From Pandemic Inspiration to Purposeful Innovation
In the heart of the pandemic, as the world moved indoors and digital connections flourished, Manali Sanghvi and Harshit Singhal spotted an opportunity to reimagine the ordinary. Hexafun was born from a simple observation: as people shared their lives online, even the most overlooked essentials could become expressions of personality.
“Hexafun is like a pandemic baby,” Manali recalls. The surge in social media creativity inspired them to transform the humble handkerchief, once plain and hidden, into a bold, fun, and expressive accessory. Their vision was clear: to create products that stand out, spark joy, and let people flaunt their individuality.
Building a Brand on Playfulness, Inclusivity, and Sustainability
At Hexafun’s core lies a commitment to playfulness and inclusivity. “Having fun is everything. It’s the core value Hexafun is based on,” says Harshit. From witty, contemporary designs to gender-neutral collections, including pride-themed lines, every product is designed to foster a sense of belonging and celebration.
Sustainability is another key pillar. Finding vendors in India who met their high sustainability standards was challenging, but persistence paid off. “We’ve managed something rare, combining the pace of fast fashion with deep environmental consciousness,” Harshit explains. Working with globally certified partners and disciplined production practices, Hexafun minimizes waste while maximizing impact, proving that fashion can be both trendy and responsible.
Staying Close to the Consumer: The Gen Z Connection
Manali and Harshit take a refreshingly hands-on approach to product development. Recognizing Gen Z and millennials as their primary audience, they actively engage with their community, listening and learning directly. “We talk to our Gen Z audience, understand what feels authentic, and what resonates,” Manali shares. This close connection ensures Hexafun stays relevant, genuine, and beloved by its core customers.
Scaling with Strategy: A Three-Step Retail Expansion
With recent seed funding, Hexafun is set for ambitious growth. Harshit shares their retail strategy: they are partnering with modern trade stores, popular among fashion-forward consumers, exploring unconventional spaces like bookstores and airports, and launching exclusive brand kiosks in high-traffic areas. Known for its playful and distinctive designs that stand out in the market, Hexafun is already available in over 112 stores, including Regal Shoes, Hamleys, and Crossword, expanding its footprint while maintaining its unique brand appeal.
Cultivating a Vibrant, Creative Team Culture
The founders believe that the energy of their products should be reflected in their workplace. “We aim to build a culture that is warm, community-driven, and fun,” says Manali. By hiring people who embody Hexafun’s values and nurturing a supportive environment, the brand ensures that creativity and enthusiasm thrive at every level.
Standing Apart: Redefining Accessories for a New Generation
Hexafun understands the evolving Indian consumer. “Gen Z is smart, conscious, and expressive. They don’t spend endlessly on items they won’t repeat,” Harshit notes. By positioning accessories as affordable, versatile, and expressive style statements, Hexafun empowers customers to experiment and showcase their personalities without waste.
Personal Growth Through Entrepreneurship
Reflecting on their journey with Hexafun, Harshit and Manali highlight how entrepreneurship has shaped their approach to both work and life. Harshit emphasizes the importance of stepping into the consumer’s shoes, truly understanding their needs, is essential to creating products that resonate. He also believes that passion is the driving force behind persistence; the love for what you do keeps you going, even through daily challenges.
Manali adds that while her background in advertising, marketing, and branding fueled her curiosity and consumer focus, Hexafun has instilled in her the discipline and systematic thinking required to run a business. She describes herself now as a confident problem-solver, breaking down challenges and finding solutions with clarity and purpose. Together, their journey reflects a balance of deep consumer insight, unwavering passion, and practical business acumen, qualities that continue to shape Hexafun’s growth and distinctive approach.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Hexafun
As technology and consumer habits evolve, Hexafun remains agile. The founders are excited about AI and digital tools that can enhance operations and creativity. Equally, they are committed to letting their community guide future product directions.
Their five-year vision is ambitious: “We want Hexafun to be recognized as the brand that redefined accessories in India… changing the perception of accessories from commodity to mainstream fashion,” Harshit declares. With a steadfast focus on fun, inclusivity, and sustainability, Manali and Harshit are not just building a brand; they are inspiring a movement, one expressive accessory at a time.
For more on Hexafun’s journey and to explore their vibrant collections, visit their website or find them at leading retail stores across India.
-By Muskan Dengra
