Our recent show Avishkar was at Belgaum. The city I grew up in , my childhood memories of being a prankster , my college days of riding bikes and exploring the world and the beginning of my journey as an entrepreneur.
Sixteen years of running a Boutique in the city with an experience that can be unmatched I made friends with teachers, doctors , social workers , home makers and every job imaginable. Sourcing of block printed hand loom fabrics from across the country , training my tailors to stitch comfortable outfits and teaching women from the rural areas the art of embroidery. I can say I designed for thousands of women from various backgrounds and line of work and the common factor was their love for well tailored clothes with hand embroidery that lasted more than the fabric did sometimes. Over a period of time I had clients turned friends who would drop in for a chat over a coffee , getting their outfits designed or just sharing their stories.
After five years of moving out of Belgaum and designing jewelry instead of clothes when I decided to participate in Avishkar a show curated by two Strong women Mrs Manisha Badani and Mrs Rohini Gogte and a team of like minded ladies with the sole aim of empowering women of Belgaum I had not imagined the kind of overwhelming response I would get. Friends whom I had shared stories with , designed clothes for or inspired as a single mom came down to say hi and shopped. My store was filled with familiar smiling faces waiting to say hi and ask how I had been . My designs got equal love as my cotton creations did in this quaint little town.Reminiscing about the glorious decade and a half of my journey as an entrepreneur was gratifying and soul stirring.
You don’t realize the lives you have touched , influenced or changed in a good way till people seek you out and express it to you. With footfall in thousands visiting this three day event I discovered I knew every second women walking in which in itself was the biggest motivation I could get as a designer.The three days at Avishkar for me were the most fulfilling as an entrepreneur , refreshing as a Belgaumite and gratifying as a person. We came back totally rejuvenated and enthusiastic after having sold almost our entire collection designed for the event.
Looking forward to visiting my favorite city again soon , to meet and mingle and showcase my specially designed for hometown collection.
Humbled and grateful
Kiraan.
