Before we start... coffee or tea?
Mitali: Oof, that’s a tough one! I love coffee, exploring local coffee shops, and trying out different brews. But, I equally have a soft spot for chai. There’s something special about homemade chai with all its rich spices and flavors. Sometimes, only a good cup of chai can really hit the spot when I’m craving something different from coffee.
Tell us a little bit about your personal journey, where are you currently based and how did you get where you are today?
Uprooting and moving has very much been a part of my life: I’m from Kanpur, a city in North India, but I grew up in Mussoorie where I went to a boarding school in the Himalayas. I spent my university and working years between New York, London, and Dublin, with New York being my primary base.
A little over two years ago, I moved to Berlin. It wasn’t something I had planned, but the decision came naturally. In the peak of Covid, I was unhappy with the changes at my job and while I looked for new opportunities in New York, I also decided to expand my horizon to Europe. It helped that my sister had just moved to the Netherlands but equally importantly, the thought of being “relatively” closer to India felt comforting. I had visited Berlin a few times and liked the city, so when an opportunity presented itself, it seemed like a good time to try something new.
Before starting Chalo, I spent over a decade working in Product Innovation and Strategy, both in banks and start-ups. My projects spanned food services, technology, sustainable development, and finance. I also had the opportunity to facilitate the Impact Hub’s “Meet The Innovator Series,” where I supported some incredible entrepreneurs and change-makers on key social impact topics.
What inspired you to start Chalo and tell us a little bit about your brand and the boots?
This feels like it may have been a long time coming! From the early days of my professional journey, I’ve wanted to do something creative and preferably of my own. As I switched between jobs, industries, and countries, I started to explore the implications of what leaving the traditional workforce would mean. The pivot to Chalo felt (and still feels!) very scary but also fairly natural, especially having seen my grandfather, father, and sister have entrepreneurial careers. And, Chalo is just that extra bit special because it is a homegrown project.
I grew up seeing my father wearing cowboy boots in the 90s, in India, and they became a part of my family and heritage ever since. At the time, our tannery only made cowboy boot “uppers”, the distinct, decorative upper portion of cowboy boots. Many people perceive cowboy boots as working or riding boots. But my sister and I grew up wearing them everywhere, and saw them being styled and adapted for many occasions. People around me have been fascinated by the boots and excited to try them, but they're a little hesitant at first. For them, cowboy boots seem foreign for everyday life, especially to women. And, this is how Chalo was born: with a hope to combine traditional cowboy boot designs with a modern touch so that they can be more versatile in form and function, fit for the daily life of many women, across many communities.
With Chalo, I wanted to create something that would simplify women’s wardrobes and save space. This is where handcrafted, versatile, and quality boots come into play. I have a strong aversion to wastefulness and did not want to compromise on these elements. At the same time, it was important to me that the boots are accessible to many demographics and communities. Our launch collection is intentionally designed to be simple and easy to style, so even if you own one pair of Chalo’s, you can wear them in several different ways. The idea is that it can easily complement what you are wearing or set the tone for an outfit.
Growing up, my sister and I would have a little fun of our own: we’d go into the factory to design a few products. In that sense, some part of Chalo already started since my childhood, but I officially gave an identity and story to the brand in the Spring of 2023.
Can you talk a little bit about the production process and what materials you are using.
Our tannery-factory is located in Kanpur and has specialized in cowboy boots for 25+ years. Tanning its own leather to ensure quality and versatility, a core aspect of cowboy craft, it also supports Chalo’s small batch production values. The small batch production helps us to avoid excess inventory and overproduction. The trims and discarded pieces from the production process are used to make components of other small and upcycled products, i.e. puller tabs, stoppers (for zips), and patchwork, which would otherwise end up in landfilled waste.
As the fashion industry moves towards more responsible ways of production, it has been imperative for me to build Chalo in a thoughtful way from the ground-up. This has meant being transparent and responsible about our production processes. Where possible, we utilize solar energy for our production needs. We air and sun dry all of our leathers to keep machine and chemical use to a minimum, and our lining leathers are vegetable retanned. It is our responsibility to adequately treat exposed materials that may result from our making process. A critical step for us is to treat waste water and we do this with the help of an in-house waste water treatment system (i.e. an Effluent Treatment Plant).
To show appreciation for our makers, my father has implemented a program to support the early education of the children of our artisans. Such initiatives and the ability to really make that little bit of a difference, because we are small, we are homegrown, and we are on the ground is very special. And finally, possibly one of our favorites, we have dedicated a small area within the premises to support biodiversity, i.e. a food forest to grow our own vegetables, fruit, and other plants.
What’s your favorite way to style your Chalo’s?
For me it’s all about mixing comfort with a bit of flair. I love wearing my Chalo’s with a relaxed pair of jeans and a cozy sweater for that perfect laid-back look. But when I want to switch things up, I’ll pair them with a fun dress or a sharp blazer. We designed the Chalo collection to be versatile so that it can let people freely express their mood and creativity, whether it’s keeping it casual or dressing it up!
Making our products in India is core to who we are and I could not be more proud to be among the few cowboy boot makers in the country (it’s unexpected, right?!). I am very grateful to work with a team of skilled makers in India and create opportunities that can amplify their talent. I like to say that we celebrate both, the pride of being “Made in India'' and the craft we can draw inspiration from, in the West. For example, I’ve seen customers wear their Chalo’s in many contexts: from pairing their cowboys with a Sari at an Indian wedding to styling them for an outfit to watch the Calgary Stampede. This diversity in the use of the product is a true testament to the connection the brand has between the East and West, and that our cowboys are for your everyday moments, whatever these may be and wherever these may be. One of my fondest memories is seeing my sister rock her Chalo’s at her wedding Welcome Chai Party. It added such a special touch to the celebration.
