Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik Chakraborty recently performed a puja at the first store of their streetwear brand, Chapter 2 Drip, in Mumbai. This event marks a significant milestone for the siblings, who ventured into the retail business in 2024. The store's opening and the puja ceremony symbolize a fresh start for Rhea, particularly after a challenging period.
The launch of Chapter 2 Drip's first physical store in Bandra, Mumbai, represents more than just a retail space. It embodies a journey of healing and self-expression for Rhea and Showik. The store's design reflects this ethos, featuring black and white tiled interiors, curved clothing racks, and handwritten quotes on the walls. A built-in coffee bar and conversation corners aim to foster a sense of community and encourage shoppers to connect with the brand on a deeper level.
Rhea has described Chapter 2 not just as a brand but as a very real part of their lives, born out of necessity. She views the store as a physical manifestation of their journey, imbued with raw emotion, clarity, and purpose. The brand's focus extends beyond fleeting trends, with oversized tees, raw-edged hoodies, and apparel featuring affirming messages designed to promote individuality and self-worth. Showik emphasizes that their clothes are meant to express, not impress, aiming to spark conversations and resonate with those who wear them.
Chapter 2 Drip's commitment to fostering connection is further highlighted by the inclusion of Chapter 2 Brew, a coffee nook within the store. This space encourages visitors to linger, converse, and build relationships, reinforcing the brand's focus on community. The brand's products, priced between Rs 1,190 and Rs 4,190, come with poetry-lined packaging and tags that serve as affirmations, reinforcing the brand's mission of promoting fashion as a tool for healing and identity.
Looking ahead, Rhea and Showik have ambitious plans for Chapter 2 Drip, with the goal of opening 10-15 more outlets within the next year. Interestingly, their focus is on expanding into non-metro cities such as Jaipur, Bhopal, and Raipur, where they've observed significant organic traction. They envision these stores as cultural hubs, providing spaces for connection and community engagement rather than just consumption.
Rhea and Showik, backed by Kishore Biyani and his daughter Ashni, have seen impressive growth through their D2C website. Chapter 2 Drip currently generates monthly revenue exceeding Rs 50 lakh, with a month-on-month growth rate of 20-25%. As first-time entrepreneurs, Rhea and Showik emphasize that Chapter 2 was born from a difficult period in their lives and has evolved into a meaningful purpose. Their aim is to create a welcoming and supportive environment for people who feel like they don't quite fit in.
The opening of Chapter 2 Drip's first store and the accompanying puja ceremony represent a significant step forward for Rhea Chakraborty and Showik Chakraborty. It symbolizes their resilience, creativity, and commitment to building a brand that promotes self-expression, community, and healing.