AjishKurian

Introduction

Tanoora Swetha Menon founded Zoul & Zera, a prominent kids' fashion brand based out of Kozhikode, Kerala. The brand has since expanded to Northern India and the Middle East. Born in the small village of Chottanikkara in Ernakulam district, Kerala, Tanoora grew up in a community that relied heavily on a nearby temple for daily sustenance. For Tanoora and her family, having three meals a day was considered a luxury.

Tanoora completed her schooling at a local government school where the medium of instruction was Malayalam. Her childhood was marked by significant challenges, including the separation of her parents. Her mother remarried when Tanoora was in the 7th grade, adding to the family's complexities.

While attending college, Tanoora entered into a love marriage and became pregnant during her first year. Facing financial difficulties, she began offering tuition classes for children, charging between50 to 250 rupees per month. This initiative helped her manage her family responsibilities while pursuing her education. Despite her husband's business setbacks, Tanoora's determination led her to save money, and by 2009, she invested 5,000 rupees in clothing from Ernakulam novelty shops to start her own business.

Her entrepreneurial spirit saw the gradual growth of her venture, leading to the establishment of two stores in Ernakulam and Thrissur. Today, Zoul & Zera is a testament to her resilience and dedication, serving a wide customer base across different regions.