“I had a difficult childhood. My mother passed away when I was less than six months old. I spent little time with my aunt, and a few months with my father. While my aunt was caring and loving, my father remarried, and his affection towards me faded away gradually. He had his children, and they went to a well-known private school, whereas I was sent to a government institution. I did my schooling in bits and pieces because I didn’t have the privilege of a supportive family. I skipped class 9 and somehow managed to pass class 10.
Amidst the trials and tribulations of life, I stumbled upon my true passion – fashion design. Despite lacking formal education in the field, I seized every opportunity to learn and grow. Working tirelessly to support myself, I dedicated precious hours to studying design techniques, experimenting with fabrics, and understanding the intricacies of garment construction.
With determination and motivation to support my family, I ventured into the world of fashion design. Armed with creativity and resilience, I transformed adversity into opportunity, turning my dreams into reality.
Life threw me curveballs from the start. Losing my mother before I even had memories left a profound void. While my aunt’s love offered some comfort, my father’s remarriage fractured our family further. I found myself struggling in a government school, my education fragmented by neglect, while my stepsiblings enjoyed privileges.
The time when ‘Samba’ movie was set to release, they were promoting it by offering scholarships to a few students. Determined to grasp this lifeline, I sold my anklet and journeyed to Hyderabad. Yet, the road ahead was fraught with obstacles. Family strife, financial woes shadowed my path.
But I refused to succumb. Working odd jobs and pursuing education simultaneously, I clawed my way forward. A stint at a local TV channel opened doors, though auditions and rejection were constant companions.
Marriage and motherhood brought new hurdles, but also renewed determination. Despite personal struggles, I remained committed to societal betterment. Initiatives for women’s empowerment and education became my passion projects. Alongside, yoga emerged as a cornerstone, offering balance amidst life’s chaos and providing solace in moments of turmoil.
Today, as the founder of Niharika Design Studio, and an established fashion designer, I stand as a beacon of hope for aspiring women everywhere. Empowered by my mother’s spirit and inspired by the countless women who came before me, I navigate life’s circumstances, embracing every challenge as an opportunity for growth.”
- Niharika Reddy, Entrepreneur & Social worker