Former schoolmates Nilesh Jain and Abhinandan Jain, both with business backgrounds, wanted to float a joint venture. After research, they zeroed in on footwear, but as their families were against them dealing in leather, they began exploring the alternatives available.

Monk Story , a vegan business offering shoes and accessories for men launched last year, now has annual revenues of nearly Rs 2 core.

"All our products -shoes, bags, wallets, bow ties -are made of polyurethane," says Abhinandan, adding that their products are competitively priced.

"Our shoes are priced at Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 a pair; a pair of leather shoes of similar design will cost Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000."

With more people turning vegan -for health or ethical reasons -there is a growing demand for "cruelty-free" products in keeping with the ancient Indian credo of ahimsa...Read more

Source web page: Times of India