“Problems create solutions. While some of us are always busy complaining about the problems we see in the country, we fail to realize the potential of “problem solving” in this country.”
In an interview with Entrepreneurs Today, Vansh Pahuja and Medhashree Gupta talk about the opportunities for new businesses in India as they walk us through their entrepreneurial journey.
Their brainchild, Please Me, is a venture focused on revolutionizing the sexual wellness industry in India. As a graduate from Northeastern University Boston, Vansh has been involved in startups since the age of 17. Medhashree Gupta, a branding and creative design expert from Pearl Academy, partnered with Vansh, to launch “Please Me.”
Drawing inspiration
Speaking of what inspired them to found the company, they say,
“India is home to the greatest wellness industry that’s clean, plant-based and scientifically backed. However, we noticed a huge gap in the contemporary outlook of the people regarding sexual wellness who were ready to open up to the conversation and the companies which were few and far between offering meaningful solutions for their simple problems.”
Distinguished by its inclusive approach and minimalist design, Please Me challenges societal stigmas. Vansh and Medhashree, envision a world where individuals, regardless of sexual preference, can engage in a healthy dialogue about self-pleasure as an extension of self-love. Their venture is marked by top-notch products designed with one clear objective – to please you.
Vansh Pahuja and Medhashree Gupta drew inspiration from personal experiences and societal observations. Conversations with friends and family unveiled the lack of sexual exposure and the stigma surrounding personal sexual wellness, motivating them to create a solution.
Understanding the cultural barriers in India, they set out to establish Please Me as a private space for open conversations, normalizing self-pleasure as a crucial aspect of life. The venture is fueled by a shared passion to break stereotypes and provide a platform for individuals to explore their desires without repression.
With Medhashree’s expertise in branding and marketing and Vansh’s background in D2C operations and strategy, Please Me transformed from an idea to a fully functional e-commerce platform in under six months.
The USP
“Most brands in this space have always had a very “in your face” approach in terms of marketing their products which has often been considered shady and inappropriate.”
In our exclusive chat, Vansh and Medhashree explained why they clearly have a leg up over the competitors. Please Me stands out with a distinct approach in the sexual wellness market. The company takes pride in offering discreet, sleek, and culturally sensitive products. Unlike others, their thoughtfully designed items are intended to be simple and approachable, avoiding judgments or uncomfortable thoughts when seen in public.
Beyond merely selling sexual wellness products, Please Me is driven by a broader ethos. The company aims to establish a safe platform that not only sells but also educates and promotes self-care, self-discovery, and self-empowerment. Inclusivity is at the core of their values, as they position Please Me as a brand for all humans, irrespective of race, color, gender, or body type. Their commitment lies in creating a space that goes beyond products, fostering a holistic approach to sexual well-being.
Challenges faced
Medhashree acknowledges that their chosen domain is difficult to navigate. She shares,
“Given the nature of our business, we always knew that finding the right audience and acceptance in this segment was never going to come easy.”
The primary challenge Please Me faced was building trust with their customers, a hurdle they turned into a strength. Overcoming skepticism, they addressed this by ensuring discreet delivery of their body-safe products, known for their clean and sleek design.
Leveraging platforms like Instagram and employing digital marketing, they strategically shared their story, disseminated information, and debunked myths in a manner that was informative and respectful, avoiding any offense to sentiments while serving their purpose. This approach played a crucial role in establishing credibility and overcoming the initial challenge of gaining trust in their brand.
Celebrating feats
In less than one year since its inception, Please Me has achieved notable success in a traditionally overlooked space. The brand has actively participated in various pop-up events across the country, successfully engaging with diverse audiences and converting them into a loyal customer base. The unanimous satisfaction expressed through feedback on their existing products speaks to the brand’s effectiveness.
One of Please Me’s significant achievements is catching the attention of potential investors and venture capitalists. In a short span, they have successfully garnered interest from the investment community, marking a substantial milestone for the startup.
Ultimately, Please Me defines its success not just in terms of business metrics but also in the number of smiles and positive experiences it has been able to provide to individuals who may have hesitated to explore such products in the past.
Plans ahead
Please Me has ambitious plans for the future centered around breaking taboos and normalizing discussions on pleasure. Despite India’s historical contributions to sexual knowledge, there remains a hesitancy to engage in public conversations around sexual wellness for consenting adults. The company aims to challenge and change this mindset.
With the sexual wellness category in India projected to grow significantly, reaching $2,095.4 million by 2030, Please Me sees vast opportunities for expansion. The company is just at the beginning of its journey and intends to continue introducing products that are not only different, innovative, and unique but also functional in fulfilling the purpose of pleasure and intimacy. The focus remains on contributing to the evolving landscape of sexual wellness through awareness, conversation, and groundbreaking products.
Lessons learned
A crucial lesson for Vansh and Medhashree has been the realization that “you don’t know what you don’t know.” Starting a venture straight out of college, the initial confidence may lead to the assumption that everything is known. However, the importance of continuous learning and the awareness of knowledge gaps are crucial aspects of growth.
Emphasizing the significance of failure, both of them sign off by reminding,
“Failure is a fantastic teacher when compared to success. Eventually, it is not about how many times you fail, but the amount of times you pick back up, give it another shot and keep moving forward.”
