The first thing that strikes you when you speak to Rekha is her indomitable spirit. Not many of us would have the determination and courage to enrol in a PG course at 42, when fellow classmates say – oh! My mother is as old as you!

Meet Rekha Raveendraraj Nadagoud, 48, whose store Navyatha Creations is themed on the Khun fabric, woven by the weavers of Guledagudda in Bagalkot district of Karnataka. 

Rekha completed her BSc in Computer Science but her heart was always in fashion designing.  Raising and caring for her family kept her busy, but the passion to do something on her own, drove her to enrol for a Post-Graduate course in Fashion Designing at the age of 42.  She came out with flying colours, standing first in class. 

Her designs were selected to be featured in Times Fashion Week after multiple audition rounds, where she got to interact with very well known fashion designers.  She found validation from many of them that the best place to look for great fabrics to bring her ideas to fruition lay hidden in our rich heritage.  That is when she zeroed in on the Guledgudda Khun fabric for her designs.   

Just as she started putting her ideas to action, the pandemic struck, and weavers shut shop as factories closed, and cheap duplicates flooded the market.  She braved the pandemic to engage with weavers and convince them to weave the Khun fabric suitable for her designs. 

Rekha creates not just exquisite designer sarees but also Indian and Western dresses for women using the Guledgudda Khun.  There are also number of selections for men as well.  Her creations have been worn by program anchors not just on Kannada television but also by shows hosted in the US by the Indian diaspora and have earned her accolades from many TV stars. Recently, a company chose to gift her kurtas to its employees for Diwali. 

Rekha has come a long way in the last three years. Hers is an inspirational story that lives the adage – ‘age is just a number’.  She is constantly experimenting, creating new and interesting designs as she continues to add to her increasing base of happy customers.  You can visit Rekha’s store here.

We are proud to have Rekha on IndyMandi.  We wish her continued success!!