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Two Women, Two Brands, One Mission: Sustainable Fashion

Nayanika Singharoy Singharay 28 August 2023 Women Leadership

Barsha and Debapriya are two women who are breaking the mold in the fashion industry. They are both passionate about sustainable fashion and are using their businesses to make a difference in the world.

Barsha Sharma, Founder of Style99 and Ezhaar Collectives

Barsha’s brand, Style99, focuses on upcycling fabric waste and raw materials from different parts of India. She creates unique statement jewelry and sustainable clothing that is both stylish and environmentally friendly. Debapriya’s brand, Hibiscus, follows a zero-waste philosophy and incorporates rural heritages of Bengal into its designs. Her contemporary apparel and accessories are made from natural materials and are handcrafted by local artisans.

Both Barsha and Debapriya have faced challenges in their journey to success. They have had to overcome the stigma associated with sustainable fashion, as well as the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry. However, they have persevered and their brands are now thriving.

Debapriya Sen, Founder of Hibiscus

In a recent live session, Barsha and Debapriya shared their stories and insights with an audience of aspiring entrepreneurs. They shared the importance of staying true to your vision, the power of collaboration, and the need to be resilient in the face of challenges. Their journey to success is an inspiration to us all.

Barsha and Debapriya are not only successful entrepreneurs, but they are also role models for young women everywhere. They show us that it is possible to follow our dreams and make a difference in the world. I believe that Barsha and Debapriya are just the beginning. There are many other female entrepreneurs out there who are working to make sustainable fashion a reality. I am excited to see what the future holds for this movement.

In addition to the challenges that Barsha and Debapriya have faced, there are also other challenges that female entrepreneurs in the sustainable fashion industry face. These challenges include:

  • Lack of access to capital
  • Lack of mentorship and support
  • Lack of representation in the media
  • Stereotypes about women in business

Despite these challenges, there are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of female entrepreneurship in sustainable fashion. The industry is growing rapidly, and there is a growing demand for sustainable products. There are also a number of organizations that are working to support female entrepreneurs in this space.

I believe that female entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to make a difference in the world through sustainable fashion. They can use their businesses to create jobs, protect the environment, and empower women. I am excited to see what the future holds for this movement.

If you are a woman who is interested in starting a sustainable fashion business, here are a few things you can do:

  • Do your research. Learn about the industry and the challenges that female entrepreneurs face.
  • Find a mentor or join a support group. This can help you connect with other women who are working in the same space.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many organizations that can provide you with resources and support.
  • Believe in yourself. You can do this!

So next time you’re looking for a gift, consider buying something handmade. You’ll be helping to keep our culture alive and supporting the people who make it possible.

Debapriya faced a lot of challenges in the early stages, mainly because of her gender. Her family didn’t support her because they didn’t know anything about business. She also had to deal with men who looked down on her because she was a woman.

This is a common problem for first-generation women entrepreneurs. They often face discrimination and lack of support from their families and communities. They may also have to deal with sexism and harassment from men in the business world.

Barsha has had a different experience. She has had a great experience with vendors and exhibitions, even though she agrees that some of them can be difficult to deal with, especially men. She has a lot of experience working with vendors, artisans, and manufacturers for her jewelry brand. Barsha says that being a mother and an entrepreneur is not something you can do half-heartedly. You have to be committed and make it work. As a woman, you have multiple roles to play, so you have to create a kind of ecosystem in your workspace to make it all work.

The challenges faced by women entrepreneurs are real, but they are not insurmountable. With hard work, determination, and a strong support system, women can overcome these challenges and succeed in business.

Here are some tips for women entrepreneurs:

  • Build a strong support system. This could include your family, friends, mentors, or other women entrepreneurs.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many resources available to help women entrepreneurs, such as government grants, loans, and mentorship programs.
  • Don’t give up. Entrepreneurship is a challenging but rewarding path. Don’t let the obstacles discourage you.

Women entrepreneurs are making a significant contribution to the global economy. In 2020, women-owned businesses accounted for over $18 trillion in revenue worldwide. This number is expected to grow in the coming years. By overcoming the challenges they face, women entrepreneurs are creating jobs, driving economic growth, and changing the world.

