<p>In 1978, Nand Kishore Chaudhary (NKC) got a job offer from a Government bank and the chance to move from Churu to Jaipur -- something most people could only dream of back in the day.</p><p><br /></p><p>But, he declined that offer. He saw an opportunity in the carpets business which was a 100% export market and was growing steadily. He also saw this as an opportunity to impact lives and connect with people.</p><p><br /></p><p>So, he took a leap of faith. He took a loan of INR 5000 from his father. Bought a bicycle. Two looms. And started working with 9 artisans in Churu.</p><p><br /></p><p>And that's how Jaipur Rugs was born.</p><p><br /></p><p>Fast forward to today, he has created a sprawling empire with their carpets being exported to 60 different countries. They have trained &gt;40,000 artisans and run various social initiatives via Jaipur Rugs Foundation.</p><p><br /></p><p>NKC &amp; Jaipur Rugs are a shining example of how a business can create lasting impact in the lives of people.</p><p><br /></p><p>I learnt a lot while speaking to NKC and we spoke about a range of topics like:</p><p><br /></p><p>(02:03): How NKC started his entrepreneurial journey with INR 5,000</p><p><br /></p><p>(08:14): Inception of JaipurRugs — navigating early challenges of doing biz in the 1980s</p><p><br /></p><p>(14:49): What goes into making an exquisite handcrafted rug? Wool &gt; Yarn &gt; Carpet</p><p><br /></p><p>(20:31): How long does it take to make one carpet?</p><p><br /></p><p>(22:02): Challenges in the rug making biz - machine made carpets + reduction of artisans</p><p><br /></p><p>(25:28): BIG OPPORTUNITY — Evolution of luxury rugs market in India</p><p><br /></p><p>(28:17): Jaipur Rugs Foundation — changing lives of artisans</p><p><br /></p><p>(32:12): BUILDING LEGACY — Integrating children into the family biz</p><p><br /></p><p>(36:33): New initiatives @ JaipurRugs - converting artisans to artists</p><p><br /></p><p>(39:41): RAPID FIRE Qs</p><p><br /></p><p>You can check out their website @ <a href="https://www.jaipurrugs.com/in/?srsltid=AfmBOoqj2uK5UnZRs3CjTN-DLAAmeE8wpd7gi9zz0L_P-AFagWCPOPli" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">JaipurRugs</a></p><p><br /></p>