Heads Up For Tails

Rashi Narang gets candid with Ankionthemove about her initiative 'Heads Up For Tails' and the journey  so far......!!!

A Little About Rashi Narang

Ms. Rashi Narang is an entrepreneur with an online boutique pet store called 'Heads Up For Tails'- the only one of its kind in India offering unique, fun and fashionable merchandise like dog collars and leashes, cosy beds, some awesome pet accessories, fashionable dog apparel, and even stuff for pet lovers.They have more than 500 products to choose from.

Your Journey In Brief

I’ve always had dogs, and loved all animals! In 2006 I moved back from overseas after working in the corporate world. I really wanted to do something more fun and creative. It was my dog- Sara’s first birthday, and I went out looking for something special for her. I was dismayed by the products and the quality of the pet stores in Delhi and that’s when the idea of starting an upscale brand with quality products for our pets came to me.

I researched the market, materials, products and vendors for a year before I launched Heads Up For Tails and there has been no looking back since then!

What were the problems that you faced in the initial stages of the project and how did you overcome them? 

It was awfully difficult to set up, run and manage a small business by myself, without enough funds. I had no previous experience in manufacturing or in retail and it has been a steep learning curve! I’ve had lots of hard days, made mistakes and learnt from them- but I must admit- I’ve enjoyed the journey.

There are so many other lines of business. Your idea is comparatively new. What was the reaction of your family and friends when you told them about this business idea? Were they supportive?

There was definitely an element of surprise and shock when I first talked about my idea. For the longest time, it was a joke amongst family, friends, and even customers who would confuse the products for baby stuff! But at the same time, everyone in the family was extremely supportive- especially my husband, without whom I wouldn’t have been able to grow my venture!

Which is your best-selling product and which is your favorite design?

Our best sellers depend on the season- but overall our customers love our collection of dog beds. We make sure that our dog beds look nice in your home. We also customize dog beds and furniture to go with your home furnishing!

Pet Industry is still in its nascent stage. How far have you come? And, what is left to achieve yet?

Yes, the pet industry is definitely still at a very nascent stage. It is not yet well organized. There is a long, long way to go- which is the exciting thing! We’ve established ourselves as India’s first and only luxury brand for pets. There’s loads to be done though- develop new products, have more points of sale, grow our online store etc!

Anki S Thanks Rashi Narang for the candid chat.