You can spend over a decade climbing the corporate ladder, collecting titles, leading big campaigns – and still find yourself wondering, “Is this really it?” This is the question that led Kajal Mehta Joshi to find her true title as an “Entrepreneur.”
With over 14 years of experience in marketing, Kajal’s life was defined by campaigns and strategies, but her heart quietly yearned for something more tangible, something she could design, touch, and pour her soul into. That desire gave birth to Palms Home & Living, a young home décor and gifting brand. What began in a spare room filled with ceramic and wooden prototypes has evolved into a thriving brand serving both individual consumers and corporate clients like BMW.
Inspiration Behind Kajal’s Decision
Kajal’s leap into entrepreneurship wasn’t without inspiration. Her husband’s family had spent years in the ceramic manufacturing space for hotels and restaurants. Their quiet dedication to creating quality left a mark on her. Surrounded by pottery and craftsmanship, Kajal found the missing spark she was looking for.
What began with ceramic samples scattered in a spare room quickly turned into a full-fledged brand. And, here Kajal's background in marketing also proved valuable as she developed Palms Home & Living. Her understanding of brand storytelling and consumer behavior allowed her to create collections that balance aesthetic appeal with practical functionality, a something that resonated with her target market.
Product Range and Positioning of this woman-led brand
Palms Home & Living specializes in ceramic tableware, offering an extensive range including platters, mugs, bowls, plates, dinner sets, trays, and vases. With prices ranging from Rs. 400 for a single mug to Rs. 15,000 for a complete dinner set, the brand caters to various preferences and occasions.
Beyond ceramics, the brand extends its product line to wooden home décor items, like bowls, platters, wall plates, trays, and charcuterie boards, each piece embodying timeless elegance. The collection also features candle holders, glass vases, metal jars, and limited-edition décor items, available during select festivals.
What truly sets Palms Home & Living apart is its bespoke corporate and luxury gifting service. Having collaborated with prestigious brands like BMW, Vegan First, and Thoucentric, Kajal and her team transform gifting into an art form, creating memorable experiences through personalized hampers and customized pieces."We don't just sell products; we create experiences," explains Kajal, describing the philosophy that guides her business strategy.
Overcoming Business & Personal Challenges while Building her Business
Like many entrepreneurs, Kajal faced significant challenges when starting her business, such as limited capital, space constraints, and intense industry competition. Kajal approached all obstacles with a strategic mindset. “We've made strategic investments, optimized our inventory for freshness with every collection, and adopted drop-shipping to address space limitations,” she explains. This adaptability has helped Palms Home & Living carve its niche in the digital marketplace, offering a unique and personalized experience to consumers.
When asked about maintaining motivation through the challenges she faced, Kajal offers a refreshing perspective: "I believe that motivation is fleeting and doesn't always last. Instead, I focus on creating atomic habits and systems that provide a reliable, foolproof way of operating."
This philosophy extends to her approach to work-life balance. Living in a nuclear setup with her family in different cities, Kajal relies on effective systems and routines to manage the demands of entrepreneurship while being present for her daughter.
Kajal’s Business Approach and Marketing Strategy
Rather than following conventional retail approaches, Palms Home & Living has developed an experience-centered business model. The brand hosts pop-up stores, interactive events, and exhibitions while providing educational content about décor and design. Kajal also ensures to stay ahead of market trends by introducing limited-edition collections, embracing personalization, committing to sustainability, and leveraging digital platforms to engage directly with customers.
For marketing, Kajal relies on her expertise, using Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Meta Ads to engage with customers and showcase new collections. These platforms enable personalized communication and targeted campaigns that drive sales.
Beyond business, Palms Home & Living is deeply committed to supporting and promoting artisans from Uttar Pradesh and across India. By collaborating with these skilled craftspeople, the brand helps preserve traditional techniques while empowering local communities.
Future Plans and Advice for Women Entrepreneurs
Looking ahead, Kajal plans to expand her team, continue creating exclusive in-house designed collections, and develop unique customer experiences. She's also interested in collaborating with complementary brands and artisans.
For aspiring women entrepreneurs, Kajal offers practical advice: "Remember that society often places immense expectations on us, but it's important to embrace your own path. Surround yourself with a solid support system—people who believe in you, lift you up, and help you navigate the challenges."
When Kajal left behind a 14-year career in marketing, she wasn’t walking away from a lucrative professional journey, she was walking toward something more personal. She was discovering her true calling of being a “Founder” and building a woman-led brand. You can discover more about Kajal and Palms Home & Living through her profile on Women Listed.
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