Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan makes it to Entrepreneur India’s 35under35 list

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Indian cricket team’s dashing opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan began a new innings, last year, when he along with wife Aesha Dhawan launched his premium home décor brand ‘DaONE Home’. Named after what his team-mates lovingly call him, DaONE Home has products ranging from soft furnishings such as bed linen, cushions and table linen.

Dhawan said, “Our homes are a natural extension of our own personalities, a reflection of our preferences and tastes. When Aesha and I were setting up our home, we realized the challenge that most Indians face when it comes to getting their living spaces to reflect their identities. While there were plenty of options available to choose from, no one place could give us the kind of comprehensive, end-to-end satisfaction that we were looking for. DaONE Home is our endeavor to address this major market gap.”

Shikhar Dhawan and his wife Aesha cofounded the company launched on October 28 last year.

The Delhi-based business was no coincidence for Dhawan as he always wanted to take up the entrepreneurial routine and family business after retirement from cricket. The brand aims to accentuate the look and the feel of your home

Little did he know that he would end up launching a startup to test his prowess.“I enjoy taking risk in my life. I like to go with my instinct. I come from a middle class family where my father ran a business. I always saw myself doing business. I always had that urge of doing business. I thought this is the right time. I always had the courage to start something new.”

Talking about his learning as an entrepreneur, he says, “You cannot lose your temper when things don’t go your way. In cricket we earn and spend more but in business you have to be careful where you are spending your every penny.”