How M Arshi Is Bringing Authentic Leather Craft Back to Women’s Everyday Style With ELLÉGATOR

Walk through any market today and you’ll see the same story repeated.

“Leather-look” bags.

Imported designs copied endlessly.

Synthetic materials dressed up as premium.

For most customers, it has become nearly impossible to tell what is genuine anymore.

M Arshi saw this confusion clearly — and chose to build a brand that restores honesty to handbags.

That decision became ELLÉGATOR.

The Problem: When ‘Leather’ Stops Meaning Leather

The handbag market is flooded with:

• Synthetic materials marketed as premium

• Copies of foreign designs with no originality

• High prices without real quality

Customers want durability, texture, and authenticity — but are often forced to compromise because genuine leather is either:

• Too expensive

• Poorly explained

• Or simply unavailable

ELLÉGATOR was created to solve one clear problem:

Make genuine leather handbags accessible, honest, and worth trusting again.

Built for Women, Across Generations

ELLÉGATOR designs for women of all ages — not trends, not seasons.

These are women who:

• Value quality over logos

• Prefer long-lasting pieces over fast fashion

• Appreciate craftsmanship they can feel, not just see

The brand focuses on handbags that fit naturally into daily life — functional, elegant, and quietly confident.

Early Validation: Customers Who Notice the Difference

One of the strongest milestones for ELLÉGATOR didn’t come from numbers — it came from customer response.

Women began appreciating the feel, finish, and durability of the products. They noticed the difference immediately — not because it was marketed loudly, but because genuine leather speaks for itself.

That appreciation became reassurance that the brand was moving in the right direction.

The Core Challenge: Changing Buying Habits

Perhaps the hardest part of ELLÉGATOR’s journey has been shifting customer mindset.

Synthetic bags are cheaper and everywhere. Genuine leather requires education and trust.

M Arshi tackled this by:

• Clearly explaining materials

• Pricing genuine leather affordably

• Letting product quality do the convincing

Instead of chasing trends, ELLÉGATOR focused on building belief — one customer at a time.

The Present Challenge: Building Online Momentum

Today, the primary growth challenge lies in online sales.

While customers who experience the product trust it deeply, scaling that trust digitally remains a work in progress. Building visibility, reach, and confidence online is the next critical phase.

The foundation is strong.Now the reach must catch up.

Hunger to Grow: High and Clear

When asked how hungry she is to grow the brand, M Arshi’s answer is a confident 5.

Not hurried growth — but committed, deliberate expansion built on quality and integrity.

Why ELLÉGATOR’s Story Matters

ELLÉGATOR is not trying to compete with fast fashion.

It is standing for something older — and stronger:

• Authentic materials

• Honest pricing

• Craftsmanship that lasts

In a market crowded with imitation, genuine quality becomes the boldest differentiator.

M Arshi’s journey is a reminder that trust, once rebuilt, becomes a brand’s most valuable asset.

Founder: M Arshi

Brand: ELLÉGATOR

City: Nainital

Email: shamsiarshi@gmail.com

If you’re a startup founder, artisan, or brand owner building something meaningful and want your story to be featured in our Founder Spotlight, write to us at team@unhu.in

~Editor

Kshitij Doval