The BarberShop with Shantanu

The BarberShop with Shantanu
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Welcome to The Barbershop with Shantanu a safe space for open, free-flowing, and insightful conversations. Shantanu, the founder of Bombay Shaving Company and Bombae, brings his passion for mentorship and storytelling to this podcast, creating a platform where ideas can grow. Subscribe to stay tuned, and let’s grow together one hustle at a time.

  1. 72% Repeat Rate but Only ₹23Cr Revenue: What’s Stopping Little Rituals From ₹100Cr?

    MAR 26

    72% Repeat Rate but Only ₹23Cr Revenue: What’s Stopping Little Rituals From ₹100Cr?

    In this episode, Gaurang Marvania (Founder, Little Rituals) joins Shantanu Deshpande (Founder & CEO, Bombay Shaving Company), along with Arjun Purkayastha (SVP & Managing Director - Greater China & North Asia, Reckitt), for a sharp conversation on building a premium baby-care brand focused on safe formulations and long-term trust with parents. Little Rituals started with just ₹50L and 3 baby oils and has now grown to a ₹23 Cr brand with a breakout sunscreen that did ₹12 Cr in revenue. Problems we solve in this episode: • Can a premium baby-care brand scale in India? • Should Little Rituals expand its product range? If you're building a D2C brand, consumer startup, or premium consumer product, this episode offers a practical look at the strategic decisions founders face while scaling a brand. Chapters: 00:00 Coming Up 01:22 Introduction 2:32 The Origin Story of Little Rituals 05:05 Growth Journey, Channels & Key Business Insights 07:07 How strong marketing drives brand growth 11:35 How can a brand build trust? 23:13 How to Influence Consumers to Buy 26:26 At ₹40 Cr, what should you focus on? 37:28 Dark Store Selection, SKU Launch & Working Capital Planning 45:00 When and Why to Raise Funding 51:57 Key Expert Insights for Brand Growth 54:08 Closing Thoughts

    56 min
  2. The Education Truth 90% of Indian Parents Don't Know | Ft. The Curious Parent

    MAR 22

    The Education Truth 90% of Indian Parents Don't Know | Ft. The Curious Parent

    Not every child needs to grow up to be Elon Musk. And maybe that’s okay. In this episode, Shantanu Deshpande and Harpreet Singh Grover (Founder of The Curious Parent) discuss the myth of pushing kids to become high achievers like billionaires and the overwhelming pressure children face in today's education system. Harpreet shares his views on the competitive culture in India, and how it often leads children to pursue careers they aren’t passionate about. They together explore how today's digital age affects children’s mental health and why parents need to rethink their approach to screens and emotional regulation. The conversation takes a deep dive into the psychological effects of modern parenting, where devices often become a tool for pacification rather than genuine connection. What you’ll discover: 1. The hidden dangers of using screens as a parenting tool 2. Why students don’t need perfect grades to succeed in life 3. How the education system has shifted since the Industrial Revolution 4. The growing role of values in choosing the right school for your child 5. The truth behind Kota’s appeal and the role of parental pressure Tune in and navigate the intricacies of parenting and schooling, offering real-world advice on making better educational choices for your child in today’s world. Navigate your way through these chapters: 00:00 Coming Up 01:16 Introduction 03:17 Why Rote Learning Still Works 05:37 How ‘The Curious Parents’ Can Help Choose Schools Based on Family Values 10:21 How New Boards & Exams Are Shaping Learning Today 15:20 The Truth About Kota & Parental Pressure 24:30 Is Education Pressure Stealing Kids’ Childhood? 28:58 Why Playtime is Crucial for Child Development 37:01 How Digital Distractions are Affecting Kids’ Emotions 40:22 The Hidden Dangers of Using Screens as Parenting Tools 44:53 Closing Thoughts

    45 min
  3. ₹15Cr Indian Toy Brand vs Chinese Toys: Solving Zero Repeat Rates Post-Shark Tank|Ft. Aditya Sehgal

    MAR 12

    ₹15Cr Indian Toy Brand vs Chinese Toys: Solving Zero Repeat Rates Post-Shark Tank|Ft. Aditya Sehgal

    ₹15 Cr in revenue.A crowded toy market. And a big ambition to build a brand that can go global. In this episode, Yash Thombare and Vedang Nalawade, Co-Founders of Clapstore Toys, join Shantanu Deshpande (Founder & CEO, Bombay Shaving Company) along with Aditya Sehgal (Founder, Asgard. world | Ex-President & COO, Reckitt) for a sharp conversation on building a fast-growing toy brand focused on affordable, mass-market products for Indian families. From vendor dependence and manufacturing choices to distribution and category expansion, the panel breaks down the real decisions founders face while growing a D2C brand. They also tackle a tough reality in categories like toys, where repeat purchases are limited, and competition is often generic. Also, for Clapstore, the path to competing globally lies in continuous product innovation. Problems we solve in this episode: 1. What should founders prioritise to scale from ₹15 Cr to ₹50 Cr? 2. In low-repeat categories, should founders focus on repeat purchases or customer acquisition? 3. As a brand scales, should founders own manufacturing or outsource it? 4. How to Design Products When Buyer and User Are Different? If you're building a D2C brand, consumer startup, or manufacturing-led business, this episode offers a practical look at the real decisions founders face while scaling! Navigate your way through these chapters 00:00 Coming Up 01:00 Introduction 01:48 The Vision Behind Clapstore 04:36 Scaling from ₹15Cr to ₹50Cr 13:17 Repeat Purchases or Customer Acquisition? 18:51 How Unique Design Language and Partnerships Drive Growth 31:30 Own Manufacturing or Outsource? 39:06 Innovation or Manufacturing: Clapstore’s Moat 44:20 Designing Products When Buyers Aren’t Users 48:55 Closing Thoughts

