Naina Parekh: The Modern Travel Visionary Redefining How India Travels

Travel has evolved dramatically over the last decade.

Today's travelers are no longer simply looking for a suitcase that carries belongings from one destination to another. They want products that reflect their lifestyle, personality, ambitions, and values. They seek functionality without sacrificing aesthetics, convenience without compromising style, and innovation that genuinely improves their journeys.

Yet for years, the luggage industry remained largely unchanged.

Travel bags were often designed around utility alone, while premium fashion accessories rarely addressed practical travel needs. This disconnect frustrated Naina Parekh long before she became one of India's most promising travel entrepreneurs.

"I noticed travellers were compromising between aesthetics and practicality, and there was a real opportunity to rethink what travel essentials could be," recalls Parekh.

That observation eventually became the foundation for EUME, a premium travel accessories brand that is rapidly emerging as one of India's most distinctive lifestyle companies.

Today, EUME is known for its design-forward travel products, innovative luggage solutions, and growing community of modern consumers who view travel as an extension of their identity. But the company's journey began with a simple idea: making travel smarter, more comfortable, and more beautiful.

A Global Education, A Global Perspective

Long before launching EUME, Naina Parekh invested heavily in understanding the worlds of luxury, design, branding, and business.

Her educational journey reflects the global mindset that would later define her entrepreneurial approach.

She studied at the prestigious Istituto Marangoni in Milan, one of the world's leading institutions for fashion, design, and luxury management. Surrounded by Europe's rich design culture, Parekh gained exposure to the principles that differentiate iconic brands from ordinary products.

She later pursued an Executive MBA from Harvard Business School, strengthening her understanding of leadership, strategy, and business growth.

Additionally, she completed a certification in Strategic Business Planning from the London School of Business and Finance, further sharpening her ability to transform ideas into scalable enterprises.

"These experiences gave me a structured way to approach design and business, which became crucial when shaping EUME," she explains.

Together, these educational experiences created a unique blend of creative thinking and commercial discipline—two qualities that would become central to EUME's success.

The Kickstarter Experiment That Changed Everything

Like many successful startups, EUME began with a problem.

Travelers frequently complained about physical discomfort caused by carrying heavy bags, especially during long journeys. Traditional backpacks often placed strain on the shoulders, neck, and back, turning travel into an exhausting experience.

Rather than accepting this as inevitable, Parekh saw an opportunity for innovation.

In 2018, she launched a Kickstarter campaign to test an unconventional idea: a backpack equipped with an integrated massager.

At first glance, the concept seemed unusual.

However, it addressed a genuine pain point experienced by millions of travelers, professionals, and commuters worldwide.

"I wanted to solve specific comfort problems, like heavy backpacks causing stress," says Parekh.

The campaign became her first entrepreneurial venture and served as an important validation of her belief that thoughtful design could transform everyday experiences.

More importantly, it helped establish EUME's identity.

The brand would never be just another luggage company.

It would focus on solving real problems through innovation while maintaining a strong design aesthetic.

Building a Premium Indian Travel Brand

Creating a premium Indian luggage brand was not easy.

The market was dominated by established multinational players with decades of consumer trust, extensive distribution networks, and substantial marketing budgets.

For a young startup, competing in this environment required more than good products.

It required a distinctive vision.

EUME chose not to compete solely on price.

Instead, the company focused on creating aspirational travel products that combined premium materials, ergonomic functionality, and contemporary design.

The strategy reflected broader shifts taking place within India's consumer landscape.

A growing generation of urban professionals, entrepreneurs, and frequent travelers were increasingly willing to invest in products that reflected their lifestyle aspirations.

These consumers wanted brands that felt modern, global, and design-conscious.

EUME positioned itself precisely at this intersection.

From Bootstrap to Growth Story

The company's early years were largely self-funded.

Like many entrepreneurs, Parekh faced the challenge of balancing ambitious growth plans with limited resources.

Every decision—from product development and inventory management to marketing and hiring—required careful prioritization.

However, as the brand gained traction, investors began to take notice.

Over time, EUME attracted angel investors and strategic backers who believed in the company's vision.

To date, the company has raised approximately ₹35 crore, providing capital to expand operations, strengthen product development, and build brand awareness.

"Each round of support helped us scale thoughtfully while staying true to our design vision," says Parekh.

Unlike startups that prioritize rapid expansion at any cost, EUME has focused on measured growth while protecting its brand identity.

This approach has allowed the company to maintain consistency even as it expands its footprint.

Creating More Than Luggage

One of EUME's biggest achievements has been transforming how customers perceive the brand.

Initially known for travel accessories, the company has gradually evolved into a broader lifestyle brand.

This shift did not happen overnight.

It required consistent storytelling, thoughtful product design, and a deep understanding of consumer aspirations.

"A defining high came when customers began seeing EUME not just as luggage, but as a lifestyle," Parekh explains.

"That shift validated our focus on design, narrative, and long-term thinking."

Today, products such as aluminum travel luggage and premium trunk collections have helped establish EUME as a recognizable name among India's urban travelers.

The company serves thousands of customers across major cities and continues to expand its product ecosystem.

For many consumers, EUME represents a modern approach to travel—one that blends functionality, elegance, and self-expression.

Building an Inclusive Organization

Beyond products and profits, Parekh has also focused on building a company culture that reflects her values.

Approximately 30 percent of EUME's workforce is female, contributing across multiple functions within the organization.

As a woman founder operating in a traditionally male-dominated business environment, she understands the importance of creating opportunities and representation.

Her leadership style emphasizes both creativity and accountability, encouraging teams to innovate while remaining focused on execution.

This balance has helped EUME maintain agility while scaling.

The Road Ahead

India's travel and luggage market is expected to undergo significant growth over the next decade.

Rising disposable incomes, increasing domestic tourism, international travel recovery, and growing lifestyle consumption are creating new opportunities for premium brands.

Parekh believes EUME is well-positioned to benefit from these trends.

The company aims to capture a meaningful share of India's ₹35,000 crore travel and luggage market by 2030.

Its financial ambitions are equally bold, targeting annual revenues exceeding ₹250 crore by FY29.

To achieve this, EUME plans to expand across multiple fronts.

The company intends to raise a Series B funding round during FY26–27 to accelerate manufacturing capabilities, strengthen offline retail presence, expand exports, and integrate technology into future product offerings.

Plans also include establishing more than 20 experiential stores across metropolitan cities and airports, building a stronger direct-to-consumer ecosystem, and exploring international markets.

Sustainability and smart travel technology are expected to play increasingly important roles in future product development.

Redefining Travel for a New India

For Naina Parekh, EUME's mission extends beyond luggage.

The company is ultimately about helping a new generation of Indians travel with confidence, intention, and style.

As consumer expectations evolve, travel products are becoming more than functional accessories. They are becoming expressions of identity, ambition, and personal values.

"We aim to define how new-age India travels—consciously, stylishly, and with intent," Parekh says.

In an industry long dominated by legacy players and conventional thinking, EUME represents something different.

It represents the possibility that innovation, design, and purpose can transform even the most familiar everyday products.

And as India's travel economy enters a new era of growth, Naina Parekh is determined to ensure that the journey looks as good as the destination.