Fashion is an ever-growing timeless industry; it never stops or sleeps as it requires vigor and a great deal of passion. Aparna Sunku turned her world around from numbers to design by creating a path for herself in the fashion industry.
At her sweet-sixteen, she was running her father’s textile business. With her entry into the retail fashion industry, she began the wonderful second innings of her life and later started her business. Aparna has mentored several students and judged fashion and lifestyle shows. She has been an active member of the FICCI ladies Organization of the Coimbatore chapter since 2008 and received numerous awards and accolades including “I Rise” Most Influential Woman in the field of fashion by the LA group of companies in 2016, Vastra award by BNI Industrials in 2017 amongst many others.
Aparna is everything she always wanted to be. From a fashion designer and influencer to a loving wife and mother of two. Read on to know more about making it big from scratch, in this interview with Storiyaan.
Aparna Sunku: The Fashionista Entrepreneur
Interview
Questions and answers
You took over your father’s textile business when you were 16. What were some of the major struggles that you had to encounter having entered the field so young?
As it wasn’t an established business my only struggle at the time was being young and inexperienced. Attending college then coming back to the shop, my time used to be from 10 in the morning to 10 at night. Having lost my father, I didn’t have his wisdom to help me out, I think that was the biggest struggle. I had my uncle’s help all the time, but I was the head at the end of the day, so making the final call at times became difficult considering how young I was. There was a lot of learning I got to do during those days and experience is the best teacher.
Who turned out to be your greatest motivator during this time and what was your mantra for remaining optimistic in the face of all hardships?
Life was the motivator, it goes on. And as my dad passed away it was my sister who took over immediately, I took the reigns 2 years later. So, when you have seen your elders or seniors do the same thing, you automatically follow the same path. My mantra was ‘This too shall pass’.
Tell us about the foundation block of the idea for starting your store Studio A and what was your vision for the store?
I got married at the age of 19. At the age of 35, when my children were old enough, it happened by coincidence rather than choice, I had no plan. My two friends and I were talking about how our store was closing a project we had been working on for 3 years, so it allowed me to come back into the business. And since childhood, I have been around so much fabric, it is obvious for me to have a knack for clothes and designing them. I already had the necessary infrastructure, just had to shift the furniture and get started in my apartment. With time it grew, I was recognized in Coimbatore, my support system was my friends who vouched for me all the time!
You have carved a niche for yourself in the fashion scenario of Coimbatore today with many clients across the country and abroad. How has globalization affected the Indian fashion industry in recent years?
Globalization according to me has made the world a very small place. Social media has really brought different corners of the world to one screen. The designs released in Milan today will be in India tomorrow. With so much exposure fashion has turned into fast fashion, it just keeps on changing compared to a few years ago. Currently, the fashion industry has become very vast, there is so much waste that is curated which is not good.
When it comes to fashion, ‘90s fashion has recently been making a comeback. What are your views on this trend?
What goes around comes around, this is true for any aspect of life. Even I try to incorporate patterns I wore as a child for example butterfly sleeves into my blouses and it worked like crazy with a little adaptation of course. Colored jeans were in great trend before, I am sure in a few years they will be back. And everything we are doing has already been done before, it’s just repetition.
You have been the recipient of several awards and accolades for your work. How do your achievements inspire you to contribute to the humanitarian field?
Awards and accolades are a morale booster and for this Coimbatore has been very kind to me. Coming from Hyderabad and settling in Coimbatore where I knew next to nothing and making something of myself and being appreciated does make one feel confident and happy and it also gives a certain sense of challenge to make yourself even better. These awards keep you going on, keeps the fire in you burning.
As a jewelry curator, tell us about some pieces that remain timeless and can be carried off well by every age group?
Jhumkas, a good piece of earrings, be cocktail studs or humble jhumkas is always something that is ageless, timeless, and classic. I personally like a good piece of jhumkas/ chandbalis/ cocktail studs.
As an influencer, what are some of the principles that you always stick to no matter what?
As an influencer, I believe in authenticity and trying the product before you vouch for it. Experience does matter.
You became a Rotarian in 2018. What were some of the major factors that drove you to the cause of giving your back to society?
Society has been always kind to me, 12 years in the industry have made me independent, empowered me in many ways, and given me a sense of individuality. When I have received so much from society why not give it back. Rotary that way is a great platform, I am lucky to be taking the office of president of Rotary Club of Coimbatore Smart City this July. I have a lot of vision to realize, and it is going to be very busy.
Do you have any piece of advice for those entrepreneurs who have recently started their ventures after the lockdown?
Though it may not be the right time to start or invest, for now, test the waters, and be careful. Wait if you can but be sure and play safe for now. Pandemic has impacted the working sector a lot, so be smart. This too shall pass, and you shall take the world. There is a day for everyone.
Quick 5
1. Your favorite fashion designer – Sabyasachi Mukherjee
2. One thing that you love doing with your daughters the most – I love to dance with them.
3. One underrated color combination – Brown with anything is beautiful.
4. A pet peeve – Not knowing how to drive a car.
5. One word that defines you – Social Butterfly.
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