    49 min
  4. Scaling a Fashion Brand Profitably: Finding PMF & Making Data-Driven Decisions

    MAR 5

    Scaling a Fashion Brand Profitably: Finding PMF & Making Data-Driven Decisions

    This episode explores the realities of building a modern apparel brand from zero. Sanya and Adit, founders of Cove & Lane, are building a modern, quiet luxury clothing brand for ambitious professionals. Timeless pieces designed for people moving from boardrooms to social evenings. They join experts, Shantanu Deshpande (Founder & CEO, Bombay Shaving Company), along with industry leaders Shiv Shivakumar (Operating Partner, Advent | Ex-SVP, Nokia | Ex-CEO (India), PepsiCo) and Toshan Tamhane (Ex-McKinsey Senior Partner | Global Chief Operating Officer, UPL) for a sharp conversation on what it really takes to build a consumer brand. From repeat purchases and referrals to customer psychology and status signalling, the panel breaks down how founders can identify what is actually working. They also unpack a critical founder dilemma: Should early startups prioritise growth or profitability? Problems we solve in this episode: • How do you measure product-market fit in a D2C fashion brand? • How should founders use data when the sample size is small? • When scaling a startup, how do you balance growth and profitability? If you're building a D2C brand, consumer startup, or fashion business, this conversation will sharpen how you think about scaling. Navigate through the chapters and watch till the end

    45 min
  5. How can bootstrapped Solara scale from ₹100 Cr to ₹1,000 Cr?

    FEB 26

    How can bootstrapped Solara scale from ₹100 Cr to ₹1,000 Cr?

    This episode goes inside the real shift from founder hustle to founder design. Gopal built SOLARA by staying close to operations in the early years. Today, his role has shifted. He focuses on growth, while others run execution. But that transition is not automatic. As a founder, you are constantly switching between operator, shareholder, and long-term architect. The hard part is knowing when to step back and let specialists take over. He joins Shantanu Deshpande, along with Shiv Shivakumar, Operating Partner at Advent International, and Toshan Tamhane, COO at UPL Group, for a candid conversation on scaling in a changing consumer market. From bootstrapping decisions to the ₹500 crore acquisition question, from hiring senior leaders to building culture without bureaucracy, the discussion goes deep into how consumer brands must evolve. They also unpack a powerful external trend: the rise of the open kitchen. Appliances are no longer hidden utilities. They are visible, aesthetic, and part of lifestyle identity. Water purifiers, drinkware, and kitchen equipment have shifted from commodities to fashion. When the kitchen becomes open, the product must earn pride of place. Problems we solve in this episode: 1. Should you bootstrap to ₹500 crores or raise capital to hit ₹1,000+ crores faster? 2. Will a celebrity endorsement build trust, or are regional micro-influencers the smarter bet? 3. When should you hire senior talent from outside without breaking your startup culture? 4. Do experience stores make sense for a digital-first brand going offline? If you are building a consumer brand navigating scale, capital, and positioning in a more design-conscious India, this episode will sharpen your thinking.

    53 min
  6. Shark Tank’s GOAT Life Gets a Reality Check on Its ₹1 Cr to ₹10 Cr Scale-Up Strategy Ft. Yash Kalra

    FEB 19

    Shark Tank’s GOAT Life Gets a Reality Check on Its ₹1 Cr to ₹10 Cr Scale-Up Strategy Ft. Yash Kalra

    This episode goes inside the realities of scaling a D2C brand. Yash Kalra, Founder of Goat Life, started his journey in Kota. Before crores in monthly revenue and national visibility, there were 80 plus offline events and constant product iteration. He joins Shantanu Deshpande and Aditya Sehgal, Founder, Asgard.world and Ex-President & COO, Reckitt, for a direct conversation on what it really takes to scale. They challenge assumptions, question positioning, and examine the shift from founder hustle to structured growth. Problems that we solve in this episode: - How should founders prioritise operations and capacity when demand spikes overnight? - As a content led brand scales, what must stay founder led to keep the voice authentic? - When does a niche brand know it has gone deep enough to expand wider into new categories? - If you are building a consumer brand and navigating growth decisions, this episode will sharpen your thinking. Navigate through the chapters and watch till the end 00:00 Coming Up 01:43 Introduction 04:07 From GO OAT to Goat Life 06:40 Products, Flavours & Packaging 08:31 Sales Split Across Channels & AOV 10:50 The “Ompi” Story × Shantanu 12:14 Is GOAT LIFE Truly Just a Breakfast Company? 13:42 SKU Mix: Assorted Packs vs. Singles 14:57 Limited Drops Strategy 19:16 How to Expand Your Product Range? 22:01 Breakfast or Oats? 23:39 The Growth Formula 27:37 Go Wide or Go Deep? 39:47 Why the Current Team Setup Is Breaking 40:07 How to Build a Good Team and Culture? 50:33 The 3-Bucket Org Structure (Brand, Sales, Product) 01:01:19 Working Capital and Demand Shocks

