In this episode of Backstage with Blur the Border, host Aishwarya Avalani sits down with Raul Rai, the co-founder of the lifestyle brand Nicobar. Raul shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey, beginning with his private equity and investment banking background to co-founding Nicobar with Simran Lal. The discussion delves into the brand's philosophy of mindful consumption, creating timeless designs, and maintaining a balance between aspiration and accessibility. Raul also touches on the importance of learning from customers, the role of luck in success, and the personal growth that comes from stepping outside one's comfort zone. The conversation is engaging, philosophical, and filled with valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

What We Discuss:

• 00:00 Intro 
• 00:51 From Ideation to Execution: The Birth of Nicobar
• 05:10 Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone and Embracing the Beginner’s Mindset 
• 07:42 The Role of Design and Team in Nicobar
• 08:26 How to Make Your Brand Stand Out 
• 10:12 Raul’s Switch from Private Equity to Entrepreneurship
• 13:33 A Day in the Life of an Entrepreneur 
• 16:30 The Role of Serendipity in Brand Success
• 24:45 On Working with your Partner
• 30:59 Hiring for Passion: The Nicobar Approach
• 32:09 Key Insights from Launching an Omnichannel Brand 
• 32:46 The Importance of Storytelling in Branding
• 36:08 The Customer Perception of a Brand // On Becoming the Go-to Brand for Gifting 
• 39:29 On Staying True to Your Brand DNA 
• 42:11 Balancing Brand Identity with Customer Needs
• 46:46 Future Vision for Nicobar
• 51:30 Know the Founder  

For feedback and suggestions, reach out to us at podcast@blurtheborder.com 

As always, thank you for tuning in!