Aparna Thyagarajan

When Vanshali Sanwalka and I decided to start www.sevensarees.com , our aim was to support struggling artisans and weavers. But the reality of the struggle hit us when we were a year into the business and then started meeting out-of-job weavers who had sold their looms for a medical expense or a child’s education and were now working for 20 or 30 rupees in some low daily wage job. We knew we needed to do something drastic to support them but we were also a small business and had very little profit. Something which can get us a fancy meal out but not investable to support 5-6 families. Very few investors even want to speak to a brand supporting handloom weavers. They did not want to be in a slow fashion-slow growth space. They were okay to look at us if we have a great margin with good lower ASP items. It was a moment of internal distress and a mind vs heart battle. But the heart won. What is the use of empathy if we are not wanting to do things the right way. The weavers were also ready to get started however possible with whatever we could give them. Once we started speaking to them, we understood this is raw talent going to waste and nobody wants to work with them as the costs of setup are huge. So we invested whatever we had left into this beautiful unit , a very quaint space in Bangalore. We invited those weavers with a fair wage and small perks that we can afford to come and work here. After years of cushioned corporate life, the personal sacrifices were honestly a bit of a struggle! The weavers in turn supported us by bringing their generational knowledge and even set up some machines from scrap/discarded stuff we found roaming around bangalore. Fast forward 5 months, we have a set up that can boast of making the finest quality silk, silk cotton and cotton handwoven sarees. It is not yet profitable but 6-7 families are off daily wage work and now doing what they like and making money. We get to make some of the forgotten designs and restore heritage art in form of textiles. We have sacrificed quite a bit but we would not have it any other way!

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Back in the day, my grandmother had this admirable practice of purchasing sarees directly from the weavers. It was a collaborative process where she would give her preferences to the artisan. And the artisan would craft something exclusively for her. They would even visit her for this at her home in Delhi as an annual ritual. Their relationship was built on mutual trust and respect for creativity! At Shobitam, we hold these timeless values close to our heart. In an industry plagued by counterfeit designs and distrust, we have instilled unwavering trust and loyalty in our weavers and artisans. We co-create unique designs with our weavers and artisans with a fusion of cultural elements from across India, making stunning hand-painted or hand-made weaves where you will not find such creations anywhere else other than Shobitam. We not only pay them fair wages for the creations but make innovation a core value of Shobitam, Inc That’s why, folks love wearing a Shobitam No wonder, our relationships with both artisans and our customers extend far beyond mere transactions. We view our weavers, Artisans, employees, partners, and stakeholders as integral parts of our success story. During challenging times, we've stood by our weavers, providing essential support such as free food and supplies. And this has become a key supplier moat for our unique designs! I firmly believe in this quote by Henry Ford, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” #Shobitam #success #artisan #weavers #entrepreneurs

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Is collaboration the key to unlocking sustainable growth? Over the weekend, Qaushey Handlooms participated in #NICESamanvay, the first-of-its-kind event organised by NICEorg - Network of Indian Cultural Enterprises Samanvay was all about passionate entrepreneurs - young & seasoned all driven by the desire to create impactful cultural brands. What inspired me most was the magic of a supportive spirit. We shared experiences, challenges and solutions, all bought in mutual support and created an ecosystem where everyone was eager to help each other. Thanks to NICEorg - Network of Indian Cultural Enterprises for creating such an ecosystem and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. And to Sanjay Anandaram and Kanchana K V to have put in a massive effort to pull off such an amazing 2-day action-packed event. Here are my key takeaways from the event: - Right business ethos: The unanimous shout-out was sustainability and responsible growth is two sides of the same coin. Balancing impactful practices with financial health creates a thriving ecosystem for all. * Sustainability right from the word go: There were discussions about equal wealth distribution across the value chain. Ensuring long-term benefits for everyone, from skilled weavers and artisans to business visionaries, is crucial. * Masterclass by Industry Experts: Gaining insights from seasoned professionals who have scaled businesses from scratch was invaluable for entrepreneurs like myself. - Collaboration is Key: The camaraderie at #NICESamanvay was inspiring. Entrepreneurs shared their journeys, offered advice, and brainstormed solutions to common challenges, fostering a strong support network. * Contribution to Culture: NICEorg - Network of Indian Cultural Enterprises's commitment to highlighting cultural enterprises is commendable. Their platforms enable these ventures to reach wider audiences and gain the recognition they deserve. The event's energy was nothing short of motivating, and enriching our entrepreneurial journey. I'm forever grateful for the insights and contributions from everyone I met. #Entrepreneurship #CulturalEnterprises #Collaboration #BusinessGrowth #Sustainability #Innovation #NICE

