Meet Richa Kelkar of Tara Fashions.

“Hard work & Consistency” along with Urge to learn & Excel have been a part of me ever since, I passed out in the year “2005” from SOFT(School Of Fashion Technology), Pune & since then my Journey as a Fashion Designer began. Did my Internship with Raymond Apparel Ltd, Thane & got my first job at ‘Kachin’s Fashion ltd’ as Men’s wear designer. It was a great learning experience at Raymond’s and then Kachin’s, since both were renowned brands with efficient work culture. Got Married and moved to Pune. Started working as Freelance designer & as Men’s wear Designer with C’lai, Pune. Joined SOFT as Faculty Trainee & later as Full Time Faculty at SOFT under” Maharshi Stree Shikshan Sanstha” from 2006-2008, and taught design and Technical  subjects both . Mentored Various design projects and Fashion shows as well. I also taught under the same Sanstha at Manilal Nanawati Vocational College as a visiting Faculty.  In 2008, got an offer for my then dream job at Raymond Apparel Ltd, Thane, as Assistant manager Operations. Worked for a year and then resigned since I conceived for my son. In 2010, when my son was 11 months, started my journey as Entrepreneur and launched my own label, ”Tara Fashions” on my Son’s first Birthday, 28^th Feb 2010 . The name Tara is an inspiration after the Name of my grand mother in law Taradevi who was a great socialist and taught many females in her Village and made them  independent too. So the Blessing already comes… and since then by the grace of God and blessings and support of my friends and family & yes my Team, this Journey has been Unstoppable. We have grown gradually with Time.. Initially started  from a small space with one machine and Manpower, then two, three, four, five.

During this Journey we started with our own Products and then catering Customized tailoring which became our Specialty and could give Exclusivity to the clients by making outfits for all Occasions & could contribute in making them more special. We have designed and Made Customized school Uniforms for Special Children & staff, Customized Office Uniforms, for Shop Employees, Costume designing & making for Dance shows for different Dance schools.

Our USP has been to give Comfortable outfits with design exclusivity for Regular & Work wear too. Wedding Trousseau has been our Speciality right from Making exclusive outfits for Pre-Wedding to different Functions of the Wedding; Haldi, Mehndi, Sangeet to Post wedding Reception etc for the Bride & Groom and the Family. Alongwith all this, I have been associated as a Fashion Faculty at International institute of Fashion Design, kothrud Pune,& have been teaching Technical subjects like Pattern Making, Draping being My Forte & Grading. Have also Mentored the students For Graduating Fashion Shows & Fashion weeks; Lakme Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week to name a few.

Covid was a major Turmoil for all of us , but we could sustain initially by making breathable double layered cotton masks & scarfs for regular use & for different organizations in Bulk too & thus unlike many other organizations, we did not have to shut down or remove anyone, instead could support all my team throughout. ‘2023’ has marked a new Achievement, we have extended our Wings & along with the Workshop, have opened a Studio, where we will be offering lots more. Along with customized outfits, wide range of Ready to wear Clothes and accessories, for Men & Women both.

Have always been into work, work & work. But small appreciation & acknowledgement give it a huge motivation & contentment. During my Journey, have learned allot & earned lots of blessings & appreciation from happy Clients. Received Ek Nari Women Leader Award in Skill Development in New Delhi on 12^th Oct’20203’, Organized by Global Empire Events and Biz Nation TV to Present Greatest Entrepreneurs and Educators all over the Globe.

Received another Prestigious Award NavDurga ‘2023’ by Business Icon Group for Women Entrepreneurs, Business women, Start Ups and Professionals. This Award is Very Special. As the name says, ”Nav Durga”, it infuses Strength and Responsibility.  IT is like a Crown which was always invisible for me, Its like a dream Come True… This has ignited my dreams & Sky is the Limit now.