From Textiles to Transformation: My Journey to Sustainable Fashion with Indivaan
About Me
I was born into a Gujarati family in Mumbai in 1981. Growing up in Ahmedabad, India's textile capital, I was surrounded by a rich history of fabric and fashion. Starting at the young age of 14, I entered the garment industry, learning the art of stitching and cutting. This experience fostered my passion for fashion and textiles, leading me to become an assistant fashion designer.
A Life-Changing Event
The devastating Gujarat earthquake of 2001 left an indelible mark. This tragedy, which claimed many lives, shifted my perspective. After 2003, I transitioned into the tourism industry, leveraging my textile knowledge to showcase India's rich heritage to global audiences.
My passion for community led me to volunteer as a guide with the Ahmedabad heritage department. I played a key role in establishing a daily volunteer guide program, which ultimately contributed to Ahmedabad's recognition as India's first UNESCO city in 2016. As a testament to my dedication, I was even awarded the title of "Best Tour Guide of Gujarat."
A Return to Fashion with Purpose
Fast forward to the Covid-19 pandemic. The world came to a standstill, but it reignited my passion for fashion. Thanks to the wonderful connections I'd made through my textile tours, I reconnected with friends in Australia who helped me secure some work making bags. This sparked the idea of empowering others. Together with my friends, we gifted a sewing machine to a woman in Nepal, teaching her valuable sewing skills.
Indivaan: A Family Blooms
Back home in Ahmedabad, the initiative continued to grow. Two local women joined me, and soon, more talented ladies came on board. Working from my home studio, we nurtured a collaborative environment. Indivaan, meaning "self-reliance" in Gujarati, was born.
Today, Indivaan is a thriving family of 12 women artisans. Most of these amazing women have honed their skills to an international standard, creating beautiful and sustainable clothing.
Our Mission
At Indivaan, we believe in ethical and sustainable fashion. We use eco-friendly materials and traditional techniques while empowering our artisans. Through every stitch, we weave together a story of resilience, community, and a deep love for textiles.