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Unleashing Business Brilliance: Conquering the 6 Forces in India's Dynamic Market" Once upon a time in vibrant India, there lived a visionary entrepreneur named Rahul, determined to revolutionise the textile industry. Through trials and triumphs, he uncovered the essence of strategic management, encapsulated in Michael Porter's renowned Five Forces framework, with a twist – the sixth force. 1. Threat of New Entrants: In India's ever-evolving market, newcomers lurked around every corner. Rahul fortified his position by nurturing brand loyalty and fostering robust relationships with suppliers and distributors, erecting barriers that deterred new entrants. 2. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Recognizing the pivotal role of suppliers, Rahul cultivated strategic partnerships, ensuring a seamless flow of high-quality materials at competitive prices, thereby diminishing their bargaining power. 3. Bargaining Power of Buyers: With a diverse clientele, Rahul prioritised understanding consumer behaviour, offering tailored solutions and impeccable service that fostered customer loyalty, mitigating their bargaining power. 4. Threat of Substitutes: Amid a sea of alternatives, Rahul embraced innovation, constantly refining his products to offer unparalleled value, thereby reducing the threat of substitutes and maintaining his market dominance. 5. Competitive Rivalry: In the cutthroat world of Indian textiles, Rahul thrived on competition, leveraging it as a catalyst for innovation and continuous improvement, cementing his status as a market leader. 6. Government Regulations: In the labyrinth of India's regulatory landscape, Rahul navigated adeptly, ensuring compliance while seizing opportunities presented by evolving policies and turning regulatory challenges into strategic advantages. Rahul's journey epitomises the fusion of strategy and execution, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs to conquer the multifaceted Indian market. #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #IndianMarket #PortersSixForces #StrategicManagement #Innovation #MarketLeadership #Competition #RegulatoryCompliance

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Every change starts from you!! So does the waste reduction. And first step of any change is to realise and accept the need to change. Join this webinar to understand the gravity of the situation and take informed decision

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jhappi is the mechanism keeping this well oiled. 👉Customer is the biggest Whatever we do , if we don't find the buyer, we have no scale ,no leap frogs, no reason to be there. But customer must not forget the maker who is being driven through its efforts. 👉Maker is the next focus The larger purpose for all is to pay forward, to count blessings, be grateful and support those who lost it midway or were born without it. But maker must not forget that if there is no quality or appeal in its creation , the product, it can all collapse. There is no substitute for hardwork & grit. 👉Product While hero for all the companies, it's that middle wheel for us. Most needed but still not the hero. The lubricants & adhesives are as important. We ensure we get the best but we don't forget, it's just the means , not the end. 🤏And then ofcourse there is place, packaging , pricing & promotions, but that's just the what & how. The WHY explained above! #marketinggoodness #ngoproducts #livelihoods

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An insightful article on India's Panchabhoota Framework. I strongly believe India's climate capacity building shall be embedded and prompted by our cultural and nature-centric social system. Aligning people with a cause that has been an integral part of their society makes it easier to adopt behavioural shifts. https://lnkd.in/d_DchG_x #Climateeducation #India

