Smita Mishra 
FEATURED: In the heart of India’s vibrant textile industry, a remarkable story of passion, perseverance, and empowerment unfolds. Dr. Zarina Mohanty, Co-founder and Creative Director of IndianVillèz, has been instrumental in promoting India’s rich handloom heritage, particularly from Odisha, to a global audience. Her journey is a testament to the power of determination and the impact one person can have on the lives of many.
IndianVillèz, founded in 2019, is more than just a brand – it’s a bridge connecting India’s skilled artisans, weavers, and craftsmen to suburban and urban markets. The name “IndianVillèz” reflects the brand’s commitment to showcasing the country’s diverse handloom traditions. As Dr. Mohanty aptly puts it, “The crafts around the world are right from the corner of villages where the threads of the handloom are being created with dedication and pride.” This pride is evident in the intricate details and tiny work of the handlooms, which make up the beautiful creations adorned by both men and women, especially women.
Dr. Mohanty’s own journey is a fascinating tale of overcoming struggles and pursuing her passions. A professional Kathak dancer, former mental health counselor, and proud grandmother, she embodies the spirit of an amoeba – “I think of myself as the amoeba. Cut me in 2. I will grow twice.” Her life’s work has been a testament to this resilience.
As a mental health counselor, Dr. Mohanty worked with the Odisha Government in 2006, promoting awareness about mental health and supporting women facing domestic violence. Her experience in this field has given her a unique understanding of the importance of empowerment and self-sufficiency. She recalls, “I remember counseling a woman with severe suicidal thoughts. It was hard, but somehow I made her believe in herself. And now, whenever she calls me and lets me know her whereabouts, I feel ecstasy.”
The idea of IndianVillèz was born when CA Sandeep Sahoo approached Dr. Mohanty with a dream project to promote handlooms in India. This was a perfect convergence of her passion for arts, culture, and empowerment. Together, they traveled to villages across India, discovering talented weavers and artisans who were struggling to make a living. Dr. Mohanty shares, “We visited villages from villages, corner of states, finding weavers and approaching them to give them the golden opportunity to showcase their art, culture, and tradition of weaving all over the world.”
Dr. Zarina’s design philosophy is rooted in her observation of everyday life. She believes in creating versatile, comfortable, and stylish outfits that cater to different body types and occasions. Her inspiration comes from the women she has met throughout her journey – women who balance multiple roles and responsibilities with elegance and poise. She explains, “What do we cover? The thing that is precious and valuable to us. And what do we leave open? The thing having less of a value. Now you decide what makes classy, revealing clothes or covered, designed class.”
IndianVillèz has become a leading fashion store in the textile industry, with a presence in India and abroad, including North Carolina and Virginia. The brand’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and empowerment has resonated with customers worldwide. Dr. Mohanty’s vision for IndianVillèz is to create a global market for handloom workers, providing them with a global audience for their work. She emphasizes, “We don’t just give them an award or a uttariya or clap for them. We make them come to fashion shows and show them how their works are not going in vain. How they are actually making masterpieces and how people are loving their work. And that look of satisfaction on their face, often they hug us in teary eyes. Nothing can beat this happiness.”
Dr. Mohanty’s advice to the youth and young generation is simple yet profound: “Love the crafts. Love will bring out the art in you automatically, and that will lead you to success.” She emphasizes the importance of valuing one’s work, just like diamonds, and catering to the needs of customers with patience and understanding. She adds, “Did you ever see people bargaining for diamonds? Because they know what the diamonds are worth. So make your product like diamonds. Cater to the value, and they won’t deny paying for it.”
As our conversation comes to a close, Dr. Mohanty reflects on the significance of handlooms in India’s cultural heritage. She explains how handlooms are not just a fashion statement but also a reflection of India’s diverse traditions, customs, and rituals. Her passion for promoting handlooms is driven by a desire to preserve India’s rich cultural heritage and empower the artisans who keep these traditions alive.
The handlooms showcased by IndianVillèz are a testament to the brand’s commitment to preserving India’s rich cultural heritage. From Odisha’s iconic ikat, navarangi, bomkai, nabakothi, pasapalli, khandua, nuapatna, and berhampur patta, to other traditional handlooms like banarasi, south Indian handlooms like venkatagiri and maheswari, IndianVillèz offers a diverse range of handlooms that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Dr. Zarina’s love for handlooms is evident in the way she talks about the intricate details and craftsmanship that goes into creating each piece. She explains, “Often, machine printing and ready-made clothes overshadow the market, leaving the handloom industry and its artisans in the shadows. But we want to change that. We want to create a global market for handloom workers, providing them with a global audience for their work.”
IndianVillèz’s commitment to sustainability and empowerment is reflected in its business model. The brand works closely with artisans, providing them with fair labor wages and recognition for their work. Dr. Mohanty emphasizes, “We don’t just give them an award or a uttariya; we make them come to fashion shows and show them how their works are not going in vain. We want to create employment opportunities and provide a better livelihood for the craftsmen.”
As a woman entrepreneur, Dr. Zarina’s journey is an inspiration to many. She recalls, “I thought this is all. I was happy being a housewife, taking care of everyone’s needs, what others like, what others don’t like, but I guess God had other plans for me, and now I am here.” Her experience as a mental health counselor has also given her a unique understanding of the importance of self-care and empowerment.
Dr. Zarina’s daughter Arpita has been a constant source of support throughout her journey. Dr. Arpita Mohanty is a MDS consultant, not only is she an amazing musician who can play the Sitar incredibly. She did numerous ramp shows for Dr. Zarina and IndianVillèz. Her grandson Dhruv, in particular, has been her biggest fan, often doing photoshoots for her and praising her designs. She beams with pride, “My grandson is my first fan. He often does photoshoots for me, and when he says ‘wow’ to my design, I feel the happiest.”She added “Arpita is my motivation, my strength and my backbone of success. She often inspires me against every odds and tells me to showcase my talent and follow my passion. But currently my life revolves around Dhruv. He is the cute angel of our life”.
As IndianVillèz continues to grow and thrive, Dr. Zarina remains committed to her vision of promoting handlooms and empowering artisans. Her story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and empowerment, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.
In Dr. Zarina’s own words, “I don’t see problems out in society. The core problem often lies in the darkness of the inside. If the family itself can eradicate it, then no other changes are even desired.” Her wisdom and insights offer a valuable lesson for us all, reminding us of the importance of self-reflection, empowerment, and community.
