Meet Indian, who once used to work in a cloth mill, now one of the richest Indians in US, his business is…, he lives in…

From a small retail store selling Asian imports to a sprawling business empire in fashion and real estate, the Watumull family's journey is a remarkable story of resilience, innovation, and success.

Edited by: Anirudha Yerunkar

Published: December 23, 2024, 3:12 PM IST

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https://www.india.com/business/meet-indian-watumull-who-once-used-to-work-in-a-cloth-mill-now-one-of-the-richest-indians-in-us-his-business-is-real-estate-he-lives-in-hawaii-7486885/ Copy

Indian-origin individuals have made remarkable strides worldwide, and the Watumull family stands as a testament to this success. Recognized among the wealthiest families in Hawaii, USA, their business empire traces back to Jamnadas Watumull, who laid its foundation in 1915.

Born in Hyderabad, Sindh (now in Pakistan) before India’s independence, Jamnadas rose from humble beginnings to establish a business legacy that spans garments, retail, and real estate. Here’s the inspiring journey of the Watumull family.

Jamnadas Watumull Beginnings

Jamnadas Watumull was born into a middle-class family where his father ran a modest brick business. Although the family was educated, they were far from wealthy. Tragedy struck when Jamnadas’s father suffered paralysis, forcing young Jamnadas to take financial responsibilities.

In search of opportunities, Jamnadas moved to the Philippines and worked in textile mills. By 1909, he partnered with Dharamdas, starting a small trading business in Manila. However, their venture suffered setbacks when the United States imposed restrictions on foreign businesses after taking control of the Philippines.

Jamnadas Watumull Journey To Hawaii

In 1915, Jamnadas, then 29, relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii, with Dharamdas. Together, they established a retail shop focused on importing Asian goods like silk, brassware, and ivory artifacts. They registered the company under the name Watumull and Dharamdas. Unfortunately, Dharamdas passed away from cholera in 1916, leaving Jamnadas to manage the business.

Jamnadas’s brother Govindram Watumull joined him in Honolulu to oversee the store while Jamnadas managed operations in Manila. The store was later renamed the East India Store, reflecting its focus on Asian imports. Over the years, the business expanded across Hawaii and Asia, becoming a household name for quality and unique products.

Iconic Aloha Shirts and Fashion

During the 1930s, Hawaii emerged as a popular destination for affluent tourists. The demand for Aloha shirts, featuring vibrant Hawaiian patterns, surged. Sensing an opportunity, the Watumull family became one of the first retailers to offer these designs.

In 1936, Govindram collaborated with his sister-in-law Elsie Jensen, who created some of the earliest Hawaiian-patterned designs. These shirts became a cultural symbol and were worn by Hollywood stars like Loretta Young, Jack Benny, and Lana Turner, further boosting their popularity.

The Watumulls later acquired the Royal Hawaiian Manufacturing Company, where they produced the first matching family Aloha wear. These efforts solidified their brand as a pioneer in Hawaiian fashion.

Challenges To Watumull Family

Despite their success, Jamnadas and Govindram faced challenges, including discrimination and restrictive immigration laws. Govindram’s marriage to American citizen Elsie Jensen led to her losing her citizenship due to her union with an immigrant. Determined to fight for equality, Jensen collaborated with advocacy groups, leading to changes in the law and eventually regaining her citizenship in 1931.

In 1946, Govindram finally became a US citizen. Around the same time, during India’s partition in 1947, the Watumull family relocated from Sindh to Mumbai, while Jamnadas’s son Gulab Watumull moved to Hawaii to manage the business.

Watumull Business Expansion Into Real Estate

By 1955, the business was divided between Jamnadas and Govindram’s families. While Jamnadas and his son Gulab focused on retail, Govindram’s descendants ventured into real estate development. The company diversified its portfolio, acquiring commercial properties, apartments, and marketplaces in Hawaii.

Although the last Watumull retail store closed in 2020, the family’s business legacy thrives in the real estate sector. For instance, Watumull Properties recently acquired a 19,045-square-meter marketplace in Hawaii, underscoring their continued influence in the region.