Work spy: Meet the entrepreneurs who have turned tiny offices into creative hubs

Namrata Asthana, Blue Tokai

At the coffee roastery nobody can stop talking about, transparency drives decisions: both in business as well as design. “We wanted people to know where they were getting their coffee from,” says co-owner Asthana. The space is, accordingly, warm, mostly white and open; a glass panel provides unrestricted views of the roasting and brewing processes, and customers are welcome to pop around the counter for a closer look.

On Namrata: Cotton top and trousers; both Vero Moda. Leather pumps, Christian Louboutin. Crystal earrings, Swarovski

Flip through the gallery for more

Work where you love, love where you work. And we’d all love French windows, WiFi-connected coffee machines and top-floor views for inspiration. For the new entrepreneur, however, the perfect work space has different dimensions altogether. Meet the founders of the hottest new startups, who are building both their dreams and their office—from scratch!

Varsha Patra, Homegrown 

The Mumbai-based youth-media company runs out of an airy, spartan two-bedroom apartment. Patra, the business brain of the outfit, admits the minimal décor is directly related to startup budgets. The walls, therefore, are bare, but for a few illustrated artworks by independent artists that Homegrown promotes. Long, wall-mounted tables border the rooms and natural light floods the flat. “It’s warm, our décor choices are fluid,” she says.

On Varsha: Cotton blouse, silk-blend sleeveless gilet and crepe pants; all Zara. Metal watch, Tissot. Metal ring, Isharya

Flip through the gallery for more

Vanika Choudhary, Sequel 

Choudhary wanted the décor at her new Mumbai bistro and juice bar, Sequel, to reflect two things: her love for minimalism and a New York vegan-bistro vibe. The subtle ikat patterns on the cushions, natural light and a playlist of soft jazz pull this together. Whites and woody brown tones complement the intimate space, which is perfect for tasting the organic gourmet food on offer.

On Vanika: Woven jacquard jumpsuit, Solace London. Silk-blend blazer, Vero Moda

Flip through the gallery for more

Sabah Sheikh, Atisuto

“‘Atisuto’ in Japanese means a skilled artist, usually one who makes things by hand,” says Sheikh, who runs the bespoke wedding planning company. “That’s us.” And customers who enter the minuscule garage-turned-cabin instantly know what they’re in for. The compact office is full of vintage, flea-market discoveries like brass globes and old trunks (that double as storage units and seating), DIY Coca-Cola vases, a crate-table; and a wall full of motivational quotes and pictures of several past successes.                    

On Sabah: Georgette dress, Shift by Nimish Shah. Stone and metal necklaces; both Eurumme. Leather pumps, Dune London

Flip through the gallery for more

Surabhi Chauhan, Lovestruckcow

Chauhan believes that people make the work place and at the fashion communications company, a monochromatic theme provides the background for whatever her people (and the three adopted office dogs) choose to splash on the walls and whiteboards. Many of the artworks around the open-plan office, located in Chauhan’s parents’ basement, were contributed by illustrator Jasjyot Singh Hans. “Artists I love are given a free hand.”  

On Surabhi: Cotton-silk sari, Raw Mango. Cotton shirt, Bhane. Metal neckpiece, Olio at Nimai

Photographs: Ishita Singh and Manasi Sawant. Styling: Devika Wahal and Veronna Parikh. Make-up and Hair: Shallu Chandla and Maleka Fatema 

You may also want to read: Meet the cool crew behind BuzzFeed