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What led you to where you are today? Indeed an important question for all of us to ponder, reflect and respond. Sharing my thoughts from an interview a decade ago: “I always knew I would be an entrepreneur with a mandate of uniting humanity through a universal medium that would honor people and planet along the way. You see, as a child, I grew up on a tiny island, Singapore, where everything (except for human capital) was imported: food, clothes, toys, books, music, cars, etc. I've always considered the world as my community -- connected on a global scale. Nature has always been my inspiration and preserving our natural playground is vital to our lives as it fuels the very essence of our spirit. In 1992, I completed my Masters Thesis in international business with a focus on businesses’ responsibility in preserving and protecting the environment. I was also the President of the United Nations Association of Sacramento and we organized the first US non-profit conference in 1992 after the Rio Summit.” Who would have thought that my thesis on business responsibility to the environment would be relevant today more than ever! I continue to stand committed to being a force for good with Dhana Inc. #entreprenuership #leadership #fashion #climatechange #bcorp #sustainability

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Are you gambling your child’s future? Are dummy schools worth wasting school learnings and experiences? How do sports and academics together contribute to a child's growth? Embark on a journey of educational enlightenment with Siddharth Singh of The Emerald Heights International School, Indore as we explore a transformative vision for child-centric learning. Key Takeaways: 🤝 Parent-School Partnership: Discovered the power of collaboration between parents and schools to put the child first in nurturing a conducive learning environment. Explored how this partnership influences a child's holistic development. 🏫 School Development: Dived into the impact of technological advancements and expanded opportunities within educational institutions on student learning outcomes. Uncovered how schools are evolving to meet the needs of the modern learner. ⚖️ Balancing Sports & Academics: Learned about the crucial role of integrating sports into education, not only for physical health but also for fostering essential life skills like discipline and time management. Explored strategies for striking the right balance between academic rigor and extracurricular pursuits. 👩‍🏫 Teacher Training Programs: Gained insights into the importance of continuous professional development for educators. Discovered how ongoing training equips teachers with the tools and methodologies to effectively meet the diverse needs of their students. 📚 Education Policies: Explored the significance of inclusive education policies in driving innovation. Learned how these policies shape the future of learning for generations to come. We also talked about: → School Ideology → Outcomes of Boarders vs Coaching Students → Sustainability → Changing Parenting Style → Future of Education- AI in education Watch the full Episode here : https://lnkd.in/dWwEfYii Tune in to gain valuable insights and join the conversation on shaping the future of learning. Don't miss out on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in education! #inspireed #education #podcast #EHIS #SchoolLeaders #Teacher

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Get ready for an insightful conversation with one of Central India’s top doctor, Dr. Abha Jain, a leading Gynaecologist and Infertility Specialist! 🩺 We’ll be discussing everything pregnancy—from understanding the trimesters to debunking myths and sharing crucial precautions for a healthy journey. Whether you’re an expecting mom or just curious, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge! 🍼✨ Stay tuned! #PregnancyJourney #TrimesterTips #PregnancyMyths #InfertilityAwareness #WomensHealth #UpcomingPodcast #ExpertAdvice #MomToBe #HealthyPregnancy #SpotlightStories #PregnancyCare #sshreyaspandde #drabhajain #pregnancy

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The Power of Pausing, Even After the Festive Rush ✨ Diwali may be over, but the spirit of rest and rejuvenation doesn’t have to be. As entrepreneurs, we’re often swept up in the rush of family gatherings and festive celebrations, only to dive right back into work as soon as it’s all over. But taking a pause doesn’t have to be limited to festival days. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet days after the festivities that we find the clearest perspective. Allow yourself a moment to breathe, reflect, and reset. 🧘‍♀️ Because real productivity isn’t about endless hustle—it’s about knowing when to pause, so you’re ready to move forward with renewed purpose. Here’s to embracing the pauses, whenever they’re needed. 💫 #PostDiwali #EntrepreneurLife #PowerOfThePause #RechargeAndReconnect

