Jaipur | Rajshree Upadhyaya | A simple hobby rooted in childhood memories gradually turned into a fast-growing startup when Vanshika Mittal founded Floreal. It is a crochet-based gifting brand that presents the idea of flowers in a completely new way.
Launched in January 2024 in Ludhiana, the brand began with Vanshika’s love for crochet-a skill she learned from her grandmother. With an initial investment of just Rs. 1,000, she started by creating small handmade items, not with the intention of building a large business, but simply to explore her creativity. However, as people began appreciating her work, she identified a clear gap in the gifting market-where thoughtfully crafted, handmade products could preserve emotions for a longer time.
Floreal was built on the idea of offering flowers that never wilt. Instead of traditional bouquets, the brand focuses on handcrafted crochet flower arrangements, decorative pots, and customized gifting products that last for years. Each piece is designed with fine detailing, making it not just a gift but a lasting memory.
Over time, the brand expanded its portfolio to include keychains, gift hampers, and other crochet-based décor items, all aligned with its core philosophy of sustainability and personalization. This unique positioning helped Floreal stand out in a crowded gifting market dominated by perishable products.
Beyond its products, what truly strengthened Floreal was its impact-driven approach. Vanshika Mittal built a network of over 300 women artisans who handcraft each item, creating not just a business but an entire ecosystem of livelihoods. This ensured consistent product quality while also giving the brand a deeper purpose. The company gradually developed a structured operational setup, including a warehouse and a growing team, enabling it to manage increasing demand while maintaining its handmade essence.
Financial Growth Strengthened the Business
When Vanshika appeared on Shark Tank India Season 5, she presented her pitch with both confidence and clarity. She initially asked for Rs. 1 crore in exchange for 3% equity, valuing the company at over Rs. 33 crore-an ask that initially surprised the sharks. However, her numbers and execution spoke strongly.
By that time, Floreal had already served over 100,000 customers and was growing through its direct-to-consumer website, while also leveraging quick commerce platforms to reach last-minute gifting audiences.
The company’s financial performance further strengthened her case. Floreal recorded approximately Rs. 1.28 crore in revenue in FY 2024-25, with year-on-year sales rapidly growing to around Rs. 4 crore, and it is projected to reach Rs. 6 crore by FY 2025-26. The business demonstrated strong margins, proving that it was not only creatively appealing but also financially sustainable.
After negotiations, Vanshika secured a deal with Pratham Mittal and Mohit Yadav-Rs. 1 crore for 8% equity-bringing the valuation to Rs. 12.5 crore. This marked a significant milestone in the brand’s journey.
Expanding Reach Through Quick Commerce
After the show, Floreal expanded its reach further by partnering with quick commerce platforms like Blinkit, making its products easily accessible across India. The brand also strengthened its digital presence, leading to repeat purchases and building a loyal customer base that values both aesthetics and long-lasting gifting options.
Floreal continues to grow actively in India’s expanding gifting and lifestyle segment. From a Rs. 1,000 beginning to becoming a Shark Tank-funded startup, this journey shows how a simple handmade idea-when executed effectively and aligned with clear customer needs-can evolve into a fast-growing modern brand.
