While it is easily said, “Taare toh Pappa ni gaadi ae besvu che” (You have to take over your father’s business). But in reality, it is far more than just stepping into a chair. The most difficult thing for a son/daughter is to take over a legacy business, maintain the legacy, and keep the brand shining. Gujarat is home to thriving family-run businesses across generations.
Father-child duos are taking this legacy forward with innovation and values. A new wave of father-child duos is rewriting the family business playbook. What’s the best thing about it? The combination of age-old wisdom evolving with fresh ideas and modern technology.
This Father’s Day, we celebrate Gujarati entrepreneurs who built empires together. The stories where the father laid the foundation and the children added new wings. Also, ones where they built the business together. Let’s dive into the business stories of the duos in Gujarat.
Gujarat’s Father-Son/Daughter duos in business:
TintBox: Ridhi Singhai and Vinay Jain
TintBox began with a shared concern for health and the environment. Founded in 2017 by Ridhi Singhai and her father, Vinay Jain. They wanted to offer safe, plastic-free everyday solutions for Indian households. Sustainable lunchboxes and bottles are made by TINTBOX, using silicone sleeves and borosilicate glass. These products are resistant to breakage and thermal shock. They are non-toxic and stylish too. Their designs are practical and fashionable for modern Indian lifestyles. They aim to reduce plastic waste with every piece they sell. TintBox pioneered silicone-sleeved glassware products in India. Their startup stands for innovation with environmental consciousness and quality. Together, Ridhi and Vinay balance creative design with business strategy perfectly.
Tulsi Tea: Gordhanbhai and Haresh Kathrotiya
Tulsi Tea is a beloved name in Gujarat’s morning routines. Founded in 1981 by Gordhandas Mavjibhai Kathrotiya in Chalala, Gujarat. His son, Haresh Kathrotiya, later took over the business operations. Together, they grew Tulsi Tea into a household tea brand. They focus on blends tailored to suit the Gujarati palate and preferences. From one town to global markets, their journey reflects deep-rooted trust. Their success lies in quality control and staying true to consumer taste. This father-son duo built more than tea—they brewed a tradition.
Maisha by Esha: Esha and Nayan Shah
Maisha by Esha is a lifestyle brand built by three family members. Esha Shah, her father Nayan Shah, and husband Neel Vora co-founded Maisha. While Esha leads creativity, her father, Nayan, handles operations. They make eco-friendly bags and accessories together, adding a boho twist to it. The products they make include jute, cotton, and vegan leather. Maisha offers handcrafted, sustainable, and affordable fashion options. Their teamwork highlights how different generations blend ideas beautifully. It’s a business where creativity meets structure and shared vision.
Deepkala: Nilay and Maharsh Shah
Deepkala is a heritage clothing brand from Gujarat, over 80 years strong. Nilay Shah manages the retail empire with deep industry experience. His son, Maharsh Shah, brings a modern outlook through online channels. Maharsh founded Deepkala Silk Heritage, the digital arm of the brand. Together, they’ve preserved tradition while adapting to digital commerce trends. Deepkala is now known for premium ethnic wear and a contemporary retail presence. Their success shows how legacy can evolve without losing its soul.
Hocco: Satish, Pradeep, and Ankit Chona
The Chona family has been sweetening lives in Karachi since 1944. Satish Chona began the legacy with Havmor ice cream. His son Pradeep and grandson Ankit Chona took it forward. Havmor was eventually sold, but entrepreneurship stayed in the family. Ankit founded Hocco, a new-age food and dessert brand. With his wife, Gayatri Chona, they launched eateries and premium ice creams. From Huber & Holly to Hocco Eatery, the brand redefined indulgence. Their teamwork blends legacy recipes with fresh business thinking: three generations, one vision—quality and experience across every scoop.
Conclusion
These father-child teams didn’t just inherit legacies—they evolved them. They turned family values into business principles and innovation into tradition. On Father’s Day, Gujpreneur salutes these duos building Gujarat’s entrepreneurial future.
From tea to tech, textiles to tiffins—their journeys inspire and lead. Because in Gujarat, business often begins with one word: Pappa.
Let’s all keep hearing such stories of business and more from Gujpreneur!
