ANAND MISHRA

I launched my own apparel lifestyle brand, managing everything from sourcing and team building to digital marketing and sales. Despite strong traction and a solid product, funding constraints became a major hurdle. With limited capital and rising operational costs, I made the tough decision to exit the venture. The experience, though short-lived, sharpened my entrepreneurial mindset and taught me invaluable lessons in resilience, execution, and business sustainability.

I led operations at a tech-enabled apparel startup funded by Nasadiya Technologies. I managed buying, sourcing, warehouse setup, and team hiring, while also overseeing digital marketing across Meta and Google. The role demanded agility and end-to-end ownership—from backend systems to growth strategy. Working closely with the founders, I built scalable processes and shaped the brand’s operational backbone. It was a fast-paced, high-impact experience that honed my leadership in startup execution.

Drove a 28% increase in ASP by analyzing customer behavior and implementing an effective pricing strategy. Collaborated with the digital marketing team on campaigns, monitored weekly ROI and CAC, and analyzed sales data to boost repeat orders and reduce replenishment TAT. Oversaw inventory, vendor development, and supply chain setup. Mapped processes for seamless merchandising and sales operations. Led sourcing and cost negotiations, introduced quality controls, and maintained less tha1% return rate, ensuring customer satisfaction and scalability.

At Lotto Sports, I led sales analysis, buying plans, and inventory control, managing all e-commerce activities on Flipkart and Amazon. Enabled physical store listings online and improved vendor development and performance monitoring. Implemented strict quality checks, reducing customer claims, and collaborated with legal to reframe vendor contracts. Developed sales strategies for marketplaces and outright channels, maintained store freshness, and drove new product development. Increased apparel business share from 35% to 42% by optimizing sales and operations.

Worked with Cutter & Buck and White Stuff in the Sports & Lifestyle category, sourcing materials from China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Managed the end-to-end supply chain, ensuring 95% on-time deliveries vs. the factory average of 85%. Handled vendor relations, developed new suppliers, and oversaw P&L for key accounts. Engaged with customers for business growth, increasing turnover from ₹12 Cr to ₹35 Cr, while driving process improvements and service efficiency.

It was my first entrepreneurial venture in sanitary pads under the brand “Cristina”, where I led product testing, design, development, and outsourcing. I sourced materials from China, built a sales network, and launched four product variants. I developed marketing campaigns, tied up with UP State Government, and formed self-help groups for distribution. I conducted market research, addressed business challenges, and identified growth trends, laying a strong foundation in product innovation, grassroots marketing, and scalable operations.

Worked with Monsoon & Monoprix in the Ethnic and Western Lifestyle category. Handled seasonal budgeting, product sourcing from China and Taiwan, and increased key account sales from ₹12 Cr to ₹18 Cr. Improved margins from 25% to 35% by optimizing processes. Recommended and implemented WFX ERP, streamlining reporting and eliminating manual data handling across multiple formats.

Worked with Tigi Wear & iZ in Western Lifestyle & Leather categories. Handled vendor development, product allocation, cost negotiation, and legal agreements. Implemented cost reduction techniques and defined performance parameters. Established a logistics policy covering carrier selection and supplier terms, improving operational efficiency and overall business performance.

Worked with GAP, Old Navy, and Abercrombie & Fitch in Lifestyle & Loungewear. Managed order execution, raw material procurement (local & international), and vendor coordination. Led a team during a Kaizen event, reducing finished goods defects by 22%. Achieved the highest-ever 28% margin in the Boxer division through process improvements and cost optimization.

Worked with Walmart in Loungewear & Intimates category. Coordinated with vendors for deliveries, managed sample development and local sourcing, conducted production meetings across departments, and executed daily reviews of production status and delays with the reporting manager.