40 years of Creativity, Breaking barriers and Resilience

Celebrating 40 Years of Entrepreneurial Excellence: A Tribute to Our Founder, Chandra

In 2024, we commemorate four decades since our founder, Chandra, embarked on her remarkable entrepreneurial journey. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication in the face of adversity.

Early Beginnings

Chandra's journey began in 1981 when she tragically lost her husband to kidney failure, leaving her widowed with two young children aged 4 and 5. Armed with a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Stella Mary's College in Chennai, Chandra initially sought employment but soon realized that balancing a full-time job with her role as a mother was a challenge.

Venturing into Entrepreneurship

Undeterred, Chandra turned to entrepreneurship and enrolled in a course in textile printing and dyeing at the Weavers Service Center in Chennai. Upon completion, she identified handloom weavers in rural Tamil Nadu to supply her fabric and collaborated with dyers, printers, and finishers to bring her creative vision to life.

The Birth of a Business

Setting up a block printing workshop on her rooftop, Chandra took her first steps into the world of saree design. Her initial sarees, though priced at ₹80, were met with skepticism due to competition from mass-produced textiles. However, Chandra persevered, offering unique designs and bold color combinations that set her apart in the market.

Milestones and Challenges

One of the highlights of Chandra's journey was seeing her sarees worn by the actor Suhasini in the feature film "Sindhu Bhairavi." Despite facing setbacks such as a workshop fire and cyclones ravaging her workspace, Chandra remained undeterred, rebuilding and continuing her work with unwavering determination.

Adaptability and Innovation

Inspired by the character Florentina from Jeffrey Archer's "The Prodigal Daughter," Chandra initially aspired to establish a chain of retail stores. However, with the advent of the internet in the 21st century, she embraced a "click and mortar" strategy, staying relevant and adaptable in changing times.

A Tribute to Chandra's Spirit

In 40 years of entrepreneurship, Chandra has not received support from formal financial institutions, a persistent barrier faced by women in business. Yet, her journey stands as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and self-belief.

Thank You

As Chandra embarks on her 40th year as an entrepreneur, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our customers who have supported us throughout this incredible journey.

Join us in celebrating Chandra's indomitable spirit and the legacy she has built over four decades of entrepreneurial excellence.