Kerala Woman Turns Dreams into Handcrafted Fashion

Quick Summary

• Aswathy Balakrishnan, a bridal fashion designer from Edappal in Malappuram, Kerala, has established a prosperous brand called Avaanah.
• She began her entrepreneurial journey in 2023 by setting up Avaanah with an investment of ₹6 lakh secured through a loan. initially operating with two assistants, she rose to prominence by creating bridal designs that resonate globally.
• Her bridal dresses-including lehengas, gowns, and sarees-are popular internationally in countries like Australia, the U.K., the U.S.A., the UAE, and Ireland. Prices for her creations range between ₹10,000 and ₹50,000.
• Traditional Christian bridal dresses designed by her are particularly well-received abroad. Materials for her work are sourced from northern India.
• Early support from celebrities such as playback singers Sithara Krishnakumar and Rimi Tomy boosted her confidence and brand recognition.
• Aswathy transitioned into fashion designing after marriage despite having academic qualifications in Zoology and Malayalam. She credits institutions like the Taluk Industries Center and Kudumbashree for providing guidance and facilitating loans effortlessly.
• Her story was recognized during Kerala’s fourth-anniversary state celebrations on growth achievements hosted by Chief Minister pinarayi Vijayan.

!Image: Aswathy Balakrishnan at work in her studio at Edappal

Indian Opinion Analysis

Aswathy Balakrishnan’s success not only highlights individual entrepreneurship but also underlines how local government programs can empower women-led ventures. Her ability to transition from conventional academics to art-driven entrepreneurship reflects adaptability-a trait crucial for business sustainability today. The role of institutions like Kudumbashree demonstrates that bureaucracy can effectively aid small businesses when accessible support structures exist.

Her venture stands as an exmaple of leveraging both local resources (materials sourced domestically) while achieving global outreach-critical insights for India’s economy as it seeks to expand international markets without losing cultural authenticity. Furthermore, the inclusivity shown through enabling women entrepreneurs aligns with broader developmental goals centered on gender equity.

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