What would your dream collaboration look like for Chalo?
I’d really like to expand my context for the brand and create more community-driven experiences. I’m working on collaborating with other like-minded networks to create spaces that support emerging creators and inspire them to share their work. It could be really fun to have an Artisan Residency Program led by Chalo that invites makers, creatives, and artists from various traditions to work alongside us. This initiative would inspire me to learn about different cultural techniques and integrate their unique designs into our collection. It could be a really nice opportunity for an open creative space, helping people learn about and appreciate the artistry that goes into making something.
I’d also love to hear and engage with my community even more. I personally reach out to every customer and after they’ve had a few weeks to wear the boots, I ask about their experience with the product and brand. I love these conversations because I learn so much from them: women who have been “wanting to wear cowboy boots, but have been so unsure as a WoC if they would look okay” or have “always been intrigued by them, but never made the leap to owning a pair until now” or others who have found Chalo’s to be their “go-to footwear” because the boots have given them a confidence boost in how they dress and feel. The beauty of the digital world is that our community can be extremely dispersed and diverse, but still remain connected. These insights also help me to design the best experience I can. Alongside this, I’m always excited about the possibilities of teaming up with other artists and brands to create something unique, whether through joint pop-ups or special collections. I also envision seeing Chalo featured in print–it would be incredible to share our story, spotlight the behind-the-scenes, and tell the stories of our community, their favorite Chalo moments, self-expression and styling, inspirations, and more, in a broader context. Chalo is still a small brand, so sharing it with people like yourself and such networks who truly believe in the brand, the product, and our ethos is so powerful. It’s these moments, word of mouth, and organic growth that has been incredibly helpful in the early days of the brand. And it is these offline events where I really feel alive.
Looking ahead, I'm excited about implementing a “Chalo For a Cause” initiative as a long-term vision for the brand. This program would allocate a portion of each sale to support meaningful social or environmental causes, such as education, community projects, or environmental efforts. My hope is that, even in a small way, I’d like to contribute some meaning and support to a corner of the world that needs it.
Where can we buy Chalo’s?
Our collection is available for purchase online at www.madetochalo.com. You can also purchase our collection in-store at:
- Tcha Concept (Torstraße 95, 10119 Berlin, Germany), a concept space and store in Berlin, Germany
- Paper Boat Collective (H No. 248 Bella Vista, near Alua Resort, Sangolda, Goa 403511, India), a beautiful store in Goa, India
What is the best piece of advice you can offer to other founders in the industry and is there something you would have done differently if you’d start all over again?
A big part of this journey requires embracing uncertainty and adapting on the fly. I used to think successful entrepreneurs had clear, steady paths to success, but the reality, particularly in certain stages, can be quite different. Alongside growth and freedom, the journey brings unexpected outcomes, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. These challenges force you to think creatively and pivot quickly, which can be both daunting and exhilarating. The importance of a supportive community cannot be overstated. Asking for help, having people who share your values, collaborating with like-minded networks, and pushing outside the comfort zone is so valuable for continuous learning and personal development.
I’d say a key skill in running a business is getting really good at storytelling. This isn't just about marketing; it's about how you connect with your audience, your team, and even yourself. When you clearly share your vision and the story behind your brand, it helps others feel more invested and inspired to support you. Getting familiar with tools and platforms that streamline your work can make a huge difference. Whether it’s using graphic design softwares like Canva or Adobe Illustrator, managing your website with WordPress or Shopify, or getting up to speed with digital marketing tools like Google Analytics and SEO, these resources can make your life a lot easier. Finally, remember that prioritization is key–there’s always more to do than time allows, so figuring out what truly matters and focusing on that is incredibly helpful. This means learning to say no or “not now” to things that don’t align with your goals.
Entrepreneurship demands personal growth as much as professional growth. It’s a deeply introspective journey that is not always linear–the highs and lows of running a business force you to confront your own limitations and resilience. Moreover, I’ve realized the profound impact of small, everyday decisions. These seemingly insignificant choices often lead to the most significant outcomes, shaping your journey in unexpected ways. And don’t forget to celebrate the small wins and build in breaks–those moments of progress and reset, however minor, are what keep the momentum going.
Out of personal interest: do you cycle and if yes what’s your favorite city for cycling and why?
I enjoy cycling! Amsterdam and New York are among my recent favorite spots to ride. Amsterdam’s bike culture is well-known: flat roads, dedicated and wide network of bike lanes, and that charming city vibe make every ride feel smooth. I recently visited my sister there, and we spent summer days exploring the historic streets and local markets on our bikes, which was such a nice way to see the city together.
New York offers a totally different experience–busy, yes, but in the best way. Riding through lively neighborhoods, across the Brooklyn Bridge, or around Central Park is always an adventure. There’s just so much energy and diversity; you never know what you’ll come across. I’ve also had some nice rides in Cartagena, going through streets bursting with color, and in Barcelona, where biking along the beach and through the old town’s winding alleys felt refreshing.
Fun tidbit: bikes have been a key mode of transport in India long before they became “trendy”, and it’s how most of our team at the tannery-factory get to work. I always love seeing all the bikes lined up nicely!
If you like, you can learn more about Chalo at www.madetochalo.com, follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram.
Mitali, thank you so much for your time and we can't wait to hear more from Chalo!
Images by Mitali Gupta | Chalo
