Our story is one of remarkable growth and unwavering dedication. With over eight years of experience in the dry cleaning industry, we have evolved from a modest setup with two machines in Dehradun to a formidable presence across six bustling cities, including the financial capital of India. Our journey, entirely self-funded, has seen us scale new heights, processing in excess of 5000 garments daily. Our foray into the shoe cleaning industry was spurred by the recognition of a glaring void—a lack of genuine expertise. We observed that while dry cleaners have been attempting to clean shoes for many years, their efforts often lacked the specialized knowledge required for such a task. Shoe care is not a universal solution; it demands a nuanced approach where different materials, be it leather, suede, or fabric, require distinct chemicals and processes. A misstep in this delicate process can ruin a fine pair of shoes. At “The Shoe Cleaners,” we understand that shoe care extends beyond mere cleaning. It encompasses a range of services including repair, restoration, coloration, and rejuvenation—practices that are equally applicable to the care of bags, each necessitating its own unique treatment process. The growing middle class and the established ultra-rich in India represent a significant opportunity for our business. The rising cost of footwear, coupled with the increasing popularity of high-end sneakers, has created an untapped market ripe for disruption. Many shoe cleaners exist, but their inability to scale and reliance on generic, ineffective products have left them unsuccessful. We also recognize the pitfalls of self-cleaning products. These products, often using the same chemical for various types of shoes, fail to address the specific needs of each pair, leading to damage when used by inexperienced customers. In today’s fast-paced world, even the most affluent lack the time to engage in shoe maintenance, further emphasizing the need for a professional service. “The Shoe Cleaners” is poised to be a disruptor in the cleaning care industry. Our strategy is simple yet powerful: combine exceptional services with an outstanding customer experience and convenience. This triad is our formula for capturing the market and establishing “The Shoe Cleaners” as the go-to brand for shoe care.
“To revolutionize shoe care by offering unparalleled cleaning and restoration services. We aim to ensure every pair of shoes receives the highest standard of care, enhancing longevity and pristine condition. Through innovation and exceptional customer care, we strive to make professional shoe care accessible and set new benchmarks in quality and satisfaction.”
Aakash Bhatia, the Co-Founder of The Shoe Cleaners, hails from the picturesque city of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Raised in a traditional business family, Aakash was immersed in the world of business from a young age, listening to business conversations and absorbing entrepreneurial wisdom. This early exposure to business dynamics instilled in him a keen understanding of the industry and a passion for entrepreneurship.
An alumnus of IIM Bangalore and a graduate of the prestigious Stanford Seed Spark Program, Aakash demonstrated his entrepreneurial acumen early by founding his first company in electronic security integration at the age of 18 and successfully exiting by 21. This remarkable achievement was a testament to his innate business sense and strategic vision. His career journey then saw him making impactful strides in the hospitality and real estate sectors, where he honed his leadership skills and expanded his business expertise.
In 2017, Aakash co-founded Laundromania, transforming it from a modest laundry shop processing 50 garments daily into a renowned brand operating across six cities with a daily capacity of over 5000 garments. His visionary approach and relentless drive for excellence played a crucial role in scaling the business and establishing it as a leader in the industry. Recognizing the burgeoning demand for specialized shoe care services, he launched The Shoe Cleaners with a vision to establish a pan-India shoe cleaning, restoration, and repair business, revolutionizing the way people maintain and cherish their footwear.
Aakash's vision for The Shoe Cleaners extends beyond merely providing top-notch shoe care services. He aims to create a nationwide brand that sets new standards in the industry. To achieve this, he has developed a highly profitable, low-investment franchise model. This innovative approach not only ensures the brand's rapid expansion across India but also empowers aspiring entrepreneurs by providing them with an opportunity to start their own business and be their own boss. By making the franchise model accessible and financially viable, Aakash is fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs who can thrive in the shoe care industry with minimal risk and investment.
Aakash's commitment to social causes is evident through his role as a co-founder of Making a Difference by Being the Difference (MADbyBTD) in Dehradun, a youth-run society dedicated to initiatives like tree plantations, cleanup drives, wall paintings, and marathons. Under his leadership, the group has conducted over 1000 activities and has garnered recognition from The Times of India, the Government of India, ONGC, and other national and international organizations. His dedication to fostering a clean and green Dehradun reflects his broader commitment to sustainability and community development.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Aakash is a strong advocate for corporate social responsibility and has been actively involved in various philanthropic endeavors. His diverse expertise in nonprofit organizations, corporate social responsibility, entrepreneurship, event management, and organizational leadership has equipped him to drive meaningful change within the industry.
Furthermore, Aakash is a dedicated mentor to many students from various MBA colleges across India, sharing his vast knowledge and experience to inspire and guide the next generation of business leaders.
Aakash's visionary leadership, combined with his unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation, continues to inspire his team and drive the company's growth. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of success.
Laundromania offers premium laundry and dry cleaning services. They specialize in professional cleaning, restoration, and repair of garments, shoes, bags, and leather items, using eco-friendly processes. Key services include dry cleaning, shoe and bag cleaning, steam pressing, alterations, and convenient free pickup and drop. Committed to sustainability and customer satisfaction, Laundromania ensures high-quality care with a focus on environmentally safe practices. For more information, visit Laundromania.
www.laundromania.co.inEthiek is a sustainable laundry and fabric care brand offering a range of eco-friendly products. The product line includes concentrated detergent powders and liquids, stain removers, and delicate detergents for silk and woolen garments. Committed to responsible cleaning, Ethiek uses clean ingredients safe for sensitive skin, babies, and pets. Packaging is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, and partnerships with eco-friendly manufacturers in the USA and UK bring over 50 years of eco-heritage. Ethiek aims to provide high-quality, sustainable fabric care solutions while minimizing environmental impact.
www.ethiek.in/