Latest UpdatesLifestyleFashionFrom Bullying to Building a Fashion Empire: How Vishakha Bhaskar Empowered Plus-Size...

From Bullying to Building a Fashion Empire: How Vishakha Bhaskar Empowered Plus-Size Women

Vishakha Bhaskar, co-founder of the apparel brand Angrakha, has turned her personal struggles with body image into a thriving business that empowers plus-size women. At the age of 30, Vishakha’s journey is a story of resilience, creativity, and determination, navigating the challenges of societal body shaming to create a successful clothing line catering to the needs of healthy women who have long been overlooked by the mainstream fashion industry.

A Journey Marked by Bullying and Body Shaming

Vishakha, a resident of Saket, Delhi, recalls her childhood with a mix of fondness and pain. Though her family was always supportive, the constant bullying from neighbors and relatives about her weight left a deep mark. “I’ve always been healthy, but when relatives visited, they would often say to my mother, ‘Tell her to lose weight; she needs to slim down before marriage,'” she shares.

The comments didn’t stop at home. During her college years, classmates and friends would make insensitive remarks about her body and clothing. This constant body shaming led Vishakha to take a bold step—she started blogging about body positivity, focusing on plus-size and mid-size clothing. To her surprise, women from across the country started reaching out to her, resonating with her story and her mission. What she didn’t expect was that this simple blog would soon evolve into a business venture.

Discovering the Gap in the Market

In 2012-13, when Vishakha went shopping at a mall with her friends, she realized that she couldn’t find stylish clothes that fit her size. “I couldn’t even find clothes in XL size that suited me,” she recalls. Frustrated with the lack of options for plus-size women, she started doing research and realized that her size category was considered “mid-size” or “plus-size,” a term she had never even heard before.

While she had no background in fashion, Vishakha had always been creative. She began sketching and designing clothes, inspired by her own struggles and the need for stylish clothing for women like her. She soon connected with other women across India who shared similar experiences.

From Fashion Aspiration to Reality

After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Delhi’s prestigious Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Vishakha found herself at a crossroads. Her family expected her to pursue further studies or take up a job, but Vishakha had different plans. “When I told my family I wanted to work in the fashion industry, they were skeptical. I remember one aunt saying, ‘You were doing so well at SRCC, but now you’re veering off track. What will happen to your future?'”

Despite the doubts and criticisms, Vishakha followed her passion. In 2015, after completing her studies, she joined a fashion-based apparel company in Delhi, where she met her future business partner, Asana, a native of Manipur. Both Vishakha and Asana were determined to fill the gap they had identified in the market for plus-size and mid-size women’s clothing.

Building the Brand ‘Angrakha’

In 2017-18, after working together at various fashion brands, Vishakha and Asana decided to launch their own apparel brand, Angrakha. The name itself symbolizes empowerment and elegance, reflecting their vision for an inclusive fashion line. “We started with a small investment of just ₹20,000—₹10,000 each—and designed our first collection with two tailors,” Vishakha explains. They focused on creating stylish, comfortable clothing for plus-size women, who had long been ignored by mainstream brands.

To their surprise, the collection sold out quickly. In the first year, Angrakha achieved ₹7 lakh in sales. Encouraged by the response, they expanded their range, and as more women from across India connected with their brand, business started growing.

Overcoming Challenges and Thriving

The road wasn’t always smooth. The COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges, with fewer orders and a declining market. Vishakha even considered shutting down the business. “There was a time when I thought we might have to close down due to low sales,” she admits. However, the brand bounced back, thanks to strategic use of social media and digital marketing. Instagram became a key platform for growing their audience, and word of mouth helped them reach more customers.

Today, Angrakha has grown to generate an annual revenue of ₹2.5 crore, with a team of over 15 people. While the brand currently outsources its manufacturing, Vishakha dreams of one day establishing their own manufacturing unit. The brand now partners with two major manufacturers in Delhi, ensuring high-quality products.

Empowering Plus-Size Women

Through Angrakha, Vishakha has not only built a successful business but also empowered countless women who, like her, had once struggled to find clothes that fit both their size and their style. “It’s about confidence, comfort, and fashion,” she says. “Every woman deserves to feel stylish and confident, no matter her size.”

Vishakha’s journey is a powerful reminder that with determination, creativity, and a willingness to challenge societal norms, one can turn personal challenges into business success. From being bullied for her weight to creating a thriving business that celebrates body diversity, Vishakha Bhaskar has redefined what it means to be stylish at any size.

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