CHALO

Grey Sheep

madetochalo

Location

berlin / germany

University

new york university

Graduation year

2013

Main Manufacturing Countries

india

Contact

Hi, I'm Mitali Gupta. I'm the founder of Chalo, a homegrown cowboy boot brand for women. Chalo transforms traditional cowboy boots to simple and modern designed boots for you on the go. We work with a family-owned factory that has specialized in cowboy craft for over 25 years, tans its own leathers, and supports our small batch collections.

We launched Chalo earlier in the year and are so grateful for the support and love we've received. Recently, we found ourselves featured in A Thing Or Two (a female-led newsletter that delivers the top ten things the founders are most excited about every week – from books, to recipes, to products that elevate the everyday), the Impact Hub Network (a global network of changemakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators collaborating on topics that are at the forefront of social impact and development today), and Zuri (a female-led brand based out of NY and Kenya).

I have 10+ years of experience in product innovation and strategy. I’ve led innovation, product design, and strategic brand initiatives in food services, finance, technology, and fashion. I've helped organizations, underserved businesses, and emerging market economies make innovation mainstream and become a driver for change. My experience is rooted in market research, ideation and design thinking, concept development, program management, and user experience.

I have also facilitated The Impact Hub Meet The Innovator Series to support entrepreneurs and change makers, and connect the impact community on topics that are at the forefront of social impact today.

Latest Collection

CHALO LAUNCH COLLECTION

Hi, we're Chalo!

Chalo combines traditional cowboy craft with modern design, bringing you cowboy boots for your every day. Chalo (pronounced “chal - o”) translates from Hindi to “let’s go.” Our products are a reminder to go on new adventures and are made to pair with all of your journeys.

We work with a family owned factory-tannery in North India that has specialized in cowboy boots for over 25 years. Tanning its own leather to ensure quality and versatility, a core aspect of cowboy craft, it also supports Chalo’s small batch production values while showcasing the skill of our factory. We are grateful to work with a team of skilled craftspeople and want to create opportunities to amplify their talent while making expressive products.

Our launch collection has four styles. These styles combine traditional cowboy boot designs with a modern touch so that they can be more versatile in form and function, fit for your daily life. All our products are made with a breathable upper, soft lined interior, and a durable outsole. We celebrate both – the pride of being “Made in India” and the craft we draw inspiration from, in the West.

"In the early 90s, my father opened a small leather factory in North India that made cowboy boot uppers – the distinct, decorative "upper" portion of cowboy boots. Cowboy boots became a part of my family and heritage ever since. Many people perceive cowboy boots as working or riding boots. But I’ve grown up wearing cowboy boots everywhere, and seen them being styled and adapted for many occasions. My first pair of cowboy boots traveled around the world with me, quickly becoming a vehicle for adventure and connection between the East and West. People around me were fascinated by the boots and excited to try them, but they were a little hesitant at first. For them, cowboy boots seemed foreign for the “everyday” life.

It's with this misconception that Chalo was born." – Mitali Gupta, Founder, Chalo

You can learn more about us at: www.madetochalo.com.