Entrepreneurs we love: The Plush Club founder Divya Chopra

by Honeycombers • 28 Aug 2023

We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It’s a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Divya Chopra, the founder of The Plush Club, gets it done like a boss.

As a lawyer with a decade of experience, my journey into the baby clothing industry may seem unexpected. However, my passion for design and creativity has always been a driving force. During a sabbatical, I followed my heart and pursued my long-standing love for design by enrolling in courses in New York. I delved into the realms of art, design and fabrics. That’s where I discovered the ultra soft bamboo fabric. Inspired by the potential of creating beautiful yet practical clothing for babies, I was determined to launch my own baby clothing brand.

The Plush Club was born out of a desire to offer high-quality, soft, and sustainable clothing for babies. I sourced the softest and most gentle fabric, prioritising eco-friendly materials such as bamboo and ensuring that each garment feels cosy against a baby’s delicate skin. I focused on creating clothing that prioritises comfort, practicality, and user-friendly designs to provide parents with a seamless and enjoyable experience when dressing their little ones. The aim was to create a line that combines style and functionality.

By infusing my designs with excitement and charm, I strive to make every piece a joy to wear. It’s my firm belief that beautiful design and sustainability can go hand in hand. I’m dedicated to creating a positive impact in the baby clothing industry.

Navigating the relatively small market in Singapore for baby clothing. With a limited customer base, it can be challenging to capture attention and stand out among the competition. Building trust and brand recognition takes time and effort. So, I focus on the unique selling points of The Plush Club, such as our commitment to comfortable and practical designs, exciting patterns, and attention to detail.

The absence of a brick-and-mortar store presents another hurdle. Since customers are unable to physically touch and feel the quality of fabric and designs, it can be challenging to convince them to make a purchase. To overcome this, I have invested in high-quality product images, detailed product descriptions, and customer reviews to provide an immersive online shopping experience.

I also actively engage with customers through social media platforms, answering queries promptly and providing personalised assistance. To bridge the gap further, we regularly participate in exhibitions and pop-up events. As part of our growth, we’re delighted to announce that our products are now available at Mummy’s Market in Suntec City.

The key to overcoming these challenges is to consistently deliver exceptional quality, innovative designs, and personalised customer experiences. By adapting to the unique demands of the Singapore market, continually refining our offerings, and leveraging digital platforms effectively, I’m confident in The Plush Club’s ability to thrive and carve out its own space in the baby clothing industry.

I stay connected to my passion for design, sustainability, and creating beautiful clothing for babies. Reminding myself of my purpose keeps me inspired and fuels me to overcome challenges. Hearing positive feedback from satisfied customers is also incredibly rewarding. That serves as a powerful source of motivation; it keeps me energised and encourages me to continue delivering excellence.

Additionally, I actively seek opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills within the industry. By staying up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and innovations, I feel more confident and inspired to explore new possibilities. Engaging with like-minded individuals in the industry through events, forums, and collaborations helps me stay connected too. Sharing experiences and learning from others’ journeys provides fresh perspectives and renews my motivation.

When faced with self-doubt, I take a step back to reflect on my accomplishments, strengths, and the progress I’ve made. This helps me regain confidence in my abilities and reminds me of the value I bring to my business.

I see criticism as an opportunity for growth. I evaluate the feedback, separating constructive criticism from baseless negativity. This allows me to learn from valid points and make improvements where necessary. Understanding that failure is a part of the entrepreneurial journey allows me to embrace setbacks as valuable lessons, helping me improve and adapt my strategies moving forward.

Besides that, I reach out to my support network. Their encouragement and guidance provide reassurance and help me regain perspective. By focusing on my achievements, both big and small, I boost my self-confidence. Recognising milestones and celebrating successes remind me of my capabilities and strengthen my belief in myself.

Taking care of my mental and emotional well-being is crucial in managing self-doubt. Engaging in activities that bring me joy and relaxation, such as exercise, meditation, or pursuing hobbies, helps me maintain a positive mindset and resilience.

My favourite places to work are the coffee shops conveniently located close to my son’s school. I find the lively atmosphere of the coffee shops refreshing, breaking the monotony of working from home. It provides a vibrant backdrop that fuels my productivity and keeps me inspired.

One of my favourite business tools is Canva. Its user-friendly interface and vast range of design options make it indispensable for creating captivating visuals and graphics. It allows me to bring my brand’s vision to life and communicate effectively with my audience, adding an extra touch of professionalism to my work.

The art of managing a business and raising children simultaneously. I like to talk about the strategies I use for balancing the demands of entrepreneurship and parenthood. I share tips for time management and discuss the joys and challenges of navigating these roles.

Indulging in a therapeutic shopping experience or treating myself to a soothing massage. Shopping allows me to explore new trends and find joy in selecting items that bring me happiness, while a massage helps me unwind, release tension, and recharge my mind and body.

Never be afraid to seek knowledge from every possible source. Embrace diverse career options before committing to one. Don’t hesitate to start small and learn from experienced professionals in your field of interest. Remember, knowledge is never wasted. Continuous learning is key to personal and professional growth.

Get in touch with Divya Chopra online.

Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. We offer almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring and media profiles on Honeycombers. Check it out and join us!