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‘Is our trash someone else’s problem?’ — this is the mindset that we set out to change when we launched ReCircle in 2016. My co-founder, Gurashish and I exclusively spoke to Sai keerthi, from YourStory Media on our journey towards building a strong waste management ecosystem and promoting a world where no resources are wasted, focusing on ethical circularity. We talked about our pan-India partner network, business model, challenges around attracting investors (waste management is a non-sexy business, after all!), our new clean-tech platform, ClimaOne, creating tangible impact among all stakeholders (companies, communities & consumers) and the path ahead towards ethical circularity. “With their focus on working towards ethical circularity and plans to forward integrate into the plastic waste supply chain, ReCircle will not only be able to provide high-quality, traceable recycled plastic content to companies using plastic packaging but also build a new revenue channel,” shared Shalini Chhabra of 3i Partners. We are currently grappling with a global waste crisis. Each day, we are confronted with the environmental and societal impacts of waste pollution, which is causing harm to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Addressing this challenge requires urgent, collective action to reduce waste generation, improve recycling and waste management, and promote more sustainable consumption practices. We understand that meaningful change takes time, but we are here for the long haul. Our mission is to inspire millions of Indians and build something even greater than we could have imagined when we started in 2016. Read the entire interview here: https://lnkd.in/dTeFzZsh 

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Catch more glimpses of our ‘Clay Conversations: A One-Day Workshop for Climate Anxiety’ at ArtGhar Hyderabad! 🌍 Climate anxiety—those feelings of fear, helplessness, and grief about our planet's future—affects many of us, especially the youth. Through clay sculpting, mindfulness, and open discussions, this workshop offered a space to process these emotions, build resilience, and find hope. Did you know that climate anxiety isn't a disorder? It's a reflection of deep care for the Earth. Recognizing these feelings can fuel meaningful climate action. Let’s continue working for a resilient future together! 🌿 Though these emotions can deeply affect our personal wellbeing and sometimes inhibit us from taking climate action, they are not necessarily signs of any underlying mental health issue or disorder. In fact, they are perfectly rational and practical responses to the size and scale of the climate crisis. Ultimately, these feelings show that we care about the world around us and are emotionally engaged in protecting our future. Together, we can counter negative narratives, showing that it’s not too late and that climate action can take many forms, beyond just being an "activist." Your involvement can build a new shared narrative about what’s possible for our Earth. . . . . #climateanxiety #ecoanxiety #artforhealing #mindfulness #climateaction #youthvoices #healingthroughart #cop29

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We at Nurturing Green have permanent work from anywhere. This helps us with infinite opportunities to have talent pool which is extremely diverse helping us see Problems & solutions from diff lens ! But these individuals in hetergenous team doesn’t work like a well oil machinery & brings too much friction which sometimes overshadows the goodness ! To solve for this , we built our Virtual office on Gather which helps us imitate offline behaviour in a digital space . Now we have TOP individuals collaborating well & only thing missing was TEAM & Togetherness ! In our Physical Retreat program organised by Shivani , internal theme was ‘Together WE Grow’ & which is what this trip was all about ! We believe we can work forever on this Hybrid model which solves for every aspect of work-Life balance . What u think of this model ? Will u want to work in such model of ‘Work from Anywhere’ ?

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I skipped the usual gift guide this Diwali. Why? * Because gifts should tell a story, not just fill a space. * Because personalized experiences resonate more than generic options. * Because I wanted to elevate the gifting game, not just participate in it. So why settle for ordinary? Why give a gift that feels like an afterthought? It’s time to embrace thoughtful gifting. HINT: the opposite of last-minute shopping. Here’s how it works: * You invite your colleagues and loved ones to select their own luxurious fabric. * You offer craftsmanship that reflects their individuality. * You create an experience that’s as unique as they are. * You celebrate their style, not just the occasion. In other words: You inspire. You connect. Then you let them shine... Instead of blending in. This Diwali, let’s gift with intention. Are you ready to make memories and elevate your gifting experience? #ThoughtfulGifting #PersonalizedExperience #BespokeCraftsmanship #BespokeGifting

