Sussanne Khan’s Journey From Internships to Million-Rupee Projects
Sussanne Khan has become a name synonymous with luxury and creativity in India’s interior design industry. Known widely as Hrithik Roshan’s ex-wife, Sussanne has carved out her own identity as a successful entrepreneur and founder of The Charcoal Project, India’s first conceptual home store. Today, her design projects come with a starting price tag of around ₹30 lakh for a 1,500 sq ft apartment, reflecting her expertise and the value she brings to every home she touches.
Sussanne’s journey, however, was far from easy. She began with unpaid internships and modest projects at her mother’s interior design company, where she was given small single rooms to design. It was her first significant project a complete apartment that brought her recognition and her first major pay cheque of ₹2 lakh. That early success opened doors for Sussanne, helping her establish credibility and gain confidence in an industry where word-of-mouth was her main promotion tool.
Sussanne Khan and The Charcoal Project
Founded in 2011, The Charcoal Project was India’s first conceptual home store. Unlike traditional furniture shops, it combined custom design, home décor, and luxury interiors, offering clients a complete conceptual solution. Initially, Sussanne faced criticism and skepticism. Many dismissed her as just another “celebrity designer,” unaware of her extensive training, exposure, and passion for design. She recalls how challenging it was to gain recognition, but she remained determined to turn her vision into reality.
Today, her business operates on two verticals: designing custom furniture and products for architects and interior designers, and managing full-scale design projects. Originally reliant on imports from Europe and China, The Charcoal Project has shifted entirely to local manufacturing in Maharashtra, allowing for better quality control and cost management. Sussanne explains that reinvesting earnings back into her business for redesigns and renovations has been a key strategy in sustaining creativity and growth.
Sussanne Khan’s Fee Structure and Project Approach
Sussanne Khan has set clear guidelines for her fees. She charges a flat design rate per square foot, ranging from ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 depending on the project’s location, materials, and client budget. For a 1,500 sq ft apartment in Mumbai’s upscale areas, the total design fee can range from ₹25–30 lakh. Her process includes taking 30% of the payment upfront, creating the design, and then billing for materials as work progresses room by room.
According to Sussanne, the secret to her success is balancing creativity with financial planning. She admits that while she may not have a natural knack for numbers, guidance from family and mentors helped her manage the business side effectively. Her approach has ensured that The Charcoal Project can sustain high-quality output while preparing for expansion into other cities and online platforms.
Lessons From Early Challenges
Sussanne Khan’s career growth demonstrates perseverance and resilience. She faced challenges like criticism at the launch of The Charcoal Project and financial hurdles, especially in the early years. Even the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to rethink her strategy, leading to renting out parts of her store to sustain operations. Despite such setbacks, Sussanne emphasizes the importance of reinvesting in the business and focusing on creativity as the key to long-term success.
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Reflecting on her beginnings, Sussanne highlights how her first major project at 21 not only gave her financial independence but also helped her understand client expectations and industry standards. She attributes her current success to consistent learning, hard work, and maintaining a balance between artistic vision and practical business decisions. Also Read: Actor Nivin Pauly Shines in 5 Remarkable Shades Through Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela
Conclusion
Sussanne Khan’s journey from designing small rooms to commanding multi-crore projects shows the power of persistence and vision. Her first big pay cheque was more than just money it was a stepping stone that gave her confidence and visibility. Today, Sussanne Khan stands as one of India’s most sought-after interior designers, proving that talent combined with determination can create extraordinary success in any field.
