Interview with Sumit Gupta, entrepreneur & founder of Bravado, men’s grooming startup

An exclusive interview with Sumit Gupta, Founder of Bravado, men’s grooming startup

In the ever-evolving landscape of personal care, a bold and innovative force has emerged, challenging conventional norms and societal taboos. Sumit Gupta, the visionary founder behind Bravado, a groundbreaking men’s grooming startup brand, has set out to revolutionize self-care for men in India.

Bravado isn’t just a brand; it’s a movement that breaks barriers and redefines masculinity by placing men’s well-being at the forefront.

In this exclusive interview, we delve into the journey of Sumit Gupta, exploring the inspiration, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped Bravado into the pioneering force it is today.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind starting Bravado, and what motivated you to enter the men’s grooming industry with this startup?

Sumit Gupta: During my extensive global travels, I, Sumit Gupta, came face to face with a stark reality: men lacked diverse options in personal care and thoughtful gifting compared to women. (While searching for a product with specific features and outcomes, I found a gap in the market within the men’s segment. All the desired qualities were available in the women’s segment, and as a man, I was reluctant to use women’s products.

To address this gap, I decided to develop a product tailored to men’s needs, giving rise to Bravado) In response to this contrast, Bravado found its purpose: to bridge the gap and provide men with a diverse and sophisticated range of personal care products.

The concept was not just about grooming but also about instilling a sense of confidence, style, and individuality in every man’s routine. Moreover, by recognizing the importance of thoughtful gifting in fostering connections and expressing sentiments, Bravado extended its reach into the realm of men’s gifts.

Liberated from uninspired options, men could now both receive and give gifts that reflected their personalities and preferences. In essence, Bravado emerged not merely as a brand, but as a philosophy—a celebration of the modern man and his multifaceted identity.

Through extensive travel, keen observation, and entrepreneurial spirit, I, Sumit Gupta, became the driving force behind Bravado. Dedicated to reshaping the narrative of men’s personal care and gifting, I curated one product at a time with care.

With the market already having established grooming brands, what unique value or perspective does Bravado bring to the table?

Sumit Gupta: The mission of our brand arose from the recognition of a significant gap in the market, where men’s specific needs and expectations for products were insufficiently addressed. With a commitment to fulfilling these unmet requirements, we set out to introduce products meticulously designed for men.

Our approach involved careful consideration of their preferences and unique needs, aiming to provide a solution that had been lacking until now. To achieve this, we curated premium ingredients and exclusive plant extracts from around the globe, ensuring that each product not only meets but surpasses every man’s expectation.

Could you share some insights into the research and development process behind Bravado’s products? How do you ensure that they meet the specific needs and preferences of your target audience?

Sumit Gupta: We designed products with innovative formulations that infuse botanical extracts with science-powered ingredients meticulously selected from across the globe which have proven clinical results and are certified by dermatologists.

We constantly keep reinventing our formulations incorporating the latest scientific discoveries and new-age technology to ensure we deliver maximum efficacy with minimum carbon footprints.

How do you see Bravado differentiating itself in terms of product offerings and the overall grooming experience for men?

Sumit Gupta: What sets Bravado apart is our steadfast dedication to quality. We painstakingly curate premium ingredients and exclusive plant extracts from around the globe, ensuring that each product not only meets but surpasses your expectations.

Free from harmful chemicals and mineral oils, our entire range reflects our commitment to crafting exceptional personal care items, evident in every bottle, tube, and jar. Your grooming experience with Bravado will be truly unparalleled.

The grooming industry is rapidly evolving. How do you stay ahead of trends and adapt your brand to the changing demands of the market?

Sumit Gupta: Staying ahead of trends and adapting to the changing demands of the grooming industry is crucial for the success and relevance of our brand. As the owner of Bravado, I employ a proactive approach to ensure that our products and strategies align with the evolving landscape. Here’s how we stay ahead of trends and adapt to market demands:

• Continuous Market Research
• Customer Feedback and Engagement
• Industry Networking and Collaboration
• Agile Product Development
• Sustainability and Wellness Focus

Building a startup can be challenging. What obstacles did you face in establishing Bravado, and how did you overcome them?

Challenges:

• Limited Brand Awareness
• Existing Market Competition
• Understanding the Local Market
• Regulatory Compliance
• Building Trust
• Technology and Innovation
• Adaptability

Solutions:

• Utilizing an effective marketing and advertising campaign through various platforms, including social media, influencer marketing, and other channels, to reach our target audience and create brand awareness.
• We conducted a competitor analysis to identify gaps and opportunities, revealing a market void within the men’s segment. While all the desired qualities were available in the women’s segment, as a man (Sumit Gupta), I was reluctant to use women’s products. To address this gap, I decided to develop a product tailored to men’s needs, giving rise to Bravado.
• Conducting thorough market research to gain insights into the target market, we hired research experts to navigate cultural nuances and preferences prevalent in the market.
• While establishing a clear understanding of product registration, labelling requirements, and other regulatory aspects, we worked closely with legal experts to ensure compliance.
• We invested in research and development to stay ahead of the curve, embracing technology in our marketing, distribution, and product development processes.
• Fostering a culture of adaptability within the organization, we are nimble and responsive to market feedback, continuously monitoring trends and preparing to adjust strategies accordingly.

What are your future plans for Bravado? Are there any exciting product launches or expansions on the horizon?

Sumit Gupta: To create an ethical and sustainable product range for new-age men that is result-driven and environmentally conscious. To encourage men to embrace their beautiful selves with a dedicated skincare regime goaded with nutrient-based supercharged products for skin, body, and hair which come infused with botanicals and are safe for the planet.

Sumit Gupta’s journey with Bravado exemplifies the transformative power of challenging societal norms. As the founder of India’s first men’s grooming brand focused explicitly on self-care, he has not only disrupted the market but also ignited a conversation about redefining masculinity. Through this interview, we’ve gained insight into the passion and dedication driving Bravado’s mission.

As the brand continues to evolve and inspire change, Sumit Gupta’s story serves as a beacon for others looking to break free from societal expectations and embrace a more inclusive vision of self-care.

Bravado is not merely a brand but a movement that empowers men to prioritize their well-being unapologetically, and Sumit Gupta stands as a testament to the transformative impact one visionary individual can have on an entire industry.

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