Hello Mumbai Msme Desk 

Deepti Wakade
Founder – Nivi Creations | Entrepreneur | Fashion & Textile Designer | Product Counsellor

On the occasion of World MSME Day 2026, Aleem Shaikh, Editor-in-Chief of Hello Mumbai News, conducted an exclusive interview with Deepti Wakade, Founder of Nivi Creations, Entrepreneur, Fashion & Textile Designer, and Product Counsellor. During the interaction, Deepti Wakade shared valuable insights into the evolving MSME ecosystem, highlighting the significance of innovation, women entrepreneurship, product development, and sustainable growth. Through her entrepreneurial journey, she has been empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and promoting creativity in the fashion and textile sector. In this exclusive conversation, she discusses the opportunities and challenges facing MSMEs, the growing role of women-led enterprises, and how design-driven businesses can contribute to India’s economic development and self-reliance.

Hello Mumbai News 
On the occasion of World MSME Day, what message would you like to share with India’s MSME community and aspiring entrepreneurs?

Deepti Wakade
MSMEs are the backbone of India’s economy. My message is simple—dream big, start small, and stay consistent. Every successful business begins with one step. Focus on quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous learning. Entrepreneurship is not just about earning profits; it is about creating opportunities, generating employment, and contributing to the nation’s growth.

Hello Mumbai News 
As an entrepreneur, how do you assess the current growth and potential of India’s MSME sector?

Deepti Wakade
India’s MSME sector is experiencing remarkable growth due to digital transformation, government support, and increasing consumer demand for locally manufactured products. I believe the future belongs to businesses that combine innovation, quality, and technology while preserving Indian craftsmanship and values.

Hello Mumbai News 
You have worked extensively in reseller networking. How can reseller networks help MSMEs expand their market reach and increase sales?

Deepti Wakade
Reseller networks enable MSMEs to reach customers without investing heavily in physical stores. They create employment opportunities, especially for women and young entrepreneurs, while helping businesses expand faster through trusted local connections. A strong reseller network transforms customers into business partners and builds sustainable growth.

Hello Mumbai News 
What are the biggest challenges faced by product-based MSMEs, and how can they overcome them?

Deepti Wakade
The major challenges include limited market visibility, branding, finance, changing customer preferences, and competition from larger brands. MSMEs can overcome these by focusing on product quality, building a strong brand identity, adopting digital marketing, and continuously upgrading their products based on customer feedback.

Hello Mumbai News 
How important are branding, packaging, and product positioning in building a successful MSME business?

Deepti Wakade
Excellent products alone are not enough. Branding creates trust, packaging creates the first impression, and product positioning helps customers understand the value you offer. In today’s competitive market, these three elements significantly influence customer purchasing decisions and long-term brand loyalty.

Hello Mumbai News 
What qualities should entrepreneurs develop to build a sustainable and scalable business?

Deepti Wakade
Entrepreneurs should develop resilience, patience, discipline, adaptability, and strong leadership. They should also be lifelong learners who embrace innovation and believe in ethical business practices. Success comes from consistency and the ability to solve real customer problems.

Hello Mumbai News 
How can women entrepreneurs leverage reseller networks and digital platforms to grow their businesses?

Deepti Wakade
Digital platforms have created equal opportunities for women entrepreneurs. Through social media, e-commerce, WhatsApp Business, and reseller networks, women can build successful businesses from home while balancing family responsibilities. Financial independence begins with confidence, continuous learning, and effective networking.

Hello Mumbai News 
What role do innovation and product diversification play in ensuring long-term business success?

Deepti Wakade
Customer preferences change rapidly. Businesses that innovate and diversify their products remain relevant and competitive. Innovation is not always about creating something entirely new—it is also about improving quality, design, customer experience, and solving evolving market needs.

Hello Mumbai News 
How can MSMEs use social media, e-commerce, and digital marketing to compete with larger brands?

Deepti Wakade
Digital marketing has created a level playing field. MSMEs can showcase authentic stories, highlight product quality, engage directly with customers, and build loyal communities through social media. With consistent branding and customer engagement, even small businesses can establish a strong national and global presence.

Hello Mumbai News 
What advice would you give to first-generation entrepreneurs who are starting with limited resources?

Deepti Wakade
Start with the resources you have instead of waiting for perfect conditions. Build trust before chasing profits. Invest in learning, maintain financial discipline, and focus on customer satisfaction. Every successful entrepreneur once started with limited resources but unlimited determination.

Hello Mumbai News 
Which government initiatives and MSME schemes should entrepreneurs take advantage of for business growth?

Deepti Wakade
Entrepreneurs should explore Udyam Registration, the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), the MSME Champions initiative, skill development programmes, digital marketing support, export promotion schemes, and women entrepreneurship initiatives. These schemes can significantly strengthen business growth and competitiveness.

Hello Mumbai News 
How can entrepreneurs create strong partnerships and business networks that generate long-term opportunities?

Deepti Wakade
Successful partnerships are built on trust, transparency, mutual respect, and shared goals. Entrepreneurs should actively participate in industry events, business associations, exhibitions, networking forums, and collaborations. Strong relationships often create opportunities that marketing alone cannot achieve.

Hello Mumbai News 
What emerging trends do you foresee in product-based businesses and reseller networks over the next five years?

Deepti Wakade
I see increasing demand for sustainable products, customized solutions, digital commerce, AI-enabled business tools, direct-to-consumer brands, and women-led reseller communities. Businesses that combine technology with personalized customer service will lead the next phase of MSME growth.

Hello Mumbai News 
How can collaboration between entrepreneurs, startups, and MSMEs contribute to India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing and innovation hub?

Deepti Wakade
Collaboration encourages innovation, knowledge sharing, cost efficiency, and market expansion. When startups bring technology, MSMEs contribute manufacturing expertise, and entrepreneurs create market connections, India can become a global leader in quality manufacturing and innovation under the ‘Make in India’ vision.

Hello Mumbai News 
Finally, what is your vision for the future of India’s MSME sector, and what message would you like to give to young entrepreneurs on this World MSME Day?

Deepti Wakade
My vision is to see Indian MSMEs become globally recognized for innovation, quality, and sustainability while creating meaningful employment opportunities across the country. As the founder of Nivi Creations, I strongly believe entrepreneurship has the power to transform lives and communities.
To every young entrepreneur, I would say: Believe in your vision, keep learning, work with integrity, and never fear failure. Success belongs to those who stay committed to their purpose. Every great business starts with one courageous decision to begin.