Hard Work and Hope drive Shree Fashion Institute Forward

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Geetanjali has always been independent and driven. Geetanjali had a dream to empower women through fashion. After getting married and starting a family, Geetanjali found herself unable to work outside the home, which prompted her to search for a business opportunity.  It was a challenging situation, but it ignited a spark within her to do something meaningful.

She had a passion for fashion designing and embroidery. In June 2012, she took a leap of faith and started offering embroidery classes from her home. The embroidery classes gained popularity, and Geetanjali’s students encouraged her to expand her offerings to include fashion design.

In 2016, she opened Shree Fashion Institute, which provided training in fashion design and embroidery. Geetanjali aimed to give women the skills and knowledge they needed to become financially independent and start their businesses. Over time, she trained and mentored over 4,000 students. Witnessing their success in opening boutiques and conducting their classes brought her immense happiness.

The idea to start embroidery classes had come to her when she realized that men dominated the field of embroidery. She wondered why women couldn't excel in this art form as well. With that thought in mind, she embarked on her journey to empower girls and women to pursue embroidery and prove that they were equally capable.

She believed that the work produced by her female students surpassed that of their male counterparts. She took pride in the accomplishments of her students, and their achievements fueled her own motivation.

Every year, she strived to introduce new fashion trends and incorporate them into her teachings. As the demand grew, she realized that conducting classes from her home was no longer feasible. She needed a dedicated space, and that's when she decided to establish a physical location in Bangalore.

The success of her business extended beyond the borders of Bangalore. Students from different parts of India, such as Kerala and Mangalore, would travel great distances to attend her classes. Despite her accomplishments, she considered herself a lone warrior.

She acknowledged that there were always negative influences in life, and in her case, it was her husband's constant skepticism. However, his negativity became the motivation for her positivity and determination to prove him wrong.

Before starting her business, she had pursued fashion design at a small institute, primarily to indulge her interest in embroidery. As her business grew, she never stopped learning and keeping up with the latest fashion trends. She believed that age should never be a barrier to learning, and she continued to educate herself through online courses and fashion stylizing programs.

Challenges were an inevitable part of her journey. When she first started, social media was not as prevalent as it is today. She relied on traditional advertising methods, such as listing her services on platforms like Quikr. However, as social media gained prominence, she adapted and expanded her reach through platforms like Facebook and Google. These channels became instrumental in establishing her brand, and many of her students went on to start their businesses after learning from her.

The driving force behind her work was women's empowerment. Geetanjali understood the struggles faced by many women after marriage and wanted to provide them with a path to financial independence. She believed that by teaching them skills and helping them become self-sufficient, she could empower them to lead fulfilling lives. She never compromised on the quality of her teachings and always aimed to equip her students with the tools they needed to succeed.

In addition to teaching, she also undertook custom embroidery projects, catering to the unique requirements of her clients.

Looking back at her journey, Geetanjali is grateful for the influence her mother had on her life. Growing up in a single-parent household, Geetanjali witnessed her mother's determination and resilience in providing for her family. Her mother's strength became a guiding light for Geetanjali, inspiring her to persevere and create a better future for herself and others.

Geetanjali is inspired by the timeless essence of the fashion industry. As a young and ambitious woman, she set her sights on success. Her contribution to the fashion world has touched countless lives, particularly those of my students.

However, her journey was not without its challenges. Taking a leap of faith, Geetanjali ventured into fashion after leaving a prestigious job at Axis Bank. She faced obstacles such as securing capital for her brand, fierce competition, and the unique struggles of being an independent woman entrepreneur. Yet, through it all, she realized that no challenge is insurmountable when met with determination and hard work.

Sustainability is at the core of Geetanjali’s work. She empowers young women to lead both professional and personal lives by imparting valuable skills. By doing so, she enables them to contribute to their families livelihoods while adhering to sustainable practices. She believes that fashion has the power to thrive within every individual who invests their interest in it.

Today, Shree Fashion Institute stands as a symbol of empowerment, inspiring countless women to pursue their passions and break free from societal limitations. Geetanjali’s journey as a single woman starting a small embroidery class to a renowned institute empowering women is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering belief in one's dreams.