Now the question comes as Nayanika Singharay puts, with the struggles that you faced during your work, do you feel backing out from the business? How do you overcome that?

The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. The production of clothing produces a significant amount of greenhouse gases, water pollution, and waste. In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards sustainable fashion, which is fashion that is produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way.

Sustainable fashion is not just about using recycled materials or fair trade practices. It is also about slowing down the fashion industry and focusing on creating quality clothing that will last. The trend of fast fashion, where new trends are introduced every few months, is unsustainable. Most of the clothing that is produced ends up in landfills. Entrepreneurs like Barsha and Debapriya are working to create sustainable fashion businesses. They are using recycled materials, fair trade practices, and ethical manufacturing. They believe that sustainable fashion is the future of the fashion industry.

I believe that sustainable fashion is the way of the future. It is the only way to protect the environment and ensure that the fashion industry is sustainable. I encourage everyone to support sustainable fashion brands and make conscious choices about the clothing they buy.

Here are some tips for making sustainable fashion choices:

  • Buy less. The best way to reduce your impact on the environment is to buy less clothing. Instead of buying new clothes all the time, try to repair and repurpose your old clothes.
  • Buy secondhand. There are many great secondhand stores where you can find stylish and affordable clothing. Buying secondhand helps to reduce waste and keep clothes out of landfills.
  • Choose sustainable brands. There are a growing number of sustainable fashion brands that are using recycled materials, fair trade practices, and ethical manufacturing. When you buy from these brands, you are supporting a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.

We all have a role to play in creating a more sustainable fashion industry. By making conscious choices about the clothing we buy, we can help to protect the environment and ensure that the fashion industry is sustainable for future generations.

Barsha says that it’s normal to feel discouraged sometimes, especially when things are tough. But she believes that it’s important to stay calm and remember why you started in the first place. If you’re doing something because you want to make a difference, that’s enough to keep you going. With patience and drive, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. And most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy your life and be happy!

I believe that Barsha is right. It is important to stay positive and keep moving forward, even when things are tough. If we all work together, we can create a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.

Does the flexibility of business exist when the business is at a larger scale?

In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards female empowerment in the workplace. This is due in part to the increasing number of women in leadership positions, as well as the growing awareness of the challenges that women face in the workplace.

One of the biggest challenges that women face is the perception that female bosses are often obstacles to the success of other women. This is a harmful stereotype that can have a negative impact on women’s careers. In reality, there are many female bosses who are strong advocates for other women. They are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.

However, it is important to remember that not all female bosses are created equal. Some may be difficult to work with, just like any other boss. But it is important to not let this get to us. If we believe in ourselves and our abilities, and don’t compare ourselves to others, then we won’t be affected by the insecurity of others. Instead, we should focus on being professional and confident in our own abilities. We need to think of ourselves as equals to men, and if we do that, they will take us seriously. We also need to educate ourselves about the industry we work in. This will help us to speak intelligently about our work and to be taken seriously by our colleagues.

In conclusion, it is important to remember that not all female bosses are difficult. But if we do encounter one, we can overcome it by believing in ourselves, being professional, and educating ourselves.

We need to create a workplace where all women feel supported and empowered to succeed. By working together, we can break down the stereotypes and create a more equitable and inclusive workplace for all.

  • Set clear boundaries and expectations. Let your boss know what you are willing and unwilling to do.
  • Be assertive and stand up for yourself. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you feel like you are being treated unfairly.
  • Document any incidents of inappropriate behavior. This will help you if you need to take further action later on.
  • Find a mentor or support group. Having someone to talk to can be helpful when you are dealing with a difficult boss.
  • Remember, you are not alone. There are many women who have faced similar challenges. With hard work and perseverance, you can overcome any obstacle and succeed in your career.

Mentorship is a powerful tool that can help entrepreneurs of all genders succeed in business. A mentor is someone who can provide guidance, support, and advice to a mentee. They can help the mentee to develop their skills, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals.

There are many benefits to having a mentor in business. For example, mentors can:

  • Share their knowledge and experience: Mentors have typically been through the same challenges that their mentees are facing, so they can offer valuable insights and advice.
  • Provide support and encouragement: Mentors can offer support and encouragement when the mentee is facing setbacks. They can also help the mentee to stay motivated and focused on their goals.
  • Open doors: Mentors can open doors for their mentees by introducing them to potential clients, partners, and investors.

