“The inspiration behind Bannadi stemmed from our deep love for the traditional attire donned by the women of Rajasthan. The unique visuals they presented evoked a desire to create a clothing line that honours and celebrates the rich traditions of Rajasthan. In an effort to sustain the craft of these talented artisans, we bring together skilled craftsmen who embrace a variety of craft styles to infuse modern fits with native craftsmanship.”
During an interview with Entrepreneurs Today, Hina Mathur provides insights into her remarkable journey with Bannadi.
Hina Mathur, the founder of Bannadi, embarked on a remarkable journey driven by her profound appreciation for Rajasthan’s cultural heritage. Her fascination with the intricate designs, vibrant colours, and exquisite craftsmanship of Rajasthani clothing inspired her to establish a brand that would showcase the richness of this cultural tapestry. With a deep connection to the state’s history and diverse artistic influences, Bannadi became a tribute to Rajasthan’s enduring traditions.
Bannadi‘s mission is to transport people to a nostalgic retreat where modern-day fits and ethnic prints seamlessly blend. The brand pays homage to the resplendent treasures of Rajasthan’s cultural heritage, striking a perfect balance between cultural aesthetics and tribal prints.
Joining forces
Shubh Mathur, the co-founder of Bannadi, shared Hina’s passion for cultural diversity and creative expressions. Originally aspiring to become a radio jockey, Shubh found himself captivated by Hina’s visionary concept for the brand. The idea of creating a brand that honours Indian traditions while empowering women with a contemporary flair became an irresistible calling for him. Recognizing their shared passion and determination, the siblings joined forces to bring Bannadi to life, embarking on an extraordinary journey together.
Inception of Bannadi
Hina, fueled by her passion for design and deep connection to Rajasthan’s cultural heritage, personally crafts captivating clothes for the brand. Each garment is meticulously designed to embody the essence of eclectic style and cater to the discerning tastes of craft enthusiasts. Similarly, Hina’s artistic vision shines through the brand’s logo. Blending traditional art forms with the captivating allure of women, the logo represents a harmonious fusion of grace and cultural significance. Inspired by the ornate beauty of Kolam, the logo’s intricate detailing captures the enchanting charm of an abstract woman. The incorporation of a heart-shaped motif symbolises the radiant fascination and timeless beauty that women possess, leaving a lasting impression on all who encounter the brand.
After one year of its inception, Bannadi stands as a testament to the collaborative endeavour of Hina and Shubh. The brand offers an exquisite range of clothing that resonates with every woman’s desire to feel beautiful. It showcases the magnificence of Indian culture through a Western lens and empowers women. With meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to quality, Bannadi seeks to redefine the boundaries of fashion, turning every occasion into a cherished moment that celebrates the remarkable fusion of tradition and modernity. The recent showcase of the brand’s collection at the Jaipur Couture Show has further solidified its presence in the fashion industry.
What’s unique about Bannadi?
Shubh highlights that what sets Bannadi apart is its ability to authentically capture the essence of Rajasthan’s cultural heritage. The brand successfully blends modern aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship, creating a unique and captivating collection of clothing. Their designs embrace folk prints and cultural aesthetics, appealing to both bohemians and craft enthusiasts. The logo itself is a testament to their commitment, combining traditional art with grace to symbolise the inherent beauty and allure of women. Bannadi stands as a distinct brand that showcases the richness and magnificence of Rajasthan’s cultural heritage in a contemporary and captivating way.
Hina says, “We measure our success by the impact we create in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Rajasthan. Our major achievements lie in empowering artisans and providing them with a platform to showcase their talents. Additionally, the love and appreciation we receive from our customers and the growing recognition of Bannadi as synonymous with the cultural heritage of Rajasthan are testaments to our success.”
A day in the life of Hina and Shubh Mathur
Hina expresses, “Running a fashion brand as an entrepreneur is not for the faint-hearted. It involves managing countless fire drills, dealing with hectic schedules, and tackling a multitude of tasks to ensure the business progresses.”
Hina further adds that, as an entrepreneur in the fashion industry, her daily life entails a constant juggling act to achieve work-life balance. Being a fashion entrepreneur goes beyond mere ownership—it embodies a unique perspective and dedicated lifestyle. Success in this competitive realm requires strategic thinking, unwavering dedication, and a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the business.
Shubh further adds that to thrive in the fashion industry, they must relentlessly pursue innovation, anticipate industry trends, and adapt to rapidly evolving consumer demands. Personal and professional growth are essential, requiring a commitment to continuous learning and the willingness to take calculated risks. Ultimately, running a successful fashion brand as an entrepreneur demands passion, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in one’s vision. Hina’s days are filled with challenges, but they are also driven by a deep love for her work and a determination to succeed.
Rocky road
One of the challenges Hina faced while building Bannadi was sourcing and collaborating with skilled craftsmen dedicated to preserving the artistry of Rajasthan. This hurdle required extensive research, relationship-building, and ensuring fair trade practices. Hina and her team focused on fostering strong partnerships with artisans to create a sustainable ecosystem for their brand. This challenge highlights the importance of finding and working with skilled artisans who share the brand’s vision and commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship.
What does the future hold?
Upon inquiring about her plans ahead, Hina reveals, “Looking ahead to the future, we are self-starters determined to seize every opportunity that comes our way. In the next five years, our goal is to embark on a career trajectory that leads us to a supervisory position, with a long-term aspiration of advancing into upper management.”
Hina’s future plans for Bannadi revolve around establishing the brand as a global leader in luxury fashion and lifestyle. The focus is on delivering exceptional design, quality, and value to customers. Hina aims to bring her ideas to life through new collections and redefine industry standards through innovation. Throughout this journey, the core values of the brand will continue to serve as a guiding compass, helping overcome any challenges that may arise. The ultimate goal is to create an apparel company that excels in all aspects, providing outstanding service and tangible value to both business partners and consumers.
Lessons learned
One crucial lesson Hina Mathur has learned is the power of collaboration and building strong relationships. Surrounding oneself with a supportive network of like-minded individuals fosters creativity, innovation, and shared success. Embracing passion, staying true to the vision, and valuing the journey itself are equally important. Actively seeking and nurturing relationships with professionals, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs provides guidance, feedback, and access to resources. Collaboration and community are vital for entrepreneurial success.
