“India can aim to be recognized as a developed nation only when women in India get equal opportunities”
Brief introduction about yourself and tell us something about Samprada? Samprada was established in 2010. After a formal training i was attracted towards traditional hand block prints and hand-looms fabrics in natural dyes of India. I was actively involved in teaching, curriculum planning and annual fashion shows conducted in various institutes. A brand that truly believes that fabrics are not just textiles but a living art form. Garments that are not just for fashion, but ‘styles’ that bring the class in you. Samprada is all about defining beautiful women through garments that are trendy, comfortable and stylish. Our focus on the cuts and fits of our garments and our finishing makes par with the highest standards in the industry. We are loved for our feminine and comfort cuts in all sizes. Samprada has always believed in: “What is good for our customers is also, in the long run good for us” - Ingvar Kamprad, Founder of IKEA
Samprada has truly preserved and promoted rich textile heritage of India, what ignited the spark in you to start such an innovative business? My love for colour, craft and passion, for all things earthy and timeless, inspired me to work in the area of textile and fashion design. And, my passion to work with artisans and their craft took me to the villages of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. I conceptualized ‘Samprada’ before i quit my last job as a coordinator and head of the department of Fashion & Interior Design for New Delhi YMCA. I wanted to bring the ethnic weaving craft of India mix and blend it with modern fashion and create a new dimension for weavers and drapers alike, and thus Samprada was born.
Please speak about your entrepreneurial journey and future goals. The brand was started in a small room and today, Samprada has expanded to two stores; Gurgaon and Hyderabad, and showcases its merchandise through 9 different stores in different cities. Samprada marks its presence in most of the popular exhibitions in major metropolitans and other cities as well. The target market is all the women who believe in themselves and are stylish and confident! Samprada has always believed in bringing up people who deserve a platform. I have worked with Artisans, Craftsmen and now I am aiming at providing mentorship, opportunity and a platform for young deserving designers. Talents that need just a window to showcase their work. It is about time, that we all grow together as a unit. It is to happily promote their work and make them understand and give them a taste of this business.
What aparts Samprada from its competitors? It is definitely the cut, fit and style of the garment. The fits have been developed over the years and we have mastered it now. I can say very easily that it took us so many re-works and re-considerations to understand the Indian Body type. Our fits are the foremost advantage that we have. There definitely is a need for Indian standard size. How we like to put it is, “Looks Good. Fits Good, Feels Good.”
What piece of advice would you like to give to the aspiring youth who wish to pursue their dream of becoming an entrepreneur? It is about setting clear goals. It doesn’t matter how strong your designing is, it is more important to understand that there is a lot more to business than just designing. It is never about ‘selling’ a product; it’s about creating a mark. A mark so deep that it stays with people, as clear as it has with you!
According to you, what are the top three essential skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? Hard Work, Clarity of Thought and Mind, Knowledge about people, patience & perseverance. Yes, all these are “skills”.
How do you manage the work-life balance? You have to work hard to get where you want to be; Life is about trade off's. It is what brings happiness and content to you. If you are happy and satisfied only then you can spread the same in your family and society at large.
What are your views and opinions towards the ambiguous need to promote women entrepreneurship and women empowerment in India? I feel, it is important for people to understand that women deserve and should get the due respect and recognition. Giving opportunity to women changes not just the individual but the whole culture of the society. India can aim to be recognized as a developed nation only when women in India get equal opportunities...... Be it in any way, ambiguous or unambiguous. The result should be ‘celebrating’ women entrepreneurship and women empowerment in India.
Something for IWIL. Thank you for recognizing and inspiring a lot of other people. It is so important for organizations like yours to start celebrating what is due. When a group of people start celebrating something religiously in India, more such people join in. Because celebrations is the language that India understands. It is organizations like yours, who have set these festivals. Keep it up! Thank you! I hope it reaches more and more people and we grow together.
