Page 13 - April 2024 Edition

PAGE3 LIFESTYLE •PAGE-3 EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2024

NIKHAAR BOUTIQUE

In 2012, my dear friend Laxmiba and I
embarked on an adventure that was both
exciting and daunting. With no background in
fashion but a shared passion for our
traditional Rajputi Poshak, we dared to
dream. We transformed an extra room on my
terrace into a small boutique, a place that
would soon become a canvas for our dreams.
Balancing our roles as housewives, Laxmiba
and I could only spare 3-4 hours a day for our
venture. Yet, within these limited hours, we
poured our hearts and souls into Nikhaar
Boutique. Our vision was clear: to merge the
rich traditions of Gujarat and Rajasthan in our
designs, creating attire that honored our
heritage while embracing the present.
Perhaps what I'm most proud of, beyond the
success of our designs, is our commitment to
empowering women in need. We made it our
mission to hire women who were widows or
facing financial struggles, offering them not
just employment but a chance to rebuild their
lives with dignity. Seeing these women grow
in confidence and skill has been one of the
most rewarding experiences of my life. Our
boutique quickly gained popularity, especially
among Rajput brides who dreamed of
wearing something truly special on their
wedding day. It wasn't just about the
clothes; it was about making dreams
come true. As our reputation grew, so
did the recognition from our community.
Laxmiba and I found ourselves
invited as chief guests and judges,
honoured with awards that
acknowledged our hard work and
contribution. Amidst the whirlwind of
running Nikhaar Boutique, I also
pursued my passion for horse riding.
Joining the RD Jhala Horse Riding Club in
Rajkot, I became one of the first women to
compete and win medals at state and national
levels. This journey has taught me the power
of perseverance, the joy of following one's
passion, and the importance of breaking
barriers. Today, with a team of 48, including
32 incredible women, every day at Nikhaar
Boutique is a new opportunity to create, to
inspire, and to make a difference. Our journey
continues, fueled by the dreams we've
realized and those we've yet to achieve.
Looking forward, I am filled with hope and
excitement for what the future holds, for
Nikhaar Boutique, for our team, and for every
woman who dares to dream big.
14• PAGE3 LIFESTYLE • APRIL 2024