through social media.
Vision Ahead
The future is full of possibilities. Simmi Nanda and Ashish Chopra are consistently committed to supporting the queer community through their e-commerce platform. They are looking forward to many-more upskilling opportunities, entrepreneurship support, and international exposure. Their vision is to create a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ creators and entrepreneurs to thrive in the business world. They are actively expanding their platform by collaborating with more queer-owned businesses and increasing their reach globally.
A Message to the Youth
Simmi Nanda says, “Love them, hug them, and kiss them because the closet is not the place to be in.” Acceptance is indispensable for equality, laws alone will not suffice. ”Queers” deserve the same identity as any Adam or Eve.
