Starting the first episode of 2026, I felt a sense of both caution and excitement. I’m usually the one focusing on the structure of others’ businesses, but sitting across from Shilpa Sachin Iyer, I was extra conscious of my own presentation. Why? Because Shilpa doesn’t just “do” fashion; she lives and breathes it as a profession.
Known to many for her roles as a TV actress and journalist, Shilpa’s real superpower lies in how she transitioned from the limelight of the screen to the precision of the sewing machine. She is the force behind Soojidhara Designer Studio and Fashion Academy, and her story is about finding clarity in a world full of distractions.
You can listen to the full conversation, ಕಿರುತೆರೆ ನಟಿ ಫ್ಯಾಷನ್ ಡಿಸೈನಿಂಗ್ ಅಕಾಡೆಮಿ ಮಾಡಿ ಸಕ್ಸಸ್ ಪಡೆದ ಕಥೆ – Shilpa Sachin Iyer, here.
The Pivot: From the Newsroom to the Studio
Shilpa’s career path wasn’t a straight line. She started in journalism—a high-pressure world where “logins and logouts” weren’t just times on a clock but the boundaries of her life. She recalled days of seeing nothing but the moon, working grueling hours.
However, a personal realization about the coldness of that lifestyle, combined with a deep-seated creative drive, led her to a pivot. She moved from reporting stories to creating them through fashion. This transition wasn’t just about changing jobs; it was about shifting from being a part of someone else’s broadcast to building her own brand. Much like Manohar Iyer or CR Anand, her success came when she stopped doing what everyone else was doing and leaned into her unique strengths.
The Soojidhara Blueprint: Empowerment Through Education
What makes Shilpa’s business, Soojidhara, unique is its dual nature. It is both a Designer Studio and a Fashion Academy.
The name “Soojidhara” itself is symbolic—representing the “needle and thread” that create something continuous and vibrant. When she started, she was immediately met with high demand, attracting 12 students in her very first month.
But instead of getting overwhelmed, she systematized. Her academy isn’t just about teaching people how to stitch; it’s about providing a “new life” for homemakers and aspiring designers. She offers a platform for people to turn their passion for fashion into a sustainable career. Her blueprint is simple: Don’t just do what everyone else is doing. Identify your strengths, understand your weaknesses, and build from there.
My Key Takeaway: The Power of Calm Clarity
Sitting with Shilpa, my biggest takeaway wasn’t just about business strategy; it was about her temperament. She has this incredible ability to speak with “calm clarity”—a trait she admits she had to learn and refine.
In 2026, we all need that. Whether you are a homemaker looking to start a boutique or a professional eyeing a career pivot, Shilpa’s journey proves that if you have clarity of intent and a willingness to empower others, success follows. She isn’t just making clothes; she’s stitching together a community of empowered creators.