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"Reflecting on the Evolution of Water Consumption: From Tuppaware Cups to Plastic Bottles - What Changed?" As I reflect on the evolving landscape of our water consumption habits, I'm struck by the stark contrast between my childhood and the present day. Back then, carrying around water bottles was unheard of—we simply brought our trusty tuppaware cups or sipped from steel ones during school lunches. Water breaks were designated times during breaks or lunch hours. Fast forward to today, and it seems we're inseparable from our plastic water bottles. Everywhere we turn, there they are, a ubiquitous accessory in our daily lives. But what sparked this shift? When did we go from contentedly sipping water during school breaks to feeling the need to carry hydration with us everywhere we go? This phenomenon begs the question: what has changed? Is it merely a cultural shift, a newfound emphasis on hydration and wellness? Or is there something deeper at play—an underlying societal shift, perhaps driven by convenience or marketing? As we ponder these questions, it's crucial to consider the environmental impact of our water consumption habits. With plastic pollution reaching alarming levels, it's more important than ever to reassess our relationship with single-use plastics and explore sustainable alternatives. Let's embark on a journey of introspection and exploration, reimagining our approach to hydration in a way that's not only mindful of our health but also respectful of the planet. Together, we can make a splash in creating a more sustainable future. 💧 #WaterWisdom #Sustainability #ReflectAndReimagine

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#Accessibility is basic #humanrights And I quote the Supreme Court of India, "Accessibility is an integral part of life equality, freedom, and human dignity…" A Life without dignity is the poorest of all. Lack of dignity is the most depraved form of poverty. Yet, that basic requirement has been most difficult to find for many of us. Just the other day, Sanchita Ain and I were reminiscing how the current rules on accessibility and disability inclusion lacks real tooth. And the highest court of the country ruled to give it just that. Non negotiable compulsory standards. And I hope clarity on punishment for non adherence to such standards become clear too. The jury has Directed the Union to formulate such standards which become mandatory compliances instead of mere guidelines. NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad and @centrefordisability studies report informed the jury. "Accessibility is not merely a convenience, but a fundamental requirement for enabling individuals, particularly those with disabilities, to exercise their rights fully and equally... Accessibility is an integral part of life equality, freedom, and human dignity… ,” the @thehindu quoted recently retired Chief Justice Chandrachud's - retired two days after this significant judgement that definitely hopes to give a strong legal backbone for disability to claim a more dignified life. #disabilities #disabilitylaw #accessibility #inclusion #personswithdisabilities PC: Legality Simplified

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Ready for another power-packed session! I will be speaking at the Chanakya Startup Conclave tomorrow! 🚀 Fun fact about me: Coming from a background steeped in design and creativity, honed at Pearl, a renowned fashion institute, I initially found myself far removed from the world of numbers and finance. But how long can you afford to do that?🤪 So, necessity compelled me to embrace the intricacies of budgeting and fundraising in order to effectively compete in the rapidly evolving Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) landscape. Why am I telling you this? 👉🏻To let you know that business requires continuous learning and adaptation, where each challenge must be met with determination and a commitment to growth. From navigating the complexities of budget management to orchestrating successful fundraising efforts, I've gained firsthand experience in the financial intricacies that underpin the D2C ecosystem. 💡 At D'chica, we've not only embraced these challenges but have also leveraged them to carve our niche and establish a strong brand presence.   By ensuring that we remain attuned to the ever-changing dynamics of the market, we've been able to forge meaningful brand connections and propel our growth trajectory. 🌟 And now, I plan on sharing all of this with you in an insightful session.  I plan to share my journey and invaluable learnings in finance and investment garnered at D'chica📈 See you there! Ps. If you're interested in having me as a speaker at your college, office, or school, I would be honored to share my insights and experiences with your audience. Simply send me a DM, and let's make it happen! #richakapila #entrepreneurship

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