    1h 10m
  7. How a McKinsey Partner Lost 90% of His Savings & Turned Early Failures Into an IPO Dream | CleanMax

    FEB 15

    How a McKinsey Partner Lost 90% of His Savings & Turned Early Failures Into an IPO Dream | CleanMax

    This episode is a personal one. Kuldeep Jain, Founder and MD at CleanMax | Former Partner at McKinsey & Company, was Shantanu Deshpande’s senior at McKinsey. They share a close bond, and Kuldeep has also invested in Bombay Shaving Company. That trust makes this conversation unusually honest. Kuldeep talks about leaving the safe path, early mistakes, and the phase where he lost 80–90% of his savings. He explains how CleanMax found its direction, how he thinks about hiring and culture, and what the IPO journey really looks like, including roadshows and pricing. What you’ll get from this episode: - Early failure, fear, and staying in the game - Hiring principles and culture built on trust - IPO reality, roadshows, and how pricing works They break down the IPO process for what it is: rigorous, compliance heavy, and all about trust. Even pricing is part art. If you want to build something that lasts, this episode is a blueprint. Link to DRHP: https://www.sebi.gov.in/filings/public-issues/aug-2025/clean-max-enviro-energy-solutions-limited_96203.html 00:00 Trailer 01:30 Early days at McKinsey 07:10 Why CleanMax was needed 11:13 CleanMax turning point 14:20 How to build a strong company culture 19:58 What is Ashirvad Day? 27:53 From McKinsey colleagues to founders 32:47 How to take your company to an IPO 36:30 When to decide your company is ready to go public 43:34 Going public and who plans to buy the shares 51:52 Closing thoughts

    56 min
  8. How to Generate ₹120 Cr in Revenue Without Owning Villas | Ft. Deven Parulekar

    12/05/2025

    How to Generate ₹120 Cr in Revenue Without Owning Villas | Ft. Deven Parulekar

    What happens when two people realise India isn’t lacking luxury, but starving for togetherness? They walked away from stable careers and built a ₹120 CR hospitality brand that proves ‘luxury’ isn’t always required to succeed! In this episode of The Barbershop, Shantanu sits down with Deven Parulekar (Founder of SaffronStays), who built his brand on one simple belief: where families bond. From a honeymoon dream many years ago to a reality in 2015, this vision has expanded into a network of 425 villas, each designed to bring people closer. But here’s the part that sets this story apart: SaffronStays refuses the ‘luxury’ tag. Its heart lies in homes that feel welcoming, with villas kept ready for every moment without anyone stepping in uninvited. An unexpected call about a 130-year-old heritage home changed everything, opening the door to a vision that would one day aim to become the Taj of homestays in India. And through the years, the brand has quietly reshaped how India thinks about travel, belonging, and human connection. What you’ll discover: - Why the brand refuses to be ‘the largest’, but strives to be ‘the finest’, with a mission to combat loneliness. - How human bonds spark real business growth - How hardships during COVID-19 opened the door to unexpected success - How one historic villa changed the company’s direction - The three values that build lasting brands. If you’ve ever experienced the joy of bonding with your people, watch how a villa brand reimagined Indian hospitality by focusing on bonds, over luxury. Navigate your way through the chapters 00:00 Coming Up 01:44 Introduction 03:28 How Deven Built SaffronStays 05:42 How Hospitality Has Changed 08:27 What Makes Villa Stays Special 12:27 Growing and Understanding Guests 16:00 How SaffronStays Stands Out 19:05 How Travel Trends Affect Hotels 26:14 What SaffronStays Promises Guests 31:18 Villas Today and Why “Luxury” Feels Overused 35:26 The First Home and Brand Journey 39:44 Where Most Bookings Come From 41:48 Meeting Post-COVID Guest Needs 47:57 The Philosophy Behind Caretaking 50:25 Using Instagram to Connect 53:11 “Where Families Bond” in Action 55:19 Favourite Villas and Top Picks 59:22 Do Guests Come Back? 1:03:25 Making Marketing Meaningful 1:08:27 Advice from Shantanu 1:14:02 Why They Chose the Blue Ocean 1:20:40 Understanding Valuation 1:24:53 How Travel Is Changing 1:26:45 Closing Thoughts

    1h 28m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Barbershop with Shantanu a safe space for open, free-flowing, and insightful conversations. Shantanu, the founder of Bombay Shaving Company and Bombae, brings his passion for mentorship and storytelling to this podcast, creating a platform where ideas can grow. Subscribe to stay tuned, and let’s grow together one hustle at a time.

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