Not everyone has access to a mentor, but there are a few ways to find one. One way is to reach out to professional organizations or associations in your field. Another way is to attend networking events or workshops. You can also ask your friends, family, or colleagues if they know of any mentors who would be a good fit for you. If you are a woman entrepreneur, finding a mentor can be especially helpful. Women are underrepresented in business, and having a mentor can help you to overcome the challenges that you face as a female entrepreneur.

If you are looking for a mentor, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Look for someone who has experience in the field that you are interested in.
  • Find someone who you can trust and who you feel comfortable talking to.
  • Be clear about your goals and what you are looking for in a mentor.
  • Having a mentor can be a valuable asset for any entrepreneur. If you are looking to grow your business, I encourage you to find a mentor who can help you on your journey.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, mentors can also help mentees to develop their leadership skills, build their confidence, and learn how to navigate the business world. They can also provide mentees with a sounding board for their ideas and help them to think strategically about their businesses.

If you are a woman entrepreneur, I encourage you to seek out a mentor who can help you to achieve your goals. There are many successful women entrepreneurs who are willing to share their knowledge and experience with others. With the right mentor, you can overcome any challenge and build a successful business.

The world is changing, and women are playing an increasingly important role in business. According to a recent report by the World Bank, women-owned businesses are growing at twice the rate of male-owned businesses. This is good news for the economy, as women-owned businesses are more likely to create jobs and boost innovation.

There are many reasons why the future of women in entrepreneurship is bright. First, women are becoming more educated and financially independent. This gives them the resources they need to start and grow businesses. Second, there is a growing demand for products and services that are designed by and for women. This creates opportunities for women entrepreneurs to tap into a large and growing market.

Of course, there are still challenges that women face in entrepreneurship. One challenge is the lack of access to capital. Women are less likely to receive loans from banks and other financial institutions than men. Another challenge is the lack of mentors and role models. There are still relatively few women in top leadership positions in business, which makes it difficult for aspiring female entrepreneurs to find mentors and role models.

Despite these challenges, the future of women in entrepreneurship is bright. With the right support and resources, women can achieve great things in business. Here are some tips for women entrepreneurs:

  • Find a mentor or role model. Having someone who has been there and done that can be invaluable.
  • Build a strong network. Networking with other women entrepreneurs can help you get advice, support, and new business opportunities.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many resources available to women entrepreneurs, such as government grants and loans, business incubators, and accelerator programs.
  • Be persistent. Entrepreneurship is not easy, but it is definitely possible. Don’t give up on your dreams.

The future of women in entrepreneurship is bright. With the right support and resources, women can achieve great things in business. I am excited to see what the future holds for women entrepreneurs.

I quoted two entrepreneurs, Barsha and Debapriya, who shared their tips on how to be creative in a business like hospitality. Barsha emphasized the importance of adding value to your products or services through photography or by creating products that people will feel passionate about. Debapriya agreed that competition is everywhere, but said that doesn’t mean there isn’t demand for your products or services. He said that if you focus on meeting the needs of your customers, you’ll be able to create something unique.

I believe that these tips are valuable for all entrepreneurs, regardless of gender. Creativity is essential for success in any business. By being creative, you can differentiate your business from the competition and create a unique experience for your customers.

So, how can you be creative in a competitive market? Here are a few tips:

  • Define your unique selling proposition. What makes your business different from the others? What problem do you solve?
  • Focus on your target market. Who are your ideal customers? What do they want and need?
  • Be creative in your marketing and branding. How can you stand out from the crowd?
  • Deliver excellent customer service. Make sure your customers have a positive experience with your business.

In addition to the tips mentioned above, Shompa Mukherjee (one of the listeners) also emphasizes the importance of being mindful of sustainability when developing products and services. The millennial generation is more aware and sustainability-minded, so it’s important to keep them in mind when you’re creating your business. This means using sustainable materials, reducing your environmental impact, and being transparent about your practices.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success as a woman entrepreneur in the hospitality industry. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your business today!

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