At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Dr. Priyanka Srivastava for an exclusive interview with us. Dr. Priyanka is a Serial Entrepreneur and Founder & Director of IndieHaat Fashion Pvt Ltd. Let’s learn more about her background, journey and her advice for our community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Dr. Priyanka:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I’m a serial entrepreneur whose journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. I have began my career as an HR manager, but my entrepreneurial spirit soon led me to leave the corporate world behind.
Started as a small home business evolved into a thriving event management company and, ultimately, blossomed into IndieHaat—a platform dedicated to celebrating India’s rich tradition of handicrafts and handlooms.
My path has been deeply supported by my family, whose encouragement was instrumental in my entrepreneurial ventures. my academic background, with a Master’s degree in Social Work and a PhD in Labour Welfare, complements my creative vision and ability to work closely with artisans.
The success of IndieHaat is also a testament to the invaluable contribution of Anshuman Srivastava, my husband and the CEO and co-founder of IndieHaat. Anshuman, who held a senior position in the corporate world, made the bold decision to leave his established career and join IndieHaat. His strategic acumen and deep understanding of the industry have been pivotal in elevating the company to new heights.
Together, me and Anshuman have transformed IndieHaat into a bridge between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary markets.
‘IndieHaat Fashion Pvt Ltd’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving?
The name “Indiehaat” is a fusion of two key elements that embody our vision. “Indie” represents our commitment to indie craftsmanship and the unique, independent spirit of artisans. “Haat,” on the other hand, is derived from the traditional marketplace in India, where communities gather to showcase and sell handmade goods. Together, “Indiehaat” symbolizes a contemporary space that honours traditional craftsmanship while providing a platform for artisans to share their work with the world.
Indiehaat addresses several key issues in the artisanal and fashion sectors. Firstly, it supports artisans who often struggle to find sustainable markets for their handcrafted products, ensuring fair compensation and recognition for their skills. By promoting traditional crafts, Indiehaat helps preserve these art forms at risk of being forgotten in a globalized world.
Additionally, Indiehaat champions sustainable fashion and home decor, providing eco-friendly alternatives to fast fashion. Our focus on local artisans stimulates economic growth within communities, empowering them and fostering self-reliance.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
What keeps me going during tough times is my deep passion for the craft and the mission behind Indiehaat. Each piece we create carries a story, and I feel a sense of responsibility to share those stories with the world.
The community we’ve built is another source of inspiration. The connections with artisans, customers, and fellow entrepreneurs remind me that we’re all part of something bigger. Their enthusiasm and support motivate me to keep pushing forward.
Additionally, the positive impact we have on people’s lives—whether it’s providing fair wages to artisans or helping customers find meaningful, sustainable products—reinforces my commitment
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
1) Growth often requires stepping out of my comfort zone. Evaluating risks thoughtfully allows me to seize opportunities while minimizing potential setbacks.
2) Focusing on what I have rather than what I lack fosters a positive mindset. Celebrating small victories and appreciating the support of others keeps me motivated and grounded.
3) Life is a constant journey of growth. Embracing new experiences and seeking knowledge helps me adapt and innovate, whether in business or personal pursuits.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
Staying curious and open to new ideas fosters innovation and keeps you relevant in a constantly changing environment.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
Identify what truly excites you and pursue it. Passion fuels motivation and makes work feel less like a chore.
Build genuine relationships within your field. Networking can open doors, provide mentorship, and create opportunities for collaboration.
Don’t be afraid to ask for constructive criticism. Learning from others helps you grow and refine your skills.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
Each day, I get to support talented artisans and promote the beauty of handcrafted products, which is incredibly fulfilling.
Seeing their skills and stories reach a wider audience is deeply rewarding. Connecting with customers who appreciate craftsmanship and cultural heritage creates meaningful relationships that inspire me a lot.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
