India, May 11 -- In the mid-1990s, before luxury became part of everyday home conversations in India, it showed up in smaller ways. For Stanley Lifestyles Limited, that meant car interiors. The company began in Bengaluru, working out of a garage with a three-member team. As newer cars entered the market, a section of buyers wanted more than what came standard. Leather interiors became an upgrade, and Stanley found its place there early on.

"I started this company out of a car garage with just three people working. And very quickly, it became a rage," founder Sunil Suresh told HT Shop Now in an interview.

His background in leather exports played a key role. Years spent working with global brands meant a clear understanding of sourcing, c...