“Believe in your vision, stay patient, and stay consistent. Challenges will come, but every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Focus on building value, not just profits. Most importantly, build a brand that people can trust—and success will follow.”
Entrepreneurs Today reached out to Ankit Jain, Managing Director of Neelam Thread Pvt Ltd, who is proud of continuing the legacy his father, Late Shri Satender Kumar Jain, built in 1979.
Well-known for the flagship brand Telephone, Neelam Thread Pvt Ltd is the top manufacturer of high-quality embroidery threads in over 2000 colour shades.
Today, the company caters to fashion designers, apparel exporters, and global apparel brands looking for sustainable thread solutions. Owing to the consistency, quality and trends, they have also been featured in major fashion events.
As shared by Ankit, the inspiration to join the businesses came from him watching his father’s dedication, values and vision for the company. He adds,
“After completing my education, I stepped into the business with the goal of expanding our reach and modernising operations. I focused on understanding market needs, strengthening customer relationships, and introducing innovative thread solutions. Over time, this passion evolved into a strong commitment to carry the legacy forward while bringing in fresh ideas and sustainable practices to keep the brand relevant for future fashion trends.”
Competitive Edge
What gives the company an edge is the 45-year legacy and the recognition Telephone received over the years. Also, since he joined the company, they have been stocking up on colour shades across varied packaging formats, ensuring distributors and customers receive on‑time delivery.
Moreover, Telephone has been doing everything from dyeing in-house and quality control for the vast range of products to guaranteeing the accuracy of colors and to providing durable and custom solutions.
Navigating Challenges
One significant challenge Ankit faced initially was keeping up with the changing demands in the fashion and textile industry. He further says that with the rise of fast fashion, most clients are looking for quick turnaround, which led Ankit to invest in modern machinery, upgrade our dyeing and production processes, and focus on stock readiness and customisation.
Maintaining the quality of the clothes was another issue. So, Ankit and his team needed to be precise about the qualities of the threads in large volumes. Another challenge was, as he reveals,
“We also faced the growing pressure for sustainable practices. Instead of treating it as a hurdle, we saw it as an opportunity. We began exploring FSC-certified embroidery threads and recycled threads and eco-friendly materials, aligning our business with global sustainability goals.”
Celebrating Feats
One of Ankit’s accomplishments is that they have been able to build long-lasting relationships with top designers, garment exporters, and fashion houses.
Neelam Thread holds Oeko‑Tex Standard 100 Class I certification for baby articles and was the first in India to launch FSC‑certified embroidery threads. The company received the Best Sustainable Thread award and expanded its portfolio with matte‑finish spun polyester and recycled threads. Under the Telephone brand, Neelam Thread is the preferred partner for leading apparel exporters and designers, with its products featured at Fashion Week.
What Lies Ahead?
Some of the plans for the future include introducing options that are more sustainable in terms of recycling and biodegradable yarns within the brand ‘WORLDWIDE’ that would cater to the eco-friendly demands in fashion. The company also wants to expand its footprint globally by entering international markets.
Other plans include investing in advanced technology for production efficiency, color accuracy, and quality control. Additionally, the plan is to diversify the product range as well for niche embroidery applications like couture, home decor, and accessories.
The Takeaways
Some of the lessons Ankit has learned over the years are the need to build trust consistently, despite how competitive the market is. He also emphasises the need to adapt to the changes and innovation if one wants to keep their business relevant in current times. Apart from making sure to invest in the team, he also talks about understanding customer needs, being responsive and delivering personalised solutions.
Lastly, as he signs off, he notes,
“Sustainability is the future. Eco-conscious practices aren’t just trends; they’re becoming essential to long-term growth.”
