How a 23-Year-Old Pivoted from Accounting to Build a $167 Million Brand
At just 23, Gurmer Chopra made a bold decision that transformed his life and career. After landing a prestigious job at a major accounting firm, he quickly realized the corporate world wasn’t for him. Within months, he quit and focused full-time on a small e-commerce side hustle that he and his brother Dashmeet had started. Today, that venture—YoungLA, a lifestyle clothing brand—is raking in an impressive $167 million annually.
Early Roots: From Souvenir Shops to Entrepreneurship
Originally from India, Chopra's family immigrated to the U.S. in 2002, settling in California after a few years in New Jersey. His father’s journey into entrepreneurship by running souvenir shops laid the foundation for Gurmer and his brother’s business mindset. From helping out at their dad’s stores as kids to witnessing the shift from physical shops to online sales, the brothers developed their entrepreneurial skills early on.
"Being involved from the age of 12, helping my dad run his business, was really where my brother and I got our first taste of entrepreneurship," Chopra recalls.
The Humble Beginnings on eBay and Beyond
In 2014, while still studying economics and accounting at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Gurmer and Dashmeet pooled together $5,000 to start selling products like jeans, sneakers, and graphic tees on eBay. Sourcing inventory from Downtown Los Angeles at wholesale prices, they tested what would resonate with customers by experimenting with various items including iconic Tupac and Biggie shirts.
Expanding beyond eBay, they built their presence on Amazon and eventually launched their own website, YoungLA.com, inspired by a local DJ called "Young California." This marked a shift from reselling to manufacturing their own branded apparel, embedding the YoungLA.com name on product tags to strengthen brand identity.
Key Milestones and Growth Drivers
- 2017: Surpassed their first million in revenue.
- 2018: Embraced "drop culture," releasing limited-edition collections to drive hype and exclusivity.
- 2019: Signed first major influencer partnership.
- 2020: Hit over $6 million in annual revenue.
- 2024: Company generates a staggering $167 million annually.
The use of influencer marketing and strategic product drops proved instrumental, creating buzz and demand that fueled rapid expansion.
Lessons from the Journey
Looking back, Chopra reflects on both the excitement and challenges of entrepreneurship. "Leaving accounting was the best decision for me — I’m incredibly satisfied with how far we’ve come. But it’s far from easy. There’s constant stress, tough decisions like firing employees, managing legal issues, and facing uncertainty."
He emphasizes that real learning comes from being deeply involved in the business. "Nothing prepares you for the day-to-day realities like actually experiencing them. It taught me not only about business but about resilience and self-discovery."
Final Thoughts
Gurmer Chopra’s story is a testament to following one’s passion, taking calculated risks, and adapting to new market trends. From a reluctant accountant to a successful entrepreneur running a multi-million-dollar brand, his path highlights the power of grit, innovation, and strategic thinking in the fast-paced world of e-commerce.
