From School Dropout to Textile Entrepreneur: How Ajay Ajmera Built a ₹250-Crore Fashion Enterprise from the Ground Up

In the bustling textile corridors of Surat, often called India’s textile capital, the rise of Ajay Ajmera stands out as a story shaped not by privilege but by persistence, risk, and a strong belief in inclusive growth.

Born in 1973 in Rajasthan’s Sikar district, Ajmera grew up in modest circumstances that forced him to leave school after the 11th grade. What he lacked in formal education, however, he made up for with determination. Beginning his career at the lowest rung of the textile trade, he learned the industry from the ground up, from sorting fabrics to understanding complex supply chains.

Over the next three decades, Ajmera worked across multiple roles, gradually building deep industry knowledge. By 2011, he had secured a well-paying job earning ₹2 lakh per month. Yet, he felt the system favoured large wholesalers, leaving small retailers, first-time entrepreneurs, and women with limited opportunities. That realisation became the turning point of his career.

In 2011, he walked away from job security to establish Ajmera Fashion, a venture driven as much by social purpose as business ambition. His goal was clear: create a model that allowed individuals to start their own garment business with minimal capital, as little as ₹25,000.

The approach resonated. Over time, the Surat-based company grew into a recognised textile manufacturer producing sarees, kurtis, gowns, and ethnic wear. Today, Ajmera Fashion reports an annual turnover exceeding ₹250 crore and exports to more than 30 countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, United Arab Emirates, and Australia.

Continuing to expand his vision of accessible entrepreneurship, Ajmera launched the Ajmera Trends franchise model in 2023, aiming to simplify entry into the garment business for aspiring retailers.

Nearly a decade and a half after founding his company, Ajmera’s journey reflects a broader narrative within India’s manufacturing sector, one where ambition, grassroots learning, and inclusive business models are reshaping traditional industries. His story, rooted in self-reliance and job creation, mirrors the aspirations of countless small-town entrepreneurs seeking to turn opportunity into enterprise.