Building a Fashion Brand with Purpose: Manvi Tejpal’s Entrepreneurial Journey

September 24, 2024

At a time when fashion is increasingly fast-paced, where trends come and go, there are some amazing women entrepreneurs who are building brands that are celebrating sustainability and craftsmanship. Like, Manvi Tejpal, who launched her own label with a mission: to create luxurious yet affordable women’s wear while empowering local artisans. Manvi is slowly etching her unique identity and name in the world of fashion with her homegrown label – Manvi Tejpal.

How Manvi’s journey started

Manvi’s entrepreneurial journey in the fashion world began after graduating from National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi, where she specialized in Textile Design. She also received four design awards for prestigious brands, including one presented by the then Textile Minister. After gaining industry experience design for Fabindia and IKEA, Manvi decided to pursue her dream of launching her own brand.

Manvi’s decision to start her own company was inspired after seeing a gap in the market for affordable luxurious women’s wear with focus on sustainability. Along with this her passion to promote Indian textiles and provide employment opportunities for skilled artisans, was also one of the goals that made her take the step ahead.  

What products is Manvi Tejpal offering and what sets her apart

Manvi Tejpal’s brand offers handcrafted women’s wear, including western, Indo-western, and ethnic designs. Everything is designed with premium textiles, incorporating India’s rich craftsmanship while maintaining affordability. Priced between ₹2,500 and ₹13,000, the brand emphasizes sustainability by using eco-friendly fabrics and supporting local artisans.

Another thing that truly sets her brand apart is its use of the innovative “Ice Dyeing” technique, giving the textiles a unique, artistic look that cannot be found in mass-produced fashion.

How Manvi is growing and promoting her Brand

Since its launch, the brand has grown by listening to customer feedback and adapting accordingly. While initially her brand was focused on western and resort wear, after reviewing the client demands she expanded her collection to include festive and ethnic wear. Her ability to pivot and tailor her products to the preferences of her audience has been a driving factor behind the brand's success.

She promotes her brand through a variety of channels, including social media, participation in fashion pop-ups, and word-of-mouth recommendations. For her the biggest risk and investment was her first Exhibition. Even though she was nervous and uncertain, it turned out to be a game-changer for her brand. It gave her a chance to get customer feedback, exposure and connections that were invaluable. This was also an experience that stayed with her and this is why she continues to showcase her brand at Lifestyle Exhibitions, like Women Listed Bazaar.

What Challenges has Manvi faced and how she overcame them

Like many startups, Manvi faced her own set of challenges in her entrepreneurial journey. Limited funding, manpower constraints, and the unpredictability of income streams were concerns that plagued her business in the early days. But she didn't let these obstacles hold her back. Instead, she optimized her workflow, sought partnerships, and explored alternative revenue streams to sustain and grow her brand.

In a short span of just over a year, Manvi feels she has carved a niche for herself in the fashion world. With features in Elle Magazine and participation in the Designer's India Event, the brand has earned recognition for its innovative approach. 

What is Manvi’s Mission and Vision

Manvi continuously seeks to empower regional artisans, especially women, by providing them with opportunities to enhance their skills and livelihoods. This helps Manvi ensure that each piece of clothing tells a story—one that resonates with customers looking for both style and purpose.

Another strong mission is to preserve and celebrate heritage craftsmanship of India, by uplifting communities and ensuring that traditional techniques are passed down through generations. This woman entrepreneur’s future goals include expanding its online presence and building a customer base both nationally and internationally.

In the end, Manvi’s word of advice for other women entrepreneurs is to, “Own your voice, take the leap, and never back down. Your uniqueness is your superpower. Fail, learn, and rise. Empower each other and change the game.” This is definitely something that is worth noting as it is also the idea of Women Listed, to highlighting women-led brands with exposure and visibility.

Also Read, The Marigold Diaries: Swati Khandelwal’s Journey of Crafting Joyful Gifting Experiences

Also Read, Tarot Rani by Nupur Patil: Guiding People Through Life with Tarot Readings

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