Meet Ashvin Nankoo | Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashvin Nankoo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashvin, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
This is actually a tough question. I have had moments where I wanted to close off the brand and give up. Being an entrepreneur is hard. You do not know if today will be a good day where you will by closing off deals and making sales. I have had months where I did not sell or make an income with the business and this makes you question everything. Is the brand correct? Is the value I am providing good enough? These little thoughts will make you question why are you even spending time on growing you following and the brand.

But I did not give up. It has been 7 years since I started the brand and I do not think it is time to give up yet. I think the day I wake up and do not feel working towards the brand, is the day I know it is time to shut it down.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I still work as a full time Marine Underwriter while managing my entrepreneurial duties for the brand. Graduating during Covid-19, where the world has shut itself down with mass layoff was not the easiest thing for a young graduate to apply for any roles.

It took me over 6 months, where I applied for 500 jobs, interviewed for 100 to be offered one position. It was not easy at all. Mentally, you go through so many things, questioning whether you are good enough for any jobs roles and if you will ever work as a professional. Depression did take over, some days I did not want to talk to anyone and just close myself off. That was probably not ideal.

If you are a young graduate, apply for the roles, talk to family and friends if you are going through any mental challenges and do not worry about the future. It will work out somehow. Do not let any obstacle in your life prevent you from being happy. Life is made to live, not to be sad or depressed.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a Londoner and the best place to start will have to be Central London.

My favorite food spots to take them will be Borough Market. It is full of different cuisines and if you follow tiktok, you will know the different food spots at Borough Market. Best one is Bread Ahead, a doughnut shop where the make fresh doughnut and it is just amazing.

My next food spot has to be Neal’s Yard. Little restaurants all around and the place is petite and cute.

China Town. You cannot miss China Town if you are coming to London. Taiyakia is a little bakery shop where they make fresh custard Taiyakia, little fish pastry filled with custard. Whether it is warm or cold, I will take them to Shibuya Soho. They make milk ice cream with various toppings and it is to die for. The queue is usually long, but it will be worth it.

Hyde Park is a must. Walking around this grand park surrounded by houses worth millions, the scenery is worth it and it will be a relaxing day out.

For music, Blues Kitchen is awesome. They have live bands playing and the place inside is just awesome. This will take you on your toes till 3 am the next day.

For a chilled day, St James Park will be the spot. Not a grand as Hyde Park but you are surrounded by Royalty. Buckingham Palace is around the corner and they might even get a little wave from the Queen, if she is home. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would say City Sparks (City University) deserves a little credit. The main reason is, I was close to giving up on the brand and walking away, but I entered a start up competition, presented the idea/brand and they liked it. Luckily, they gave me £1,000 to invest in the brand and to grow it.

Without this support from them, I think I would have walked away from the brand in 2019.

Website: http://newlabelsonly.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newlabelsonly/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashvin-nankoo-80b15996/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgt65yVdbhtNDgFohofNY4A

Image Credits
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