We were lucky to catch up with Deeptha Venkatesan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Deeptha, thanks for joining us today. One of the toughest parts of scaling a business is maintaining quality as you grow. How have you managed to maintain quality? Any stories or advice?

Greetings, all. Allow me to provide a brief introduction: I am Deeptha, the owner of Hugs and Cuddle specializing in handcrafted children’s clothing and accessories. As my business has burgeoned, I’ve assembled a dedicated team in India to partake in the meticulous handcrafting of our clothing. The design process takes place in the heart of Los Angeles, while the sourcing of fabrics and intricate stitching is entrusted to our artisans in India.

In our rigorous pursuit of excellence, we’ve implemented a comprehensive quality control system. Following the initial design phase, samples are meticulously scrutinized, ensuring they meet our exacting standards before we proceed with full-scale production. Upon completing each batch, our skilled team undertakes a meticulous review of each garment, leaving no detail overlooked. Any imperfections are promptly rectified or, if unresolvable, the item is omitted from our offerings.

Despite our boutique, small-batch approach, we remain unwavering in our commitment to quality. The core ethos driving this endeavor is to provide children and their families with the epitome of enduring, handmade elegance in the realm of children’s attire.

Deeptha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Greetings, I am Deeptha Venkatesan. Originally hailing from India, I have been a resident of Los Angeles for nearly a decade. In addition to being a dedicated full-time mother and wife, I wear multiple hats as an entrepreneur and a technical recruiter. My entrepreneurial journey has led me to establish a thriving e-commerce enterprise specializing in handmade children’s clothing and accessories. The inception of Hugs and Cuddle in 2020 was inspired by the arrival of my precious little one. Our initial offerings revolved around soft, organic swaddle blankets and essential teething toys, including wooden teethers, rattles, and pacifier clips. Over the course of a year, we expanded our range to encompass a delightful collection of clothing tailored for babies and toddlers.
Each element of our fabric and design is meticulously curated to stand out, seamlessly blending the rich textile traditions of India with the preferences of our clientele in the United States and globally. My passion for vibrant colors finds expression in our product range, with a careful selection of vivid and muted shades to cater to diverse fashion aesthetics.
We pride ourselves on producing small, thoughtfully designed batches of clothing. The creative process is done by me right here in Los Angeles, and each piece is handstitched with meticulous care by our skilled team based in India.
In our unwavering commitment to holistic sustainability, we have introduced an eclectic array of crochet toys to our repertoire. This includes enchanting rattles, charming dolls, and hand-knitted baby shoes, all of which complement our existing lineup of eco-friendly and sustainable products. These delightful creations are also lovingly handcrafted by talented women artisans from around the world.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

My most successful avenue for acquiring new clients has undeniably been my participation in pop-up markets. In the second year of my business venture, I made it a priority to participate in as many markets as possible, especially given the challenges brought about by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the first year. My goal was to increase brand visibility and foster greater awareness of my offerings.

During that initial year, my product range was relatively limited, but it consisted of distinctive and high-quality staple clothing and sustainable accessories. It was heartening to see that people were beginning to recognize our brand for these unique and eco-friendly items

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I wholeheartedly attribute my gratefulness to my husband. He provided the necessary capital from his savings and offered unwavering support without any reservations. I will forever appreciate his trust and confidence in me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hugsandcuddle.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/hugs.cuddle04
• Facebook: facebook.com/hugs.cuddle
• Other: www.etsy.com/shop/HugsandCuddle

Image Credits
Lily James Photography Courtney Patton Jeanie Edwards Inna Rhyzko